This simple nice cream recipe converts frozen bananas and berries into a smooth, nutritious dairy-free ice cream within minutes! Discover my technique for achieving perfect nice cream each time!
I still recall the first moment I stumbled upon nice cream. Traditional ice cream often gives me stomach discomfort, so I was seeking a more natural substitute that remained invigorating on a hot summer day. I had some overly ripe bananas on my countertop (those that are ideal for banana bread but nearly too ripe to consume) and decided to freeze them for a nice cream trial.
What came out of the food processor was something enchanting: a creamy, fruity frozen dessert that fulfilled my ice cream desires while being entirely plant-based, dairy-free, and free from refined sugars! My kids adore this—and it’s especially crucial as a dairy-free recipe since my son was just diagnosed with lactose intolerance! It has become one of our family’s favorite healthy treats that even my children ask for by name.
What is nice cream?
Nice cream is just as it appears: a “nice” substitute for conventional ice cream. It’s basically frozen fruit (typically bananas) blended into a creamy, soft-serve texture that resembles ice cream. You enjoy all the pleasure of ice cream with wholesome ingredients: fruit, a splash of coconut milk, and a dash of maple syrup.
Now, I’m not opposed to having regular ice cream every once in a while—we have numerous ice cream recipes on this site (including my favorite, mint chocolate chip ice cream). However, since my son recently developed lactose intolerance, this recipe has become one of our preferred dairy-free desserts during the summer!
I also appreciate that nice cream doesn’t need an ice cream maker, stabilizers, or any special apparatus. All you require is a food processor or a high-powered blender and some frozen fruit!
Essential tips for perfect nice cream
After creating nice cream several times, I’ve picked up a few tips that make a significant difference:
– Begin with frozen fruit (very ripe bananas work best). Ensure your bananas are thoroughly frozen: cut them into pieces, lay them on a baking sheet, and freeze the bananas for at least 3 hours.
– Allow your food processor to handle the work. Avoid hurrying the process. Let the machine continue until everything is fully smooth and creamy. This usually takes 2-3 minutes of processing with occasional scraping.
– Refrain from adding too much liquid. The more liquid included, the more runny it becomes. I prefer using only a touch of coconut milk and maple syrup to aid blending.
– Serve right away. Nice cream is best savored immediately when it has that ideal soft-serve consistency, but you can also freeze it for a few hours if you prefer it to be more scoopable.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Nice cream is optimally enjoyed fresh, either right away for a soft serve consistency or within a few hours. You can store it in the freezer for a few hours. The texture will become firmer, similar to traditional ice cream, but it remains delicious. Just allow it to soften for a few minutes before serving.
The nice cream becomes significantly harder overnight: if you’re consuming leftovers, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping (sometimes I microwave it for a few seconds: just be cautious!). The texture is much icier, so it’s best when freshly prepared!
Flavor variations I enjoy
Once you grasp the basic method, the flavor opportunities are boundless. I’ve tested several mixtures over the years:
– Chocolate Nice Cream: Use 4 bananas (or create our banana nice cream) and include 2 tablespoons cocoa powder.
– Strawberry Banana Nice Cream: Replace the berries with strawberries; you might need to add a touch more maple syrup to taste.
– Peanut Butter Nice Cream: Incorporating a tablespoon of natural peanut butter complements the banana base beautifully.
– Tropical Nice Cream: Swap the berries for frozen mango or pineapple for a tropical flavor experience.
Dietary notes
This nice cream recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, naturally sweet, and free from refined sugars.
How to Make Nice Cream
This simple nice cream recipe converts frozen bananas and berries into a smooth, nutritious dairy-free ice cream within minutes! Discover my technique for achieving perfect nice cream each time.
Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Frozen
Cuisine: American
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced into 1-inch rounds
– 2 cups frozen blueberries or 1 ½ cups frozen raspberries
– 2 tablespoons coconut milk (see Notes)
– 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
Instructions:
1. Arrange banana pieces on a tray in a single layer and freeze for a minimum of 3 hours.
2. Just before serving, place the frozen banana slices,