As the weather warms, the moments that I “need” some ice cream start to come around much more frequently. Ice cream is cool, refreshing and always satisfies those certain cravings. Unfortunately, although I would love to have a bowl of ice cream every day, the amount of sugar and calories that come with each serving should ideally be spread out a little less frequently.
So, what is one to do when that craving comes on real strong… like, real strong? Well, aside from good old fashioned will power, this chocolate peanut butter banana “ice cream” is one of your options. With no sugar added and a version without any dairy either, this frozen treat is a much healthier version that is actually quite delicious!
Frozen bananas are blended with cocoa powder, creamy peanut butter and a little milk (almond milk works great!) to create a smooth, creamy ice cream that will satisfy those cravings without the extra sugar.
Let’s get started…
Begin by peeling, slicing and freezing 3 large bananas. I place them on a flexible cutting board and set it in the freezer for an hour or two before I plan to make the ice cream. I almost always have frozen bananas waiting in my freezer. In addition to this fabulous ice cream, frozen bananas are great for smoothies!
Once the bananas are frozen, place them into a food processor or high speed blender along with 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1/3 cup of milk (you can use anything from almond milk to heavy cream), 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Blend on low until everything starts to combine and then increase the speed to medium until all of the bananas have been broken down. Lastly, increase the speed to high for 10 seconds or so to ensure the consistency is super smooth and creamy.
At this point, you will have delicious chocolate peanut butter banana soft serve ice cream and you can enjoy it immediately. If you prefer a stiffer textured ice cream, transfer the ice cream into a freezer proof container, cover it with plastic wrap and freeze it for an hour or so. If you are going this route, I suggest sprinkling some chopped chocolate or chocolate chips over the ice cream before you freeze it. Its mostly bananas after all… a few shreds of chocolate won’t hurt…
Once its a little more frozen, grab a few scoops of this chocolate peanut butter banana ice cream and get ready to enjoy a surprisingly delicious version of a much loved frosty treat.
The flavors are really fabulous! The chocolate is in the forefront, but the peanut butter really shines through and there is a definite banana backdrop to the whole situation. Chocolate and peanut butter are such a classic combination and bananas work beautifully with peanut butter and with chocolate, so all three of them play so well together!
If you are searching for a healthy version of the classic frosty dessert that we all know and love, give this chocolate peanut butter banana ice cream a try. I think you are going to love it!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 3 large bananas, peeled, sliced, frozen
- 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup of milk (almond milk, milk or heavy cream)
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- a pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup of chocolate, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Peel, slice and freeze 3 large bananas
- Combine the frozen bananas with 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1/3 cup of the milk of your choice, 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt in a food processor or high speed blender
- Blend until smooth and creamy
- Serve immediately or transfer into a freezer proof container, cover with plastic and freeze until firm
- Garnish with finely chopped chocolate and enjoy!
