If you’re craving a creamy, delicious frozen treat that’s both healthy and indulgent, look no further than Nice Cream. This whole food, plant-based ice cream is a game-changer for dessert lovers who want to enjoy a guilt-free sweet treat. Made primarily from frozen bananas, Nice Cream is naturally sweet, dairy-free, and endlessly customizable. While I didn’t invent this delightful recipe, it’s the foundation for countless plant-based desserts and the inspiration behind my creamier vegan milkshake recipe. In this post, we’ll explore what makes Nice Cream so special, how to make it, and why it’s a must-try for anyone seeking a healthier dessert option.
What is Nice Cream?
Nice Cream is a vegan, whole food dessert made by blending frozen bananas into a creamy, ice cream-like consistency. Unlike traditional ice cream, which is often loaded with dairy, sugar, and artificial ingredients, Nice Cream relies on the natural sweetness and creamy texture of bananas. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, making it perfect for those following a plant-based diet or anyone looking to enjoy a lighter dessert.
The beauty of Nice Cream lies in its simplicity and versatility. With just a few ingredients, you can create a variety of flavors, from classic vanilla to decadent chocolate or fruity strawberry. It’s a wholesome treat that’s as nutritious as it is delicious, packed with fiber, potassium, and vitamins.
Why Choose Nice Cream?
Here are just a few reasons why Nice Cream is the ultimate plant-based dessert:
- Healthy and Whole Food-Based: Made from whole, unprocessed ingredients like bananas, Nice Cream is a nutrient-dense alternative to traditional ice cream.
- Customizable: Add your favorite fruits, nuts, or plant-based milk to create endless flavor combinations.
- Quick and Easy: With just a blender or food processor, you can whip up Nice Cream in minutes.
- Kid-Friendly: Its naturally sweet flavor makes it a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Budget-Friendly: Bananas are affordable and widely available, making Nice Cream a cost-effective dessert option.
Tips for the Perfect Nice Cream
Store Properly: If not eating immediately, store Nice Cream in an airtight container in the freezer. Let it soften for 5–10 minutes before scooping.
Use a High-Speed Blender: A powerful blender or food processor ensures a smooth, creamy texture without chunks. I recommend Vitamix blenders and personally use the Ascent series, seen here.
Don’t Overdo the Liquid: Add plant-based milk sparingly to avoid a runny consistency.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Try topping your Nice Cream with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or fresh fruit for extra texture and flavor.
Use ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor. The riper the banana, the sweeter your Nice Cream will be!
Vegan WFPB Nice Cream
Equipment
- High Speed Blender recommended
Ingredients
- 2 extra ripe bananas frozen
- splash vegan milk (I recommend a creamy plant milk like Almond, Cashew or Coconut)
- + Flavour Variation Option(s) see below
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a blender and process until creamy and smooth. Garnish as desired. Serve and enjoy immediately.
Notes
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- Classic Vanilla ½ tsp Vanilla extract
- Strawberry1/2 cup chopped, frozen strawberries
- Chocolate 1 tbsp Dutch cocoa powder
- Mocha 1 tbsp Dutch cocoa powder + 2 tsp instant coffee or espresso powder
- Chocolate Caramel 1 tbsp Dutch cocoa powder + 3 deglet dates
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- Pina Colada *use canned coconut milk or cream (best option) in lieu of any other milk options in base recipe. Add a 1/4 cup per serving of chopped, frozen pineapple with ingredients to blender. You can also add in coconut flakes to your Nice Cream after blending for a tropical touch.
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[…] That brown, spotty banana is pure gold for baking. Blend it into pancake batter for natural sweetness, or mash into muffins and quick breads. Overripe bananas also freeze well — just toss them in a bag (but please, remember to remove the peels) for smoothies or, my favourite, Nice cream. […]