Just 4 simple ingredients to make this:
Swirly chocolate soft-serve.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably seen the idea of whipping frozen banana in a vitamix or food processor until it resembles the exact texture of soft-serve ice cream. (If you add a fat source, like peanut butter, it tastes pretty similar to ice cream as well. Or leave the fat out for a refreshing sherbet-like taste.)
I first blogged about the idea back in 2009, and then again in the Vitamix ice cream post, and I’m sure others were making it even earlier than that. The best thing about the concept is its versatility; everyone gets to put his or her own spin on the basic recipe. One of my favorite variations: chocolate soft serve!
With sprinkles on top.
(Just in case you forgot whose blog you were reading.)
Chocolate Banana Soft Serve
(Serves 2-3)
Category: 50+ Healthy Banana Recipes
- 3 medium bananas, the riper the better (for substitutions, see nutrition link below)
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/16 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp cocoa or cacao powder (15g)
- optional: sweetener of choice, depending on your tastebuds and ripeness of the bananas
- optional: 3-5 tbsp peanut butter or another nut butter of choice
Ahead of time: peel and slice the over-ripe bananas into chunks. Freeze in a Ziploc-type bag, then combine all ingredients in a Vita-Mix, food processor, or blender. (If not using a Vita-Mix, add 2-3 tsp milk of choice so it’ll blend more smoothly. You might also have to thaw the frozen bananas if your freezer is super-powerful.) If you want the look of ice cream, use an ice-cream scoop to serve! (If you scoop it all into a container and freeze about 10-15 minutes, the texture will also become a bit firmer like ice cream, as opposed to soft serve.) Don’t try to halve the recipe unless you have a tiny food processor, as it won’t blend as smoothly.
View Chocolate Banana Soft Serve Nutrition Facts
Have you ever tried banana “ice cream”?
Any favorite ways to eat it? I almost always add a ridiculous amount of peanut butter, even to this chocolate version. Peanut butter and banana belong together, and the added fat makes it taste more like ice cream than sherbet.
LINK OF THE DAY:
Ashley says
I use the banana idea all the time I love it! i actually did it for breakfast this morning with chucks of a chocolate brownie clif bar and a splash of vanilla! Delish!
Tanya @ playful food says
awww… that sounds good. Nice idea…
Alex @ Brain, Body, Because says
That’s a great idea! I like to sprinkle mine with granola.
becauseHeloves! says
It’s super good with a teaspoon of almond butter in it if you have it for dessert. If you’re eating it for breakfast, a tablespoon. PB is good too, but almond butter gives it a good taste.
Barefootcookingirl says
Hey I just made banana raspberry soft serve this weekend! 1/2 a bag of frozen raspberries, 2 frozen bananas, dash of lime juice and a spash of almond milk. Excellent! Can’t wait to try your chocolate version! 🙂
tiffany says
barefootcookingirl..it also works great with frozen strawberries 🙂
I like to add chocolate chips and walnut pieces to make a chunky monkey version but i wanna make rocky road next making it chocolate with nuts and marshmallow.
Rachel says
I have been making banana ice cream recently with frozen strawberries too. I add coconut milk and a little vanilla extract. Perfect!
Jacki says
so you just blend it up in a food processor?
Rachel says
ooo yum!! Love your nails btw 🙂
Jaana says
This looks amazing!! have to try the recipe 🙂 and your nails look soo pretty !
Stella says
Love chocolate-banana ice cream! Whoever came up with the idea of blending frozen banana is a hero in my book! 🙂
Is your nail photoshopped? The pink looks so intense…
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
It’s matte polish, so there’s no shine. I don’t actually recommend it, though, and I won’t buy it again… it started peeling off the day after I painted them! 😕
Mickie says
Chocolate and banana are the best combination ever!! That pink does look really matte. I’m obsessed with nail polish especially those hard shiny types like gelish! What brand/color pink is that? Did you use a top coat? I love the version OPI makes.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Yes, it’s opi. I upped the saturation and contrast quite a bit (and messed with the white balance of the whole photo, but that was mostly to fix the ugly yellow lighting in my kitchen.)
Mickie says
Ugh, how annoying!! My kitchen has this 1970’s dome that I hate. I wish I could replace it. Have you tried photography umbrellas? I think Kath has some, for her dark dining room. I’m dying to know what OPI color was so matte. I have at least 40 different pink shades and line them up by number – told you I’m nail polish obsessed! New to your blog. I found it through some random google search. Can’t wait to try out a few recipes…and continue the girly nail and beauty gab too!!!!
Jenny$1983 says
I *think* it’ll be La Paz-itively Hot, matte version. Not many people like it because it applies poorly (chalky, streaky), and chips/peels quickly. I follow a lot of nail blogs 😀
Erin says
Hi Katie, I was about to make this recipe for my kids and I was reading through the comments when I saw you had an issue with your nail polish. I am not sure if you have ever heard of Jamberry Nails. No dry time, chipping or smell and they are vegan. If you want a sample I would totally send it to you. https://www.facebook.com/erinandgirlsnails
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says
I think I need to break down and finally buy a food processor just so I can make this! I’ve heard people rave about banana soft serve and to see a chocolate version?
sold!
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says
p.s. any idea how long this would last in the freezer?
