This is a variation of our banana nice cream base recipe. Peanut butter banana nice cream is a perfect lightened-up dessert when you get a craving for something cold, creamy, and sweet. The peanut butter adds healthy plant-based protein and fat while still providing an indulgent taste!
Culinary Tips for the Best Nice Cream
Do NOT freeze bananas with the peel on!!! They are a nightmare to unpeel once frozen. To freeze bananas, peel, slice into quarters, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 1 hour before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Although you can freeze bananas whole, they will freeze faster and blend easier if broken into smaller pieces.
If your nice cream is too thick after blending, add more liquid. If it is too thin, add more frozen banana.
Don’t be deterred if the nice cream does not quickly turn creamy when blending. Use a spatula to scrape the sides, and continue to blend. It will get there!
Ingredient Substitutions
- Frozen Banana: substitute half of one banana with any frozen fruit. We don’t recommend pineapple or mango in this recipe, as they don’t complement the peanut butter flavor well.
- Milk/Milk Alternative: use cow’s milk, a non-dairy alternative, or canned coconut milk. Note that different milks will yield slightly different tastes and textures. Choose unsweetened varieties and those with as few additives as possible for best nutrition.
- Peanut Butter: substitute any other nut or seed butter – almond, cashew, sunflower, etc.
Recipe Variations
Add any other ingredients to change the flavor and texture. A dash of cinnamon, a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips, toasted chopped nuts and/or toasted coconut would be delicious additions!
Want more nice cream inspiration?
Use our banana nice cream base recipe as a guide, or try out this tasty variation!
Which Blender is Best for Nice Cream?
Any blender will work! While a Vitamix probably makes the creamiest ice cream, any full-size blender, single-serve blender, immersion blender, or even a food processor will do the job. If your appliance has a difficult time blending all of the ingredients, use a silicone spatula to scrape down the sides between blending, or double the recipe to increase the blender volume.
Is this Healthy Banana and Peanut Butter Ice Cream?
Peanut butter banana nice cream is certainly a more nutrient-dense alternative than traditional ice cream! The featured ingredients in this nice cream recipe are bananas, milk/milk alternative, peanut butter, and less added sugar than store bought ice cream.
Banana
Bananas contain fiber and potassium. The natural sugar in bananas (and all fruit) does not count against your daily sugar budget. Aim to include fruit in all of your meals so that you fill up on beneficial vitamins, minerals, fiber, water, and phytonutrients.
Milk or Milk Alternative
Cow’s milk is rich in calcium, B vitamins, and protein. Dairy-free alternatives provide different benefits depending on which kind you choose. There are now options available made from pea protein, bananas, oats, flaxseeds, hemp seeds, macadamia nuts, pecans, cashews, coconuts, and of course the originals: rice, soy, and almond. Soy milk is the most nutritionally comparable to cow’s milk.
When choosing a milk alternative, try to limit added sugars, gums, and stabilizers. Some varieties, like cashew or oat milk are creamier, and therefore create a thicker ice cream.
Learn more about the different types of milk in this article!
Peanut Butter
Nut butters are a great source of plant-based protein and healthy fat. Peanuts are high in monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health.
Less Added Sugar
High added sugar consumption is not good for health, and in general, most Americans eat way too much. Men should aim to consume less than 9 teaspoons (~36 grams) of sugar per day, and women should aim to consume less than 6 teaspoons (~24 grams) of sugar per day.
By using frozen bananas that are extra ripe , this recipe is free of added sugars! If you choose to add the extra sweetener, each ½ cup serving contains only ½-1 teaspoon of added sugar; FAR less than a ½ cup of regular ice cream!
Peanut Butter Banana Nice Cream Serving Suggestions
Peanut butter banana nice cream makes for a perfect afternoon or evening treat. It’s also a great post-workout recovery snack because it contains muscle-restoring carbohydrates.
What about nice cream for breakfast? Sure! Because this recipe doesn’t contain excess sugar, it can definitely be included as part of a balanced breakfast! Serve alongside scrambled eggs, overnight oats, whole wheat pancakes, or avocado toast for a fun and flavorful meal.
Peanut Butter Nice Cream Storage Tips
Keep leftover peanut butter banana nice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month for best quality. Note that the nice cream will solidify after 4-6 hours in the freezer, so you may have to let it sit on the counter for ~15 minutes before serving to achieve desired consistency.
Want more delicious dessert recipes?
Try out these favorite base recipes, and as always, adjust to YOUR taste!
Dark Chocolate Covered Fruit Bites Base Recipe
Frozen Fruit Crisp Base Recipe
Dark Chocolate Covered Walnuts
Peanut Butter Nice Cream
Ingredients
- 2 extra ripe bananas, peels removed, quartered, frozen
- ¼ cup milk or milk alternative
- 2-3 Tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 Tablespoons mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Place frozen bananas, milk, and peanut butter in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth, using a spatula to scrape down the sides as necessary.
- Stir in mini chocolate chips.
- Serve as is or freeze for 1 hour for a firmer texture. Enjoy!
Notes
- Chocolate chips
- Crushed peanuts
- Dash cinnamon
Nutrition
FAQ Questions:
Can I make peanut butter nice cream without dairy?
Absolutely. This recipe is naturally dairy-free when made with a non-dairy milk alternative such as almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. Choose an unsweetened variety for the best flavor and nutrition.
Why isn't my nice cream creamy?
If your nice cream isn’t turning creamy, keep blending and stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor. Frozen bananas can take a few minutes to break down. Adding a splash of extra milk can also help create a smoother texture.
Can I use a different nut butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes. Almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or other nut and seed butters can be substituted for peanut butter. Each option will slightly change the flavor but will still create a creamy, delicious dessert.
How do I freeze bananas for nice cream?
Peel the bananas first, then cut them into smaller pieces before freezing. Spread the pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Avoid freezing bananas with the peel on, as they become difficult to peel once frozen.
This Post Has 2 Comments
This peanut butter nice cream is such a tasty and healthier twist on classic ice cream creamy, naturally sweetened with bananas, and perfect for a guilt-free dessert or snack!
We think so too!