Save to Pinterest I discovered this trick by accident on a sweltering afternoon when my freezer was stuffed with bananas I'd meant to use for bread. Instead of letting them go to waste, I sliced them up, froze them, and tossed them into the blender with a splash of oat milk out of sheer curiosity. What came out was impossibly creamy—like soft-serve ice cream, but somehow better because it was just fruit. No eggs, no cream, no complicated churning. Just bananas doing what they do best.
The first time I made this for friends, I served it in regular bowls thinking they'd politely eat it. Instead, one of them asked for the recipe before finishing her scoop, which told me everything. What started as a way to rescue overripe fruit turned into the dessert I make when I want people to actually enjoy something simple and real.
Ingredients
- Ripe bananas (4): The more spotted the skin, the sweeter and creamier the result—brown speckles are your friend here, not a sign they've gone bad.
- Plant-based or dairy milk (2 tablespoons): Just enough to help the blender do its job and create that soft-serve texture; oat milk adds a subtle sweetness, while coconut brings richness.
Instructions
- Prep and arrange:
- Peel your bananas and slice them into coins about the thickness of your thumb. Lay them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet—this matters because they freeze faster when they're not touching.
- Freeze until solid:
- Slide the sheet into the freezer and leave it alone for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you can wait. You'll know they're ready when they're hard as hockey pucks.
- Blend to creamy magic:
- Dump the frozen banana coins into your blender or food processor, add the milk, and blend hard until the mixture shifts from chunky to smooth and cloud-like. Stop to scrape the sides if needed—patience here pays off.
- Serve fresh or freeze again:
- Eat it right away as soft-serve while it's still pillowy, or transfer it to a container and freeze for another hour if you prefer something scoopable.
Save to Pinterest I made this for my roommate at midnight after she'd had a rough day, and watching her face light up when she tasted it—pure banana flavor, nothing between her and the fruit—reminded me that the best comfort food is often the simplest. Sometimes dessert doesn't need to be complicated to feel like a small gift.
The Flavor Door Is Wide Open
Plain banana ice cream is wonderful on its own, but the moment you want to play, possibilities bloom. A teaspoon of vanilla extract adds warmth, while a pinch of cinnamon brings a gentle spice that makes the fruit taste deeper somehow. Frozen berries stirred in create ribbons of tartness that balance the sweetness, and a touch of cocoa powder transforms it into something almost fudgy. I've found that less is usually more—you're adding to banana, not masking it.
Toppings That Matter
The beauty of this ice cream is that it's clean enough to stand alone, but it also plays nicely with others. Granola adds crunch and a toasted flavor that contrasts the cool creaminess, while a drizzle of nut butter brings richness and depth. Even something as simple as a handful of chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt can turn it into something that feels almost luxe. The toppings are where you make it yours.
Why This Became a Staple
After that first accidental batch, I started freezing bananas deliberately, always having them on hand for moments when I wanted something sweet but real. It became my answer to late-night cravings, quick desserts for drop-in guests, and proof that you don't need a list of ingredients longer than your hand to make something genuinely delicious.
- Save your overripe bananas instead of tossing them—peel, slice, freeze in one layer, then bag them for anytime use.
- If your blender protests, let the frozen bananas sit out for 3 minutes to soften just slightly.
- This keeps frozen in a sealed container for weeks, so you can always have ice cream waiting.
Save to Pinterest This recipe proved to me that some of the most satisfying things we eat don't come from complexity but from knowing what a single ingredient can do. That's a lesson worth keeping close.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of milk works best?
Plant-based milks like almond, oat, or coconut blend smoothly, but dairy milk can also be used for creaminess.
- → Can I add flavorings to the mixture?
Yes, vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or frozen berries can be added before blending for extra flavor.
- → How long should I freeze the banana slices?
Freeze banana slices for at least 2 hours until completely solid for the best texture.
- → What texture can I expect from this treat?
Blending frozen bananas with milk creates a creamy texture similar to soft-serve; freezing longer yields a firmer consistency.
- → Are there any suggested toppings?
Chopped nuts, granola, or chocolate chips add delightful crunch and extra flavor.
- → Can overripe bananas be used?
Yes, slightly overripe bananas produce a sweeter and creamier result.