As in – if I made some this afternoon and had the willpower to not eat it all could it good for my boyfriend to try when he gets home?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
It’ll definitely last :).
It lasts at least 3 days in the freezer.
Ari@ThE DiVa DiSh says
Love it! And with a cone, it makes it that more special! 🙂
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
I love banana soft serve!! I really need to remember to make it more often when I’m craving ice cream or frozen yogurt!
Christy says
When I saw another banana soft-serve recipe posted on another blog, she recommended not using over-ripe bananas unless you want an especially strong banana flavor, which was her personal preference. They will be sweeter the riper they are, true, but also much stronger tasting. Do you agree?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Yes, definitely. I guess if you don’t like the banana flavor you can use green (unripe) bananas and just add some sweetener. I’ll go write that in. Thanks for the suggestion :).
Samantha says
I am one of those people that doesn’t like the strong banana flavor and even when I make banana bread I go towards the “greener” side. As in I would eat them normally. I have never had to add sweetener either, but some of that is my taste preference.
I actually initially got that tip from some comments on this site. 🙂 It was a life changer (I hated banana bread prior). 🙂
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
I make this all the time too – it’s amazing!
kristle says
this is how i’ve been dealing with the summer heat! love love love it. i actually like when my food processor leaves some swirls of unmixed pb. its pb choc banana swirl soft serve 🙂 !
Missy says
I use to make this all the time with just overripe frozen bananas and frozen blueberries and it was SO good! … Then I found out that I am intolerant to bananas. Seriously…who does that happen to?!
Halie says
I absolutely love making this stuff; so easy and so yummy! But I was wondering how did you get it to do that swirly thing in the picture to make it look like it came out of a soft serve machine?!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I actually just swirled it onto the cone with a spoon, and it did that. You can see in the second photo that it didn’t stay super-swirly for long. Oh well, just another reason to eat it right away ;).
Shannon says
HAHA! What a co-inky-dink! This morning after I got back from my Bootcamp workout, I wanted a good recovery snack so I made this (but added a 1/2 c of pasteurized egg whites for a protein punch…I know, not vegan, sorry!) Talk about refreshing! Like a Wendy’s Frosty 🙂
Aja says
I have been making banana soft serve for years. Every summer I eat it almost every day! So delicious.
Annie @ Naturally Sweet Recipes says
I love banana ice cream! I think frozen bananas blended up can be eaten plain! They are super good on their own. This chocolate version looks extra delicious! And pretty nail polish! 🙂
Lauren says
Banana ice cream is the best idea ever! Whoever figured it out is a genius! I love to add greek yogurt and amp up the protein. Sometimes I’ll freeze this concoction in popsicle molds for my daughter.
Kali says
OMG love that idea!
I totally just made this like 3 hours ago….only I used the recipe from this (amazing just like yours) site: rawfoodlove.blogspot.com. Her version had a bunch of other stuff added, namely a lot for liquid (milk) and I think I prefer it your, more basic way. Also, I don’t think I really blended it well enough either so…
Love the blog, love the banana “ice cream” !
Alex@Spoonful of Sugar Free says
I love doing peanut butter and banana…but chocolate sometimes makes an appearance in my soft serve 😀
Have you tried putting coconut butter in it? So tasty!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I was afraid it would harden because the soft serve is frozen. Does it not?
Or maybe that would be good anyway… like coconut chips!
Alex@Spoonful of Sugar Free says
It does a little bit, but it is tasty! Kind of like how they make carmel swirl ice cream…this is coconut swirl ice cream!
Alanna says
Now that is an idea I must try!!
Bailey @ Onederland or Bust! says
I’ve yet to try banana ice cream. I love banana chocolate milkshakes and this reminds me of them! I’m going to have to try this soon!
Janae @ Bring-Joy says
I like banana soft serve put through my Champion juicer (w/ the solid plate, not the screen).
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
I love banana soft serve! I haven’t tried any flavor variations yet, but chocolate and PB sure sounds good to me!
Vita @ Juicer Depot says
I love the way you painted your nails and the color. Anyways this is perfect for a healthy treat. Fun for the kids in a ice cream cone.
Emily @ Glitz Glam Granola says
I’ve always been a huge fan of soft-serve, way before the frozen yogurt movement actually started! I’m not a fan of bananas (the texture especially but not really the flavor either) but I’ll have to try using unripe ones in this! Or maybe enough chocolate and peanut butter will downplay some of the banana flavor! Can’t wait to experiment!
Kali says
I only like bananas 3 ways: in bread, in smoothies, and in this recipe!
Unfortunately, it is a bit of a strong flavor, although I actually don’t mind it. But definitely go a little less ripe I think. Also, my favorite recipe for this is the bananas and matcha (green tea) powder. Green tea ice cream! (with a less pronounced banana flavor)
Brenda says
I got my husband, who hates anything healthy, addicted to this. He likes the banana/Nutella combo. He says it reminds him of a choc. covered banana. I’m going to have to try this choc. version…YUM! And one of your commentors suggested banana and frozen raspberries. That sounds delish for a more summery fruity treat. I seem to always have frozen banana slices in my freezer now for those times we want some. Which seems to be almost every night 🙂
Deanna says
Ok, so I have a question!!! I hate bananas….and really shouldn’t eat them (kidney problems and bananas don’t mix). And I can’t find any “ice cream” recipes anywhere without bananas…..help! Anyone have suggestions??? I’m going to make this for my husband and boys (as they all love bananas and don’t have my issues). But then I don’t get yummy dessert. 🙁
Katia says
Have you checked out her “Frozen treats”? There’s ice cream made with almond milk and a coconut milk version.
