This chocolate banana ice cream is a creamy, dairy-free dessert made with just 3 simple ingredients—no ice cream maker required! Frozen bananas, cocoa powder, and nut butter blend into a silky-smooth texture.For the creamiest ice cream, use a high-speed blender and let the bananas sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before blending.
4frozen bananas(about 2 1/2 cups of sliced banana)
1/4cupcocoa powder
2Tablespoonsnut butterany kind (I used cashew butter)
1/4cupalmond milkonly if using food processor (see notes)
Chocolate chipsto taste (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Set frozen bananas out for 5 minutes to thaw slightly. Place them in a high-speed blender (preferably a Vitamix) with nut butter and cocoa powder. Blend on medium sped then turn the blender up to the highest setting and continue to blend until it reaches a smooth consistency, 1-2 minutes. The Vitamix has an internal fan that switches on at the highest setting, so turn it all the way up.
If using, add the chocolate chips and stir with a rubber spatula.
Enjoy the ice cream immediately for a soft-serve consistency or transfer to a bread pan to freeze for one hour for a more scoopable ice cream.
Notes
Food Processor. A food processor isn't as strong as a high speed blender, so add 1/4 cup of milk of your choice to help it come together. Ninja Creami. Blend together 4 bananas (not frozen), 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 cup of milk, and 2 tbsp nut butter until smooth. Add other mix-ins like protein powder if desired. Pour it into the ninja creami container and freeze for at least 12 hours (ideally 24). Use the 'lite ice cream' button when you're ready to serve. Add a splash of milk and blend again if the mixture is crumbly.Pre-Bought Frozen Banana. Buy pre-frozen banana chunks. You'll need 2 1/2 cups of frozen banana.Frozen Banana. The bananas must be frozen to achieve the rich and creamy soft serve consistency. I recommend slicing the banana into rounds and freezing them on a sheet pan.To Store. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw slightly before serving.