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:
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.