Mary says
I think Katie has it listed as faux-yo in her recipe collection, but basically just blend a bunch of frozen fruits and a little bit of non-dairy milk and your fine (-;
Sheena says
You can use avocado and just add your choice of sweetener, I like brown rice syrup in mine!
kim@hungryhealthygirl says
I still have not tried this banana soft serve. You’ve convinced me with the CHOCOLATE! I’m doing it this week!! 😉
Anonymous says
I was wondering when I would see a post about this! One of my favorite basic recipes. I love making peanut butter/chocolate ice cream and regular banana ice cream with a bit of peanut butter and chunks of walnuts inside, and serving with maple syrup on top. Delicious 😀
Lisa says
I wonder if avocados would work in place of the bananas?
Kali says
I’ve been experimenting a bit in that department and I keep finding that the avocados have such a strong flavor, it really kind of hard to cover up (or it could just all be in my head, which I highly susect). I keep trying to make chocolate avocado pudding but it never turns out quite right (taste-wise).
Greta says
Kali, google “chocomole,” and there is your answer. About a hundred variations, so one should work – though I don’t think any are frozen. It’s life-changing 🙂
Kali says
That’s the sane basic thing I’ve been experimenting, but I will keep tweaking!
Lorken says
Try using 1 cup of frozen berries instead of the 2-3 bananas, you get the same effect.
I also then add 1/2 to 1 avocado If I feel like it. Can’t taste it, but get the creamy texture + the berries cover up the green of the avocado. Sorted.
Katie says
I love this idea! I make a peanut butter/banana ice cream all the time-probably too often… And I always add a dash of cocoa powder. But I really like the idea of a real chocolatey peanut butter ice cream.
Zara says
I love this! I make banana ice cream ALL THE TIME. I used to eat ice cream every day. Not kidding. But now I use bananas, and I that way I don’t feel guilty
Barbara says
My husband got me a Yonanos machine about a month ago because I was killing my blender making banana ice cream so often. You have to swirl in the pb or choc and vanilla after but we freeze other fruits, like raspberries and blueberries and add in between each frozen banana. I love it just plain but my favorite was when my son added dark choc in between the bananas to make choc chip. Thanks for the flavor ideas. I will be making some tonight!
And thanks for your blog, Katie! I have tried so many of your recipes and devour them all! I love when I see it come up on facebook…get excited to see what yumminess you have created. Must say our favorite so far is a non-choc recipe…the bread free vegan stuffing. I can’t make enough of it!
Emily @ www.main-eats.com says
I ADORE chocolate soft serve at home-so yum and super easy! Cute nails! : )
Lisa @ The Raw Serenity says
I love banana soft serve!
I use a powerful hand blender to make mine as it works so much better than a regular blender ( and easier to clean!)
I love the cacao flavor with coconut on top yummm
Kate Murphy says
I love this! So good. I love all the other ideas from everyone else too!
brie says
Ok. I saw that you could use mangoes instead of bananas and omit the cocoa. Sooooo what about kiwis? would that work or are they not a good choice? Please let me know what other fruits would work. Thank you!!!! 🙂 Love love love your blog 😀
Stella says
I think mangoes are mentioned because they’re soft and creamy (if ripe), a little bit like banana. Kiwis on the other hand aren’t creamy and I *guess* they wouldn’t work as well for a soft serve recipe. Maybe in frozen joghurt but not on their own.
Tanya @ playful food says
It’s also about the acid. Kiwis do have more… and they contain more water, so it would end up being a sherbet.
Lorken says
+ you find the little seeds get everywhere and are not pleasant in “icecream”
Christine says
I have been wanting to try a frozen banana recipe, and this was the perfect opportunity. It was soooo good! So quick and so easy. Can’t wait to play around with this! Thank you!
Kali says
I like to (ground) flax seeds to all my smoothies/ice creams because:
A. I have a lot to be used up
B. It makes it even more healthy!
I don’t think it really changes the flavor/texture all too much but I really don’t know for sure…but I like to throw in about a tablespoon of it per serving.
kristle says
i’ve done that too! love my flax meal
Danica @ It's Progression says
I have been obsessed with making banana soft serve lately, especially with the crazy heat! It’s so simple to make and tastes great without any added sweetener!
Kit-Kat says
I love banana “ice cream”! My mom makes a really yummy version with PB and silken tofu. I agree that PB makes it tastes like you’re eating something really rich and creamy, when in reality it is really healthy and good for you 🙂
Jacki says
is the banana weight peeled or unpeeled? Thanks
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Peeled 🙂
Shauna says
Haha, we must have a psychic connection! I made this just the other night, it was delicious. I also added walnuts=)
Lauren @ The Tornadic Kitchen says
That looks so good! I tried to make something like this a while back but my ninja doesn’t do a very good job at the food processing part 🙁 I need to get a real one! lol
J. says
Katie, this recipe looks great. I have to try it sometime. I’ve only been following you since May, but I gotta say, this is the BEST food blog I’ve ever visited! Your recipes have been helping me become more healthier and more health conscious.
