This Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream is a simple, wholesome dessert that proves indulgence can be healthy.
Made with just two main ingredients—frozen bananas and all-natural peanut butter—it delivers a creamy, decadent texture without added sugar or dairy.
Bananas provide natural sweetness and are rich in potassium and dietary fiber, while peanut butter contributes plant-based protein and heart-healthy fats, creating a satisfying, nutrient-dense treat.
Optional vanilla and a pinch of salt enhance flavor depth, balancing the natural sweetness.
Quick to prepare and requiring no churning, this recipe is perfect for busy schedules, last-minute desserts, or healthy snack cravings.
It’s also versatile for meal prep: freeze in portions for a ready-to-eat, guilt-free treat anytime.
Whether served immediately as a soft-serve or chilled for a firmer scoop, this ice cream combines convenience, nutrition, and flavor in one effortless dish.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
High-Powered Food Processor
Essential for blending frozen bananas into a smooth, creamy ice cream base. Also perfect for making nut butters, sauces, and dips.
Ice Cream Scoop
Ensures even, perfectly portioned servings. Ideal for other desserts, cookie dough, or fruit sorbets.
Freezer-Safe Container
Keeps ice cream fresh and maintains texture while preventing freezer burn. Useful for storing leftovers, prepped meals, or frozen fruits.
Spatula
Scrapes down sides of the processor and folds ingredients evenly. A versatile tool for baking, mixing, and spreading.
Cutting Board & Knife
For slicing bananas quickly and uniformly to speed up blending. Also a staple for chopping fruits, nuts, and vegetables.
10-Minute Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream
Equipment
- 1 High-Powered Food Processor
- Ice Cream Scoop
- Freezer-Safe Container1 Spatula
- Cutting Board & Knife
Ingredients
- 3 frozen bananas about 12 ounces
- 3 tablespoons all-natural peanut butter 45 grams
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- Pinch of salt optional
Instructions
- Prepare Frozen Bananas: Begin by slicing the frozen bananas into small, even coins. This allows them to process more quickly and evenly, resulting in a smoother, creamier ice cream texture. Ensure the bananas are fully frozen for the best consistency, as partially thawed pieces can make the mixture runny.
- Combine Ingredients in Processor: Place the banana slices into a large food processor fitted with an “S” blade. Add the peanut butter, along with optional vanilla extract and a pinch of salt if desired. These additional ingredients enhance the flavor, creating a rich, nutty, and slightly sweet dessert base.
- Blend to Smooth Consistency: Process the mixture on high speed, pausing occasionally to scrape down the sides with a spatula. Continue blending until the bananas and peanut butter form a creamy, soft-serve-like texture, which typically takes 2–3 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add a small splash of water or plant-based milk to help blend.
- Taste and Adjust Flavor: Taste the ice cream base and adjust flavor if needed. You can add an extra pinch of salt or a few more drops of vanilla extract to balance sweetness and enhance richness. This step ensures the dessert is perfectly customized to your preference.
- Freeze or Serve Immediately: For a soft-serve style, serve immediately using an ice cream scoop. For a firmer texture, transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe airtight container and freeze for 1–2 hours until scoopable. Always allow the ice cream to thaw slightly for 5–10 minutes before serving for optimal texture.
Notes
- Use fully frozen bananas for the creamiest texture; partially thawed bananas can make the mixture runny.
- All-natural peanut butter is recommended to avoid added sugar or oils, but almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter can be used.
- Optional vanilla and a pinch of salt enhance flavor depth and balance sweetness.
- Serve immediately for soft-serve consistency or freeze 1–2 hours for firmer, scoopable ice cream.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.
- This recipe is naturally vegan, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Texture
The secret to this ice cream’s creamy texture lies in using fully frozen bananas and blending them thoroughly in a high-powered food processor.
Slice the bananas evenly before freezing to ensure consistent blending, and pulse the mixture to avoid over-processing the peanut butter.
A small splash of plant-based milk can be added if the mixture resists blending, but do so sparingly to maintain firmness.
Optional vanilla extract and salt intensify the flavors and create a more indulgent taste.
Using a sharp, well-maintained “S” blade allows the mixture to achieve a smooth, soft-serve consistency quickly, making this dessert both easy and professional in quality.
Serving Suggestions For Every Occasion
This Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream is incredibly versatile.
Serve immediately for a creamy, soft-serve dessert or freeze for firmer scoops.
Pair it with chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of almond butter for added indulgence.
It also works beautifully as a topping for vegan brownies, oatmeal, or pancakes.
For a fun twist, layer with granola and fruit in a parfait for a wholesome, satisfying snack.
Its naturally sweet and creamy texture makes it perfect for family treats, summer gatherings, or post-workout indulgence without guilt.
Storage Tips To Maintain Freshness
Store the ice cream in an airtight, freezer-safe container to preserve flavor and prevent ice crystals.
It can last up to two weeks in the freezer without significant changes in texture.
For easier scooping after freezing, allow the ice cream to thaw for 5–10 minutes at room temperature.
Avoid repeated thawing and refreezing, which can cause iciness.
Portioning the ice cream into single-serve containers is helpful for quick, ready-to-eat treats while keeping the bulk of the batch fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipe
1. Can I use other nut butters?
Yes! Almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter works perfectly, each giving a slightly different flavor profile while keeping the dessert creamy.
2. Can I make this recipe without a food processor?
A high-powered blender can substitute. You may need to scrape down the sides more frequently to achieve a smooth texture.
3. How can I make the ice cream firmer?
Transfer the blended mixture to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 1–2 hours. Let it thaw 5–10 minutes before scooping for optimal texture.
4. Is this recipe naturally sweetened?
Yes, the natural sweetness of ripe bananas eliminates the need for refined sugar, but optional add-ins like maple syrup can increase sweetness if desired.
5. Can I add mix-ins like chocolate or nuts?
Absolutely! Stir in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut after blending for added texture and flavor.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by detoxinista. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
