Chocolate Banana Ice Cream
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.My healthy Chocolate Banana Ice Cream is one of my all-time favorite treats! Made with frozen bananas, dark chocolate, walnuts, and yogurt, it’s a creamy, naturally sweet dessert that’s perfect any time of year. With just four simple ingredients, it’s easy to make, packed with natural fiber, and feels like an indulgence without the guilt.
I’ll take any excuse to celebrate with ice cream and light desserts, especially when I can make healthier versions! In the summertime, there’s nothing better than whipping up a batch of my creamy mango nice cream or my delicious gluten free tres leches cake.
But who says ice cream is only for summer? When the weather turns chilly, there’s something so comforting about curling up with a bowl of homemade chocolate banana ice cream. It’s the ultimate cozy indulgence, and that’s exactly why I created this recipe!
👩🏽🍳 Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a healthy, guilt-free alternative to traditional ice cream with no added sugar, how awesome is that? It’s the perfect sweet treat for kids, and honestly, even my picky eaters can’t get enough of it. It’s become one of our favorite go-to desserts, and I love sneaking in some wholesome goodness while they enjoy every bite. 😉
I made this healthy chocolate ice cream with just four ingredients: bananas, dark chocolate, walnuts, and Greek yogurt, it’s a total win for busy parents like me. My kids are absolutely obsessed with chocolate everything “chocolate ice cream, chocolate cake, chocolate milk” you name it! Every time we go out, it’s all they ask for. That’s why this healthy recipe is such a lifesaver. They call it “chocolate ice cream” and devour it without realizing it’s actually packed with wholesome, good-for-you ingredients. Talk about a parenting win, ha!
The best part? I just grab my food processor or blender, throw everything in, and in no time, I’ve got creamy, chocolatey perfection. I love enjoying it as soft-serve right away, but if I’m feeling patient (ha!), a quick freeze makes it even better with a firmer texture. Whether I’m crushing a late-night craving, sneaking a healthy dessert past my kids, or finally putting those spotty bananas to good use, this recipe is always a win in my book. I can’t wait for you to try it!
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🥘 Ingredients
My frozen banana chocolate ice cream comes together with just a few natural ingredients, creating a creamy and irresistibly sweet treat.
Sliced Frozen Bananas: they are the star of this recipe, naturally sweet and creamy! I always slice and freeze ripe, spotty bananas ahead of time for the best flavor and texture.
Yogurt: I like using organic plain Greek yogurt, but any yogurt works great in this recipe. It adds a creamy, tangy balance to the sweetness of the bananas.
Chocolate: Blending in dark chocolate chips gives the ice cream a rich, decadent texture. It’s my favorite way to make this treat extra indulgent.
Walnuts: Walnuts not only add a great crunch but are packed with natural antioxidants and healthy fats. They’re a delicious, nutritious addition to this recipe.
🍲Substitutions
Bananas: they are my go-to base for this recipe, but if you’re not a fan, frozen avocado or coconut chunks work beautifully for a creamy texture. Mango is another great option, though it’s lighter and more like a sorbet.
Yogurt: I use any yogurt I have on hand, coconut or almond yogurt makes it vegan, and high-protein yogurt adds extra nutrition. For a lighter option, I sometimes swap in plant-based milk like almond milk instead of yogurt.
Chocolate: If I’m out of chocolate chips, I’ll chop up a chocolate bar, use cocoa powder, or try cacao nibs for a no-sugar option. For a sweeter twist, white chocolate is always a fun choice.
Walnuts: Pecans, peanuts, or cashews work great if I’m out of walnuts, and for a nut-free option, I’ll use raw sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
🔪 How To Make
If you’ve never made your own nice cream with yogurt before, you’re in for a treat, I promise you’ll love it! I’m all about simple recipes, and this banana chocolate ice cream is one of my absolute favorites.
Break Up The Frozen Bananas: First, I start by breaking up the frozen banana slices. I toss them into my food processor or high-powered blender and give it a few quick pulses to get things moving.
Add The Yogurt: Next, I add the yogurt to the blender and blend everything together until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. It’s so satisfying to see it all come together.
Add The Chocolate And Nuts: Finally, I toss in the dark chocolate chips and walnuts. A quick blend or stir, and the mix is ready, it’s the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey goodness!
Serve Or Freeze: I serve the nice cream right away for that soft-serve texture, topping it with extra dark chocolate chips, walnuts, and maybe a few banana slices if I’m feeling fancy. If I’m in the mood for a more traditional ice cream consistency, I pop it in the freezer for 30–60 minutes before digging in, it’s delicious either way!
💭 Expert Tips
My #1 Secret Tip for making the creamiest, healthiest banana ice cream is to freeze the banana slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Trust me, I’ve tried just tossing bananas into a bag and freezing them, but they always clumped together and made blending a total pain! Freezing them this way keeps them separate and makes it so much easier to create that perfectly smooth, ice cream-like texture. It’s a little extra effort upfront, but it makes all the difference, and now I never skip it.
Other Tips To Keep In Mind:
- Use a Regular Blender: If I don’t have a food processor, I use my regular blender on the highest speed, stopping to scrape the sides often. Adding a splash of almond milk helps it blend smoothly, and I can pop it in the freezer to firm up if needed.
- Slightly Overripe Bananas Are Best: I always use fully ripened bananas with brown or spotty skin for the sweetest and most flavorful nice cream. They make all the difference.
- Increase the Recipe: When I need to make a bigger batch, I simply double or triple the recipe. It’s perfect for serving a crowd or keeping extra in the freezer for later.
- Vegan Option: It’s very easy to make vegan chocolate banana ice cream! Instead of Greek yogurt, use a plant-based yogurt. Alternatively, you can use 1/4 cup of any plant based milk of your choice.