I was in a rut where I didn’t want to eat healthy or exercise anymore, because I was sad and nervous about personal things in my life. Then I found your blog by accident- which is what saved my life. I now exercise again and eat better thanks to your advice and recipes.
I just wanted to thank you so much for all your time and effort into making these recipes and sharing them with us. Seriously, you’re my hero. <3
By the way, do not let rude commenters get you down. I was reading your last post about how you were apologizing for saying some things that people thought were offensive. They were the ones who needed to be sorry, not you. People like that don't appreciate kindness and respect like you show. They're losers. Just keep on doing what you do, beautiful. 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aw thank you, J.
🙂
That really meant a lot to me.
J. says
You’re most welcome. 🙂
Kendra says
I made something almost exactly like this a few days ago, and it was fantastic!! Not EXACTLY the same as real ice cream, maybe, but delicious nevertheless:) Banana ice cream is so simple to make, and great for those who (like me) do not have an ice cream maker.
Alanna says
I can’t remember when I first heard of banana soft-serve, but it was sometime in the last few months when another person mentioned it in a recipe comment on this blog. My mind was so blown when I tried it at just how close the texture is to ice cream, even just blending bananas by themselves! I’ve added frozen strawberries like others and that’s good, too, but choc PB sounds awesome. Unfortunately I’m low on both bananas and (quality) peanut butter at the moment, but I’ll definitely be trying this! Perfect post for National Ice Cream Day, btw. 🙂
Caralyn @ glutenfreehappytummy says
yessss! i love this recipe! banana soft serve is the best:) love the sprinkles too!
Jack says
I can’t believe I found this amazing site!! So cool….
Where do I click to subscribe?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aw thanks, Jack.
You can subscribe by writing your email address into the following link:
http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=Chocolate-coveredKatie&loc=en_us
Jack says
Nevermind, found it
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh oops lol ;).
Moni Meals says
I love making homemade softserve. 🙂 I like your simple recipe. I always adds nut butter for sure! have a great day!
Erica @ Cult of Kale says
I just sat here for at least five minutes drooling at the screen. Yum!
Angel says
Looks festive and delish! I make this sometimes too, but I’ve never put it in a cone with sprinkles! Nice touches! 🙂
Lori Lynn says
I actually hadn’t heard of doing this before. This is so awesome. Love the idea and thanks for sharing!!
BroccoliHut says
I love banana soft serve! I’m a fan of throwing in some PB just for good measure!
Tiffany says
Katie, this looks delicious! I actually made this last week 🙂 and I loved it!
I made your chocolate mousse frosting today and everyone was in LOVE with the delicious and creamy dessert!
We ate it along side strawberry banana soft serve.
You’ve inspired me to try mango banana soft serve. I bought some frozen mango chunks at the grocery store today!
Thank you for posting such delicious recipes!
Amy J says
Earlier this summer I made banana ice cream (just from frozen bananas!) with my kids and daycare kids. It was great and they all loved it! After we tried just banana, then I threw some frozen strawberries into the blender, and blended. Strawberry Banana ice cream – made JUST with strawberries and bananas? Yes, please! 🙂
Mary says
Hey Katie!!!
I just wanted you to know that you inspired me to create my very own blog about my quest to become vegan. Your blogging tips really inspired me! Thank you soooooo much Katie I’m sure I’m not the only one you’ve helped- I lurv you girl!!! (and not in the creepy way, lol)
-Mary
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aw thank you, Mary! I will be sure to check out your blog :).
Emma says
This looks sooooo tasty. I’ve been wanting to try banana soft serve for ages so when I get home to a blender I’ll have to try it!
brie @ scrapper says
I just tried it with kiwis i put in the freezer, salt, vanilla, a tiny bit of almond butter, and a tiny bit of honey. it was great but those kiwis were TANGY omg. had my mouth tingling like crazy. I think i will try peach banana strawberry next time.
Tanya @ playful food says
Aw, I’ve been making this for a long time, too. I also love adding almond butter! Or cashew if you don’t want a strong nutty flavor.
I make this in the vita-mix though, it get’s creamier that way…
The Mrs @ Success Along the Weigh says
I’ve been eating this stuff since I was a kid. It’s awesome!
Erin says
I like to add Torani sugar free coffee syrup to it. They have a ton of flavors and it really amps up the ice cream!
Janet says
Every time I buy bananas, I am never able to finish eating them before they get over ripe. Now whenever that happens, I peel them and throw them in baggies and place them gently in my freezer. My freezer is now about 1/2 full of frozen bananas. This recipe is perfect to use up some of those bananas since it uses a bunch at a time. I may even double the recipe and freeze most of the ‘ice cream’ just so I can clear out my freezer.
I’ve made banana ice cream before, but it’s just been one at a time in my Magic Bullet. I like to add chocolate (of course) but I’ll have to try it with peanut butter.
Cathy says
I love doing this!!! I add frozen mixed berries! Then I take a spoon and eat it out of the food processor 🙂
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
This looks amazing. I have never tried banana ice cream, but I have no doubt I’d love it 🙂 Anything banana appeals to me 🙂
Neiry says
Lol, I, too, thought the nail was photoshopped. I guess that’s a compliment to your nail-painting skills
Melissa (Better Fit) says
Oh wow, this reminds me that I haven’t done banana ice cream in a very long time. I’m definitely inspired!!
