Okay the dog days of summer are here and that calls for ice cream, right? Of course!
My clean eating journey continues but that doesn’t mean I can’t have ice cream (or at least a healthier version of it). PLUS no ice cream maker required! I love that this creamy “ice cream” hits the sweet spot plus bananas are filled with fiber and potassium, cherries are a natural anti-inflammatory fruit (we can all use that) and the creaminess… oh you had me at the first spoonful. Great treat for the kids too! Also a perfect way (without making banana bread) to use up ripe bananas. Go grab your bananas and get them into your freezer~ you’ll be so happy you did!
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Healthy Cherry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
- Total Time: 13 hours
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
Frozen bananas give this healthy treat an ice cream-like texture, and with no fancy equipment required!
Ingredients
- 4 bananas, sliced and frozen for at least 12 hours
- 1 lb (450 g) of cherries (frozen or fresh), pitted/stems removed
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) of unsweetened almond milk
- 1 vanilla bean, scraped (interior) or 1 tbsp of vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place the frozen bananas into your Vitamix or blender until it starts to get creamy.
- Add the almond milk and cherries. Blend again, stopping and scraping the sides down as necessary.
- Then add the vanilla bean. Blend again.
- Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 13 hours
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do frozen bananas create an ice cream-like texture?
When blended from frozen, ripe banana slices break down into a thick, creamy mass that closely mimics the texture of soft-serve ice cream. The article explains that the bananas must be frozen for at least 12 hours before blending, and the 3 tbsp of unsweetened almond milk are added to help the blender process the frozen fruit without straining.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
Yes — the recipe lists “frozen or fresh” cherries (1 lb / 450 g, pitted) as equally valid. Fresh cherries may make the finished texture slightly less thick since they won’t add extra cold, but the flavor will be the same. The article notes cherries are a natural anti-inflammatory fruit, making them a good choice either way.
