Save to Pinterest Last summer my sister dared me to go a whole month without buying ice cream. I laughed then remembered those forgotten bananas turning black in my freezer. That accidental experiment turned into the creamiest dessert Ive ever made without a drop of cream.
I made this for my niece who was convinced she hated bananas. One spoonful and she grabbed the bowl asking if I could make it every day. Now she texts me from college saying its the only dessert that feels like home.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas: Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots they blend silkier and taste naturally sweeter than yellow ones
- 2 tablespoons milk: Any milk works but oat milk adds subtle creaminess while coconut milk makes it feel tropical
Instructions
- Slice and freeze the bananas:
- Cut them into thin coins and spread on a parchment lined baking sheet so they freeze individually instead of becoming one solid block
- Blend until creamy:
- Let the frozen bananas sit for five minutes before blending then add your milk and process until smooth scraping down the sides often
- Choose your texture:
- Soft serve tastes incredible right away or freeze it longer if you want something you can scoop into perfect rounds
Save to Pinterest This became our go to after soccer games when the whole family wanted something cold but nobody wanted heavy processed desserts. Watching kids get excited about frozen fruit still feels like a small victory.
Flavor That Grows on You
The first time you make this it tastes surprisingly like banana. But by the third or fourth batch you start recognizing the subtle sweetness that comes from perfectly spotted fruit. Your palate adjusts and suddenly nothing tastes more indulgent.
Freezer Strategy
I keep multiple baking sheets of sliced bananas frozen at all times now. Someone wants a treat and Im blending in under three minutes. Having the prep done ahead means this actually happens instead of just being a good idea.
Make It Yours
A splash of vanilla makes it taste like the fancy gelato you used to buy. Cocoa powder turns it into chocolate mousse so thick you need a spoon. Frozen strawberries create a beautiful pink version that feels like something you would order at a cafe.
- Blend in a tablespoon of peanut butter for a banana version that tastes like a milkshake
- Add cinnamon and nutmeg if you want something that feels like fall in a bowl
- Top with toasted coconut flakes immediately before serving for texture contrast
Save to Pinterest Sometimes the simplest recipes become the ones we return to again and again. This one started as an experiment and became the only frozen dessert my freezer ever needs.
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of milk can I use?
You can use any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut, or regular milk. Each will slightly alter the flavor and texture.
- → How long should bananas be frozen?
Freeze banana slices for at least 2 hours until solid to ensure a smooth, creamy blend.
- → Can I add flavors to the mix?
Yes, adding vanilla extract, cinnamon, or frozen berries before blending enhances the natural sweetness and adds depth.
- → What texture can I expect?
The mixture blends into a soft-serve style immediately. Freeze longer for a firmer, scoopable texture.
- → Are there common allergens in this treat?
When made with plant-based milk, it’s free of major allergens. Using dairy milk introduces lactose.
- → How ripe should the bananas be?
Use slightly overripe bananas for the creamiest, sweetest results in the final texture.