Looks lovely. 🙂
Patricia @ thecastironvegan says
Hmmm….I too am not sure exactly who discovered the frozen banana ice cream trick, but I remember hearing about it from a fellow vegan in the mid-1990s, so it’s been around at least that long! I love just banana, cocoa powder, and soy milk, or just banana and vanilla. YUM.
Luu says
Wow! you’re ice cream looks so good! Now I want one serving immediately 😀
Lissa says
I am so glad you posted this! I tried banana soft-serve when I first heard about it (7 or 8 months ago, late to the party!) but I couldn’t get it to work in my roommate’s tiny baby blender. I decided to try again when I went home, but I forgot… until now! I just made this version and stuck it in the freezer. I might have licked the blades 🙂
Also, I love it when you post variations on your own recipes. I am very likely to end up with the wrong proportions when I try to change recipes and usually don’t try because I hate wasting food, eating stuff I don’t like, or giving away sub-par food. I know you spend a lot of time tweaking and testing everything you post, so when you do variations like this I know it will be amazing. Thank you!
Suzanne @ Fit Minded Mom says
I am going to the store and stocking up on extra bananas to freeze-today!!! This will be the perfect treat for mu family tonight and I love that I will be keeping it healthy!! Definitely adding some peanut butter…yum!
Suzanne Perazzini says
My mother was making frozen banana ice cream twenty years ago and we didn’t know for the longest time that the only ingredient in what we thought was a normal ice cream was bananas. I love the idea of adding peanut butter and cocoa to the mix.
Destinie says
I love your blog! You make the best foods ever! It’s so hard to find fool proof vegan recipes.
xiaoxi says
Hi, Katie. I am new to your blog. I feel finally I found someone who write healthy dessert blog. I LOVE sweets, I can’t resist them, but I know I want to lose weight and they are not good for health. Most food bloggers write about high calories sweets, so I would be afraid to make them. I think I will confident to eat the sweet on your blog.
Lolette says
I was sitting waiting for a train to go by this morning. I read your post, made a u-turn and went back to the grocery store two blocks away to buy bananas for this recipe !! Thanks so much for all you do. I am making this here in just a few minutes and will link back to you from my WP site. And I love your nails too !!
Maša says
I learned the trick from my raw vegan ex. I especially like to make banana ice cream with juicer. my variation was actually posted a few days ago: http://simplyevani.com/2012/07/15/simply-loving-hearting-handmades-better-than-ice-cream/ 🙂
Sloane Pitman says
I’ve been DYING to try banana soft serve but just haven’t gotten around to it! Do you know if a magic bullet would work for blending?
ps. your nails are SO cute!!!
xoxo
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Haven’t tried it, but I’d think so if you make a small batch. Might need to thaw more, though.
CLF says
I’m wondering if you can use chocolate whey protein as a replacement for the cocoa powder?
Lilly says
Katie, you have the best pictures… and recipes of course, but your pictures always make me want whatever you post! 🙂 I have a question, sort of unrelated, but how do you choose what links your photos link to? You seemed to link your 1st and 3rd photos to strawberry shortcake pancakes and pizza hummus, for any special reason or just for fun? 😉
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
See above answer 🙂
Beth says
WHy do some photos link to random recipes?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
see answer two comments above
Jenn says
Some photos link to other posts because more clicks = more money. Not saying it’s a bad thing Katie, gotta make the dough!! 😉
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
No, most definitely not. Please see answer three comments above.
Brie @ Scrapper says
I am def going to try this with nectarines minus the cocoa! And I will even try this reluctantly with the bananas (I don’t like them very much) but with EXTRA cocoa lol 😀 Thanks Katie for these great ideas!
Kathleen @ KatsHealthCorner says
Bananner ice cream is one of my favorites! 🙂 What a great recipe, Katie! I don’t think I’ve ever tried a chocolate version of it. (I know — the horror!) But I have all of the ingredients on hand right now — I’ll definitely have to try it. 🙂
Andrea says
I have a couple recipes for breakfast icecream, but haven’t gotten around to trying them. There’s one that’s similar to this chocolate banana soft serve, but it also has avacado in it.
Full Flavored Life says
Such an easy and delicious treat!
Kaila @healthyhelperblog! says
Hey Katie, just curious…why do your pictures link to other recipes on your blog?! Like ones that don’t have to do with this softserve recipe? Just wondering! I love banana softserve by the way…I eat it on overnight oats and it is delicious!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Unfortunately, I know that there are some people who are struggling with eating disorders who read my blog, and I link away from certain photos because I don’t want to trigger them. I know they’d enlarge the photos and try to pick apart my body. Besides hurting them, that also makes ME very uncomfortable.
Someone below you said I do it for page views, but that’s ridiculous because when you enlarge a photo it goes to a new page anyway, so it’s not like I’m getting any more page views from linking away. I do it on certain photos simply because I’m uncomfortable with the fact that people are picking me apart for “imperfections” or that some commenters are looking for a conspiracy (a photoshopped nail) that doesn’t exist.
