This is a variation of our banana nice cream base recipe. Strawberry nice cream is a perfect lightened-up dessert when you get a craving for something cold, creamy, and sweet.
Must Know Culinary Skills
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Culinary Tips for the Best Strawberry Nice Cream
Do NOT freeze bananas with the peel on!!! They are a nightmare to unpeel once frozen. To freeze bananas, peel, slice or break 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 strawberries.
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: The bananas are the key to creaminess, so we would not recommend leaving them out! If you want to cut back on the amount, substitute one banana with more strawberries.
- Frozen Strawberries: substitute any other frozen fruit!
- 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.
- Natural Liquid Sweetener: use honey, agave, or maple syrup.
- Vanilla Extract: substitute almond extract, starting with ⅛ teaspoon and tasting before adding more.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: substitute full size chocolate chips or chunks or chocolate shavings.
Recipe Variations
Add any other ingredients to change the flavor and texture. Toasted sliced almonds 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 these delicious variations!
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 a Healthy Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe?
Strawberry nice cream is certainly a more nutrient-dense alternative than traditional ice cream! The featured ingredients in this nice cream recipe are bananas, strawberries, milk/milk alternative, 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.
Strawberries
Strawberries are rich in Vitamin C, fiber, and phytonutrients. These nutrients promote a healthy body and can help prevent chronic diseases.
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!
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!
Strawberry Banana Nice Cream Serving Suggestions
Strawberry 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.
Strawberry Nice Cream Storage Tips
Keep leftover 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
Strawberry Nice Cream with Chocolate Chips
Ingredients
- 2 extra ripe bananas, peels removed, quartered, frozen
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- ¼ cup milk or milk alternative
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Place frozen bananas, strawberries, milk, and optional sweetener in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth, using a spatula to scrape down the sides as necessary.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Serve as is or freeze for 1 hour for a firmer texture. Enjoy!
Notes
- Chocolate shavings
- Chocolate chips
- Toasted nuts or seeds
- Dash spice
Nutrition
FAQ Questions:
Does strawberry nice cream taste like banana?
Banana provides the creamy base, but the strawberry flavor is usually the most noticeable. Using ripe bananas helps create sweetness without overpowering the strawberries.
Can I make nice cream without a high-powered blender?
Yes! A food processor, regular blender, immersion blender, or single-serve blender can work. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides a few times while blending.