📖 Variations
I’m so excited to share my favorite healthy banana ice cream recipe with you. For a variation, I suggest the following favorites:
Minty: I love adding a touch of mint extract or swapping regular chocolate chips for mint chocolate chips. It’s so refreshing and delicious.
Peanut Butter : A few spoonful of creamy peanut butter blended in creates the most amazing peanut butter swirls. It’s like a dream for peanut butter lovers.
PB&J: I mix in a little peanut butter and replace the chocolate with fresh strawberries for a fun PB&J twist. It’s fruity, nutty, and so good!
Nutella Ice Cream: Swirling in some homemade vegan Nutella takes this ice cream to the next level. It’s rich, chocolatey, and absolutely irresistible.
Pina Colada: For a tropical vibe, I use ¼ cup full-fat coconut milk instead of yogurt and swap the chocolate chips for pineapple chunks. It’s like a vacation in a bowl.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Here are some fun ways I love to serve this healthy chocolate banana ice cream:
Classic Bowl: I scoop it into a bowl and top it with extra chocolate chips, and some of my caramelized bananas. It’s simple and so satisfying.
Ice Cream Cones: My kids and I love serving it in waffle cones, it feels like such a treat and is always a hit.
Dessert Topping: Sometimes I spoon it over my eggless brownies or my oat flour pancakes for an extra indulgent touch.
Frozen Sandwich: For a fun twist, I spread it between my sugar free oatmeal cookies, freeze it, and enjoy the most delicious ice cream sandwich.
🫙 Storage Directions
Freezing: Once the nice cream is made, I transfer it to an airtight container and smooth the top. It stays fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Softening: When I’m ready to enjoy it again, I let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes to soften. It makes scooping much easier.
❓Recipe FAQs
Is chocolate banana ice cream healthier than regular ice cream?
Yes! As a nutritionist, I can confidently say this fruit-based yogurt banana ice cream is a much healthier option compared to traditional ice creams. With no artificial ingredients or refined sugar, it’s a naturally sweet, wholesome treat that’s lower in calories and fat while still satisfying your dessert cravings!
What is nice cream?
Nice cream is a healthier spin on traditional ice cream, made primarily with frozen fruits for a creamy, dreamy texture. Unlike regular ice cream, it typically skips artificial sweeteners, dyes, and other processed ingredients, making it a clean and wholesome treat. It can also easily be made dairy-free, and you won’t need an ice cream maker which is a huge plus when you’re trying to make homemade ice cream! This chocolate banana ice cream is one of my favorite nice creams!
How do I prevent the ice cream from becoming too hard in the freezer?
Press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing it in an airtight container. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping for the perfect texture.
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🎥 Watch How to Make It
Chocolate Banana Ice Cream
My healthy Chocolate Banana Ice Cream is one of my all-time favorite treats! Made with frozen bananas, dark chocolate, walnuts, and yogurt, it’s a creamy, naturally sweet dessert that’s perfect any time of year. With just four simple ingredients, it’s easy to make, packed with natural fiber, and feels like an indulgence without the guilt.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 177kcal
Ingredients
For The Nice Cream
- 2 bananas frozen
- ¾ cup organic plain Greek yogurt or any plant-based yogurt, can also use up to ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 2 tbsp dark chocolate chips or unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts
Optional Mix-Ins
- 1 tbsp peanut or almost butter optional
- ½ cup frozen berries or other fresh fruit
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp chopped pecans
Equipment
Instructions
- Place frozen banana chunks in a food processor. Blend until you have coarse crumbs.
- Add the yogurt and blend 1-2 minutes or until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the chocolate and walnuts and pulse a few times until incorporated. Add any mix-ins you like as well at this point.
- Serve immediately, or place in the freezer for 30-60 minutes for a firmer, more ice cream-like consistency.
Notes
- My #1 Secret Tip for making the creamiest, healthiest banana ice cream is to freeze the banana slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Trust me, I’ve tried just tossing bananas into a bag and freezing them, but they always clumped together and made blending a total pain! Freezing them this way keeps them separate and makes it so much easier to create that perfectly smooth, ice cream-like texture. It’s a little extra effort upfront, but it makes all the difference, and now I never skip it.
- If I don’t have a food processor, I use my regular blender on the highest speed, stopping to scrape the sides often. Adding a splash of almond milk helps it blend smoothly, and I can pop it in the freezer to firm up if needed.
- I always use fully ripened bananas with brown or spotty skin for the sweetest and most flavorful nice cream. They make all the difference.
- When I need to make a bigger batch, I simply double or triple the recipe. It’s perfect for serving a crowd or keeping extra in the freezer for later.
- It’s very easy to make vegan chocolate banana ice cream! Instead of Greek yogurt, use a plant-based yogurt. Alternatively, you can use 1/4 cup of any plant based milk of your choice.
Nutrition
Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 21.2g | Protein: 7.2g | Fat: 8.4g | Saturated Fat: 2.8g | Sodium: 29.7mg | Fiber: 2.5g | Sugar: 13.2g
You can not go wrong with the combination of chocolate and bananas – especially in ice cream! This is a sweet, indulgent little treat I’ve been enjoying at night this week without the guilt!
Yes!! So happy to hear that Lauren!
Awesome, saving this yummy treat for this summer! My kids are gonna love this, and they can even help make it!
My kids love helping to make this one too!! Enjoy!
Loving the banana and chocolate combination in this frozen yogurt. It’s super simple to make and very refreshing.
Thanks Kathleen!
What a great recipe, love the idea of using greek yogurt to make it a little bit healthier! Yay!!
Totally! Thanks Sharon!