I wish people would stop thinking it’s my goal to take advantage of my readers :(.
anonymous says
hi kaila, glad to know you read gomi 😉
Tanya @ playful food says
Haha… believe it or not… I just had soft serve for breakfast! Banana soft serve ; )
I added cocoa, almond butter and a few icecubes. Yummy.
yumgoggle says
Heard about this before but never have tried yet…I am so excited to try this out. More sprinkles for me. My own version of soft serve. Yey!
Myfudo here…Normally we’d never put a shameless plug back to us, but we just launched our new site and we would love for you to be a part of it. I’d love to share our newest launch with you, I hope you don’t mind? Now that we are getting a new look…Myfudo is moving to a new domain http://www.yumgoggle.com This has been a project we have been working on for almost a year now. We just launched our new gallery submission site, and we are just thrilled. We’d be proud to have your work as part of our growing collection to continue to have a larger reach and further inspire all fellow food lovers out there! Please sign up and check us out (it’s free) http://www.yumgoggle.com/gallery
We look forward to seeing your wonderful pictures, as always.
p.s. We are hosting a Kitchen Aid Mixer Giveaway to celebrate our new Yumgoggle site, we hope you’ll participate =)
http://www.yumgoggle.com/japanese-cuisine-japanese-spinach-side-dish-horenso-no-ohitashi-kitchenaid-mixer-giveaway/
Belinda Cimo says
Your site is a great go-to whenever I’m craving something sweet but don’t want to sacrifice nutrition by loading up on sugar and dairy. I’m hesitantly proud to say I’ve been eating pb banana ice cream for breakfast! Why not? (I add coconut extract.) Do you have, or could you add a PANTRY tab at the top of your page showing all of your frequently used ingredients? I would love to just log on for a dessert idea with a better chance of having the ingredients already on hand! I already know to keep a good stock of raisins, dates, nuts, chick peas, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, oatmeal, ground flax, bananas, peanut butter, vanilla and coconut extract 🙂 LOVE this site!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aw thanks, Belinda!
I do have a list on my FAQ page (a tab right under the blog header at the top of the page).
It’s under the section of the FAQ page called “recipes.”
Tressie says
Hi! I how long does it take for the bananas to reach the right texture and everything in a food processor? I loveee ice cream so this recipe is amazing!
Alanna says
I think it might vary slightly depending on how many bananas you use, how frozen they are, and the size pieces you put in. I’ve read 5 min. but it seems like mine never takes longer than 1 min. using 2-3 bananas cut in half. Maybe I’m just impatient and it gets fluffier after more time, but by then it looks right to me so I stop and eat it. 🙂
Tressie says
Thanks. I’m pretty impatient too, I’ll probably stop at the one minute mark. 😉
Mandy Cheshire says
This was delicious! It *may* have been part of our breakfast this morning. 😉
Lexi @ You, Me, & A World to See says
I LOVE banana soft serve. The only thing I find tricky is scaling it down for one person. I have a big food processor, so by the time I account for cleaning the processor, it seems that there’s very little actual softserve!
Michele says
Yum, I just made almost this exact recipe the other day! Actually, I burned out my food processer because I think the bananas were too frozen and I burned the motor out because I kept trying to blend them. No more soft serve for me until I buy a new food processer. 🙁
I am curious as to how this can be 3 WW points. Bananas are free on the new plan so if you leave out the peanut butter, it should be free. Or is it because 3 bananas all at once are 3 points?
Also, why does a new window open up to show the NI instead of just showing it when you click on it? I love your site but too many windows open up whenever I am on here and I end up getting frustrated! Sorry, I am really not complaining, it’s just frustrating. 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Ooh you’re right! Thanks for pointing that out. I don’t follow a weight watchers plan, so I constantly forget that fruits and veggies are zero points. Sorry for the confusion; I edited my post!
As for the new window thing, I’ve asked before and more people voted that they preferred the new windows because then they don’t have to re-open the recipe when they’re done reading the link. Once again, sorry for the trouble. I try to keep it all as organized as possible, but with so much info I know it can get confusing/overwhelming.
Michele says
Katie, you are too sweet! No need to apologize! Thanks for the response and for fixing the WW points thing. I just didn’t know if I was missing something there.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I changed it to one point because of the cocoa powder, which still gave some fat and carbs.
If you ever see something that’s off, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I really do appreciate it when people speak up… otherwise I never know to change a mistake. So thank you for taking the time to help :).
Melissa says
I want to make this SO bad! I am going to buy a food processor after work!
Sabrina says
Katie,
I know you’ve got a brownie batter frozen yogurt, but I was wondering if you’ve ever though about incorporating your FANTASTIC brownies into a frozen yogurt or ice cream? (I don’t have an ice cream maker, so I am loving this recipe in particular!) I am currently obsessed with Ben and Jerry’s chocolate fudge brownie ice cream, but it’s so fatty and sugary, I’d love to see a healthier alternative, with your brownies of course!
Anyway, I know you are super busy, so thanks for even reading this and I hope you’ll consider it!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Sounds like a great idea to me!
Sarajane says
I have made this twice now. Perfect. It freezes well and doesn’t get hard, easy to eat the next morning for breakfast!
Alanna says
OMG… Eating this now with Justin’s maple almond butter. SO GOOD!!
