Banana Ice Cream: The Best Choice for Hot Summer Days
Eating ice cream on hot summer days is very enjoyable, but if you use bananas in it, you’ll find that the ice cream not only tastes better but also is more nutritious. This means your body will get vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Also, if the bananas are ripe, you’ll need less sugar when making the ice cream.
Don’t forget these key features of homemade banana ice cream:
- The color of the ice cream is natural, without artificial colors or preservatives.
- You can use plant-based milk in its preparation, which helps reduce issues like lactose intolerance.
- It is a good option for people of all ages, especially for those who need to limit their intake of sugary foods.
Ingredients for Homemade Banana Ice Cream
Below are the ingredients needed to prepare banana ice cream for 4 people.
- Ripe bananas: 4
- Low-fat milk: 1 cup
- Greek yogurt: ½ cup (optional)
- Honey: 2 to 3 tablespoons
- Natural vanilla: 1 teaspoon
- Sea salt: a pinch (optional)
It’s important to choose low-fat or plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk to control calorie intake. Additionally, vegetarians may prefer this type of ice cream. We recommend Greek yogurt, which can make the final texture slightly thicker. Adding sea salt can also enhance the flavor of the ice cream.
Equipment Needed for Making Homemade Banana Ice Cream
To prepare high-quality banana ice cream at home, you shouldn’t forget tobuy an ice cream makerWith this machine and other necessary tools, you can make the ice cream process much easier. You will also need a blender or food processor, a sharp knife for cutting bananas, suitable containers for storing the ice cream, and finally, an ice cream scoop or spoon for serving your homemade banana ice cream.
Steps to Prepare Banana Ice Cream with an Ice Cream Maker
Now, let’s follow the steps to make healthy banana ice cream at home using an ice cream maker.
1- Prepare the Bananas
First, peel the bananas completely and cut them into slices about 2 to 3 centimeters thick using a fruit knife. Since the bananas used are ripe, it’s recommended to remove any dark or mushy parts. Then, place the banana pieces in a container with a lid and a ziplock bag, and store them in the fridge for 3 to 4 hours.
2- Prepare the Ice Cream Base
Next, blend the frozen bananas with other ingredients including milk, honey, vanilla, salt, and if desired, Greek yogurt, using a high-quality blender such asPhilips blenderBlend everything thoroughly at medium speed until the mixture is smooth and thick. This mixture is your ice cream base and should have the consistency of a smoothie to ensure a soft and creamy texture.
3- Make the Ice Cream with the Ice Cream Maker
Now, transfer the mixture to your ice cream maker. Let it chill for 20 to 30 minutes until the texture gently and completely freezes. Be sure the ice cream is soft and creamy after freezing.
Important note: Before using the ice cream maker, carefully read the user manual to learn how to operate it properly according to your model. For example, some machines require pre-freezing the bowl or keeping the ice cream base chilled before churning.
4- Transfer the Ice Cream to the Freezer
After removing the ice cream from the machine, place it in designated containers and put them in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours until fully firm.
Two important points for making homemade ice cream
You can add other foods besides bananas to improve the flavor and color of the ice cream. For example, you can replace bananas with mango to make mango ice cream, or add chocolate chips or dark chocolate pieces. Cinnamon or cardamom can give a different taste to your banana ice cream. Also, adding nuts like walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, or chopped almonds can create a tasty flavor similar to delicious smoothies. Moreover, adding other fruits like strawberries, mangoes, or avocados is possible.Pay attention to your dietary restrictions. If you are vegan, you can omit Greek yogurt from the recipe and use plant-based milk instead. Also, without Greek yogurt, you’ll need to blend the ice cream base longer to get a smooth and cohesive texture.Another point is the storage time of homemade ice cream. It can be kept in an airtight container in the freezer for 7 to 10 days without losing its flavor.
Summary
To enjoy the coolest and tastiest treats during hot summer days, we recommend following this healthy banana ice cream recipe made at home. Besides the ingredients, you’ll need an ice cream maker, which is best to buy from reputable stores.
Making Ice Cream
How to Make Healthy Banana Ice Cream with an Ice Cream Maker
