Banana Ice Cream Recipe | No Churn Ice Cream With Bananas

PUBLISHED July 28, 2025· MODIFIED July 28, 2025 · by the author listed in the recipe card 1466 words. · About 8 minutes to read this article.· This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases· Leave a Comment

If you’re craving a cold, creamy treat that’s naturally sweet, dairy-free, and shockingly simple, you’re going to fall in love with Banana Ice Cream! With just a couple of ripe bananas and a blender or food processor, you can whip up a dessert that’s as satisfying as traditional ice cream with none of the added sugar or dairy.

Why You’ll Love This Incredible Ice Cream

Fast. You can make banana ice cream in under 10 minutes once your bananas are frozen.
Healthy. Naturally sweetened, vegan, and gluten-free. It’s great for nearly any dietary lifestyle.
Customizable. Add cocoa powder, peanut butter, vanilla, or mix-ins to create endless flavor variations.
No-Churn. No ice cream maker required. All you need is a high-speed mixer, blender, or food processor.
Kid-Friendly. It’s a sneaky way to serve fruit as dessert (and they won’t even notice!).

Whether you enjoy it plain or load it up with your favorite mix-ins, Banana Ice Cream is a fast, guilt-free way to cool down.

What Does Banana Ice Cream Taste Like?

Banana ice cream is one of those recipes that surprises you with how decadent it tastes considering how healthy it actually is. It’s thick, creamy, and sweet, with the natural flavor of ripe bananas shining through.

You can dress it up to taste just like your favorite ice cream flavor without needing added sugars, artificial ingredients, or heavy cream.

How Do You Keep Your Bananas From Turning Brown?

To keep bananas from turning brown in banana ice cream, it’s important to minimize their exposure to air, which causes oxidation and discoloration. Start by using ripe bananas with brown spots, which are naturally sweeter, but avoid ones that are overly mushy or fermenting. After peeling, slice the bananas and freeze them promptly to lock in their color and flavor.

Spreading the slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag can help prevent clumping and oxidation.

If desired, a light toss in lemon juice can add extra protection against browning, thanks to the vitamin C content, though it may slightly alter the flavor.

Once the banana ice cream is blended, it’s best to enjoy it immediately for the freshest look and taste. If you need to store it, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container to reduce air exposure.

These simple steps will help maintain that creamy texture and naturally sweet flavor without the unappealing brown color.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ripe Bananas– The star and only essential ingredient in banana ice cream. Bananas with lots of brown spots are naturally sweeter and softer, which not only enhances the flavor but also blends into a smooth, creamy texture that mimics traditional ice cream without the need for dairy or added sugar.

Optional Add-Ins

Vanilla Extract– A splash of vanilla deepens the overall flavor and adds a warm, sweet aroma that complements the natural banana taste.
Peanut Butter– Adds a rich, nutty flavor and creamy consistency while boosting protein content. It creates a delicious “banana peanut butter” twist.
Chocolate Chips or Chunks– Stirred in after blending, these provide texture and indulgent bites of chocolate throughout the ice cream.
Cinnamon– Offers a cozy, spiced flavor that enhances the sweetness of the bananas and adds a subtle complexity.
Dairy-Free Milk (if needed)– Just a small splash can help the bananas blend more easily, especially if they’re very solidly frozen. Almond, oat, or coconut milk are popular choices that keep the recipe vegan.

How To Make Banana Ice Cream

Slice and Freeze the Bananas. Start with 3–4 ripe bananas. Peel them, slice into ½-inch rounds, and place in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, until solid.
Blend Until Creamy. Place the frozen banana slices into a high-speed blender or food processor. Pulse a few times to break them up, then blend until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed. It will look crumbly at first, then suddenly turn into soft-serve ice cream. If your blender struggles, add a splash of plant-based milk to help the blades turn.
Add Mix-Ins (Optional). Once smooth, stir in any add-ins like chocolate chips, peanut butter, or cinnamon.
Serve Immediately or Freeze. Serve the banana ice cream right away for soft-serve consistency, or transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 1–2 hours to scoop like traditional ice cream.

Tips And Tricks

Making banana ice cream at home is incredibly easy and naturally healthy, but a few key tips can help you achieve that ultra-smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor every time. Whether you’re enjoying it plain or adding creative mix-ins, these tricks will ensure your banana ice cream turns out delicious and scoopable every time.

Use Very Ripe Bananas. Bananas with lots of brown spots are sweeter and blend more smoothly. Avoid green or underripe bananas—they won’t provide the same creaminess or flavor.
Slice Before Freezing. Slice your bananas into ½-inch rounds before freezing. This makes them easier to blend evenly and prevents straining your blender or food processor.
Single Layer Freeze. Freeze banana slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer to prevent clumping. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag for long-term storage.
Don’t Overload the Blender. Blend in batches if necessary. Trying to process too many banana slices at once can slow down blending and strain your appliance.

Variations

Banana ice cream is incredibly versatile, making it a perfect base for a variety of flavor combinations. Whether you’re keeping it dairy-free and refined sugar-free or turning it into a decadent dessert, there are endless ways to customize this naturally sweet treat. Below are some fun and delicious variations to try the next time you’re blending frozen bananas.

Chocolate- Blend in 1–2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich, chocolaty twist. Add chocolate chips or a fudge swirl for extra indulgence.
Peanut Butter- Add a spoonful of creamy or crunchy peanut butter for a nutty, protein-packed version. Almond or cashew butter also works great.
Strawberry- Add ½ cup of frozen strawberries during blending for a fruity, refreshing variation. You can also try raspberries or blueberries.
Mocha- Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder and cocoa powder for a bold coffee-chocolate flavor combo.

What To Enjoy With Banana Ice Cream

Banana ice cream is creamy, naturally sweet, and pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings and treats. Here are some delicious ideas for what to enjoy with it:

Peanut Butter Drizzle– Adds rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
Chocolate Sauce or Fudge– For a decadent, classic dessert feel.
Chopped Nuts– Walnuts, almonds, or pecans provide a crunchy contrast.
Fresh Berries– Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries offer tartness and freshness.
Granola– Adds texture and a wholesome crunch.

How Long Does It Last?

Banana ice cream is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 1 week. After that, it may start to crystallize or become too icy.

If frozen hard, let it sit out for 5–10 minutes before scooping for the best texture.

More Frozen Treats

Pin It!

If you love this Banana Ice Cream recipe as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Instagram so they can try it too! Don’t forget to Pin it so you can make it again soon.