Grace says
Oh my goodness. I made this soft serve a few hours before my run ( for potassium) and it was so rich and creamy, just litheke soft serve! And I used ripe frozen bananas, but I didn’t find the banana flavor to really affect the overall chocolatey flavor, which I liked. 🙂
Joanne down under says
What a revelation! Made it tonight even though it’s the middle of winter as I had some old bananas and the kids loved it, even with no sugar added. Already planning it as the secret dessert recipe for summer BBQs, especially since we have a neighbour with allergies to diary. Love your recipes and have been telling all my friends to check your site. Thanks.
Alice says
Hey!
I love these recipes! For some reason, though, this one keeps turning out oddly tangy. The issue is solved with lots of brown rice syrup and cinnamon and peanut butter 🙂 but what do you think it could be? Are my bananas freezerburnt? Am I not letting them ripen far enough?
Nikki says
Do you think this would work putting in coconut cream concentrate (the homemade stuff you describe)? I’m concerned about the temperature, if the CCC would mix in well.
Carol says
My dairy allergic son loves this. Thank you. I blogged about it today here http://www.carolburris.com/life_with_nin/2012/08/chocolate-peanut-butter-soft-serve.html
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I love your strawberry idea 🙂
Cari says
So amazing! Added peanut butter at the end. Hubby’s going to love this too!
Michele says
I just made this again but added peanut flour in place of peanut butter because I am watching my calories. It came out delicious!
Athena says
Hi Katie – Just wanted to let you know I gave my readers a link to your blog in today’s post – http://www.thestuffofsuccess.com/2012/09/when-i-buy-bananas.html . Have a terrific day. Athena
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Thank you! I loved your post :).
Amy says
I first read about banana ice cream on your blog. My kiddos were unimpressed so I added strawberries and or blueberries and it was a hit, BUT my husband and i LOVE IT! Often in the summer I whip it up on a hot day and we fight each other over every bite and contemplate making more. I would even consider never eating real ice cream again except that nobody makes it commercially so when we are out, I suffer with the real thing, lol. LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!!
Katy says
Omg! made this it was unbelievably easy, and it was so good ( mine was the peanut butter version) <3
Danielle says
I don’t know if it’s because I used baking cocoa or the wrong kind of banana or what, but this never got the consistency of soft serve and it always tasted overwhelmingly of banana. I even added peanut butter as you suggested but then I just made it taste like peanut butter and banana ice mush. Every once in a while I’d get a cocoa aftertaste, but the cocoa never masked the other flavors. Very disappointed with this recipe. I really wanted to like it. 🙁
Laura says
Ok let me get this straight. You made a recipe with BANANAS as the base and are now disappointed when it tasted like banana? So disappointed that you bother to leave a nasty comment about how disappointed you are? This has got to be the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard!
Danielle says
Well, yes, when the recipe is called ‘chocolate fudge soft serve’ and the title makes no suggestion whatsoever that there is going to a strong banana flavor (I thought that was the point of Katie’s recipes, to make vegan alternatives taste similar to their commercial counterparts), I do feel a need to make my experience known in hopes that either Katie will help me or that my experience will help others. I did not intend for my comment to sound nasty in the slightest and I think you just wanted to read that tone into my words, although I have no idea why. I even acknowledged that I might not have followed the recipe correctly and that it could have been my fault. You’re so upset that I had a bad experience and felt the need to share it with Katie so that she might be able to tell me what I did wrong so I could have a better experience in the future that you bother to leave an actual nasty comment in response to mine about how angry you are that I had a bad experience? THAT has got the be the stupidest thing I ever heard. How dare you. There’s nothing to get defensive about. You’re just being mean for the sake of being mean.
IC says
So I finally am out of temporary housing (due to moving from NYC to Chicago in May) and therefore am starting to continue expanding my kitchen with necessities like… a VitaMix (the husband still laughs when I say that I NEED it). 🙂
With that said, which VitaMix should I get? Which is the best? Thanks!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I have a VERY old model (a 5200, but it’s around 10 years old). So I don’t think it really matters.
Emma says
Oh my gosh… just tried banana soft serve for the first time and it’s AMAZING!!! Thank you for introducing me to it, Katie! I can’t believe bananas can do that, and become ice cream! 😀 very happy bunny as this is not too difficult eating-disorder-recovery food 🙂
AJ says
I discovered this recipe on your blog last spring and it has been a stand-by for me ever since. Countless snacks have been this delicious, healthy, and satisfying delight! Thanks, Katie!
Maddy says
Hi Katie,
I do happen to have a teeny tiny food processor and only had one banana. So I made it up on just the one and adjusted the amounts accordingly. The results AMAZING! So yummy. I am going to the shops in the morning to buy more bananas! I mixed some of your home made choc chips through it as well. Yumm! Absolutely love your recipies. Thankyou for making healthy eating fun!!
Alex says
Love doing the banana soft-serve, but if people don’t like the banana flavour, use lots of frozen mango, a un-frozen small banana and some yogurt and you have mango ice-cream! Can’t even taste the banana!
Lynn says
Thank you so much for this recipe. We recently found out that our twin daughters have multiple food allergies, which is changing our diet considerably. I loved this and we could have it (with no pb!).
