Craving a delicious, creamy dessert that’s both refreshing and completely plant-based? Look no further than vegan nice cream!
This dairy-free alternative to traditional ice cream is made primarily from frozen bananas, which provide a naturally sweet and creamy base. Not only is it incredibly simple to make, but it’s also a healthy treat that you can customize with endless flavor combinations.
Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just looking for a nutritious dessert option, nice cream is a fantastic choice. Today, I’m excited to share 8 vegan nice cream recipes that are bursting with flavor and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without any guilt.
From classic chocolate to exotic tropical blends, these recipes are perfect for hot summer days or any time you want a cool, refreshing snack. Plus, making nice cream at home means you control the ingredients, so you can avoid added sugars and artificial additives.
Ready to dive into the world of creamy, dreamy vegan desserts? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Nice cream is a game-changer in the world of vegan desserts. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with these recipes:
- Healthy & natural: Made with whole fruits and natural ingredients, no dairy or processed sugars needed.
- Easy to prepare: Requires minimal ingredients and equipment, perfect for beginners and busy people alike.
- Customizable: From chocolate and berries to nuts and spices, you can create endless flavor combos.
- Dairy-free & allergen-friendly: Ideal for vegans, lactose-intolerant individuals, and those with nut allergies (with a few tweaks).
- Refreshing & guilt-free: Enjoy a creamy, frozen treat without the high calories and unhealthy fats found in conventional ice cream.
Ingredients
- Frozen bananas: The base of all nice cream recipes for creaminess and natural sweetness.
- Plant-based milk: Almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk to blend and smooth the texture.
- Natural sweeteners: Maple syrup, agave nectar, or dates (optional, depending on recipe).
- Flavor enhancers: Cocoa powder, vanilla extract, peanut butter, or fresh/frozen fruits.
- Add-ins: Chopped nuts, shredded coconut, vegan chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Equipment
- High-speed blender or food processor: Essential for blending frozen bananas into a smooth texture.
- Freezer-safe container: For storing your nice cream, especially if you want a firmer texture.
- Spoon or spatula: To scrape down the sides of your blender and serve the nice cream.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.
Instructions
- Prepare your bananas: Peel ripe bananas, slice them into chunks, and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Add to blender: Place frozen banana chunks into your food processor or blender.
- Add liquids and flavorings: Pour in 2-4 tablespoons of your chosen plant milk and any sweeteners or flavor extracts.
- Blend until creamy: Pulse and blend, scraping down the sides as needed, until smooth and creamy like soft-serve ice cream.
- Customize: Stir in any mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or fruit chunks by hand.
- Serve immediately or freeze: Enjoy as soft-serve or transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 1-2 hours for a firmer texture.
- Scoop and enjoy: Use an ice cream scoop or spoon to serve your delicious vegan nice cream.
Tips & Variations
For a creamier texture, use slightly overripe bananas with brown spots, and add a tablespoon of coconut oil or nut butter.
- Chocolate Nice Cream: Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for a rich chocolate flavor.
- Berry Blast: Blend in 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries for a fresh, fruity twist.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Add 2 tablespoons peanut butter and swirl through before serving.
- Mango Coconut: Use 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks and 1/4 cup coconut milk for a tropical treat.
- Mocha Nice Cream: Add 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules and cocoa powder for a coffee-chocolate combo.
- Matcha Green Tea: Blend in 1 teaspoon matcha powder for a unique, antioxidant-rich flavor.
- Mint Chocolate Chip: Add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract and vegan chocolate chips.
- Cinnamon Spice: Mix 1 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates | Fiber | Sugar | Protein |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1/2 cup | 120-150 | 2-4 g | 30-35 g | 3-5 g | 18-22 g | 1-2 g |
* Nutrition varies depending on add-ins and sweeteners used.
Serving Suggestions
Vegan nice cream is versatile and can be served in many delightful ways:
- Top with fresh berries, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut for extra texture.
- Drizzle with vegan chocolate sauce or maple syrup for added sweetness.
- Serve alongside warm fruit compote or vegan baked goods like a Bread And Gravy Recipe or a Brazil Nut Fruit Cake Recipe.
- Use as a creamy base for a smoothie bowl topped with granola and seeds.
8 Vegan Nice Cream Recipes
Classic Banana Vanilla Nice Cream
- 3 ripe frozen bananas
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons almond milk
- Optional: 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Blend frozen bananas, vanilla, and almond milk until smooth. Sweeten with maple syrup if desired.
Serve immediately.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Nice Cream
- 3 ripe frozen bananas
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons oat milk
Blend bananas, cocoa powder, and oat milk. Swirl in peanut butter after blending.
Freeze for 1 hour for firmer texture.
Berry Blast Nice Cream
- 3 ripe frozen bananas
- 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Blend bananas, berries, coconut milk, and lemon juice until creamy. Serve soft or freeze to firm up.
Mango Coconut Nice Cream
- 2 ripe frozen bananas
- 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes if desired.
Mint Chocolate Chip Nice Cream
- 3 ripe frozen bananas
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips
Blend bananas, peppermint extract, and almond milk. Stir in chocolate chips before serving.
Mocha Nice Cream
- 3 ripe frozen bananas
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons soy milk
Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Enjoy a coffee-flavored treat that’s perfect for dessert or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Cinnamon Spice Nice Cream
- 3 ripe frozen bananas
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons oat milk
Blend bananas and spices with oat milk until creamy. Top with chopped walnuts for crunch.
Matcha Green Tea Nice Cream
- 3 ripe frozen bananas
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- 3 tablespoons soy milk
Blend all ingredients until smooth and vibrant green. Serve immediately for a refreshing and antioxidant-rich dessert.
Conclusion
Vegan nice cream is a delightful and healthy alternative to traditional ice cream that anyone can enjoy. These 8 recipes showcase just how versatile and easy it is to create delicious frozen desserts using simple, natural ingredients.
Whether you love classic vanilla, crave rich chocolate, or want to experiment with exotic flavors like matcha or mango coconut, nice cream delivers creamy satisfaction without any dairy or guilt.
Making nice cream at home is not only budget-friendly but also allows you to control exactly what goes into your dessert. Plus, it’s a fun way to get creative in the kitchen!
For more delicious vegan treats, don’t miss our Blackberry Juicing Recipes or try pairing your nice cream with a savory dish like the Breakfast Wellington Recipe. For those looking to explore more savory or sweet options, the Bluebill Duck Recipes collection is also worth checking out.