Julie says
Made this tonight for me, my husband and our toddler. Haven’t had ice cream for more than 9 months since we ‘went healthy’ and this was amazing! Can’t wait to experiment with other flavours – has anyone tried a mint version?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I might like it even better than the chocolate one 🙂
https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/03/13/spinach-ice-cream/
Tatum says
Just made this and I am so excited! I had to put it back in the freezer to harden a bit more, which was hard to do because it tasted like a milkshake, not a protein shake, a milkshake. I can’t wait to try all the desserts on this blog!
Linda says
How long does this last? No, not 3 days in the freezer… I just made this and it never made it to the freezer!! It is so yummy. What could be bad when you have p.b, chocolate, bananas AND it’s cold! Thanks so much for this recipe and all the others. I am so glad that my friend told me about your site. Keep ’em coming (and continue to help us get skinny!).
Chocolate Covered Katie says
🙂
Anonymous says
Hey Katy, I have a Vitamix question. I just recently got mine and most of what I’ve read says to start it on ‘variable’ and then turn it up to ‘high’. Is this necessary for making banana ice cream or can I just run it on low for longer? I feel like whenever I put it up to high it gets stuck and stops.
devina chouksey says
i’ve recently tried to make banana icecream which was disasterous :p plz tell me how to make a delicious banana icecream..
Alana Ayres says
I would love to try this but I have a 13 month old who is not allowed to have nuts yet. I was wondering if I could use something in the nut butter’s place
Unofficial CCK Helper says
You can just omit it.
Susan says
Thank you! I have been looking for a yummy dessert for gluten free, sugar free, dairy free friends.
Erica says
Where do u get ur ice cream cones from? Can you PLEASE make a healthy cone recipe? Store bought ones are ok, but mine are never crunchy.
Laurie says
Wow!! I am so addicted to chocolate and especially chocolate with nuts so I just received my first ever shipment of 5 lb of organic fair trade dark chocolate cocoa at the best price I could find anywhere. Buy in bulk saves you $ and this will last me a good long time. Yum! I set out to find some ice cream recipes and found this recipe. I just made it and omg! This is amazing! Thank you for posting this recipe! I am going to try some other flavors also with avocados. So healthy and yummy!
Laurie says
To add I use organic everything. Only 100% pure vanilla extract and I have such a sweet tooth I added 2 Tbls. organic raw blue agave. I’m in heaven! 🙂 Thank you, Katie!
Dani D says
Hi…
I just love ur website and how u have catered for different tastes- soy, vegan , gluten free etc.. Its jus a perfect reminder of how I can hav my cake and eat it too! 🙂
Karen says
OMG, looks yummy but as a diabetic, the sugar content of bananas would be sooo bad for me but the rest of the family could do with such a healthy treat, thanks for posting.
Erin says
Wow, this chocolate soft serve is delicious! My mom had made a plain banana soft serve once, but it was just OK. The chocolate really steps it up! Thank you!
Am says
My brother and I are hooked! He will even eat it without sweetener!! Thank you!
I love the PB flavor :ice cream” version as well, delish!
Jan says
Hi. Thanks for your insights!!! Are there any low cal, low or no sugar ice cream recipes for the dessert bullet- without bananas? Thanks!
Casey says
Hi,
I was wondering how you got your ice cream to be so smooth!! Mine is in a bunch of little chunks : (
Unofficial CCK Helper says
Sounds like your food processor is not very strong if it cannot blend bananas. I’d recommend a Cuisinart. If nothing else, thaw bananas more.
Michael says
Mine keeps coming out tasting like strong whiskey. I don’t understand. Am I letting the bananas ripen too much or something? I’m storing them in plastic wrap instead of a plastic bag also.
Unofficial CCK Helper says
Sounds like you are maybe using immitation vanilla extract? or too much!
Michael says
I’m using an organic vanilla extract and I’m going exactly by the recipe. I’ve tried it twice figuring I added too much or something. I don’t know what’s wrong.
Unofficial CCK Helper says
Well then why not use less? It’s clearly an issue with your vanilla, as neither cocoa powder nor banana would give you a metallic taste. Unless you are using moldy bananas…
Michael says
Yeah, true. I’ve just never had vanilla taste like that. I’m just gonna stick to brands and types I know what their taste is.
Alex says
I can say nothing else but YUM. I actually added milk to mine and then froze to bulk up the recipe for not many extra calories and make it a bit more icecream-y. Soooo good.
Eveline says
OMG Katie! I LOVE YOU!!! I just made this and I couldn’t believe it! It really tastes like ice cream! I love love you! You are my goddess 😀 (sorry for the big reaction, I just really reallllyyy like it ;))
Tinka says
I ate this for breakfast! So delicious! Thank you so much Katie for adding some sweetness to our lives!
Lora Gilmore says
Wow! So amazing recipe! Love it! I have a nephew who is lactose intolerant and I am sure that he will like thins banana cream. Regards!
Beverly Marshall says
I have read many scientific studies that confirm that peanuts have mold- not good!! Furthermore, bananas are high on the glycemic chart! May be delicious but not healthy!!!
Matea says
Love banana icecream! This looks so delicious!
SALLY HRUSKA says
i am diebetic how does the bananas effect my sugar counts
Unofficial CCK Helper says
It would probably be best to ask your doctor this question, as it’s an important health question best answered by a professional. 🙂
pablo says
Can the cocoa powder be omitted for a vanilla ice cream?
Thomas says
Yummy, now I want to make this as well.