The next time your sweet tooth strikes, this 5-ingredient vegan chocolate ice cream is the perfect way to satisfy your craving!
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see full Disclaimer.
Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream
When it comes to desserts, I just love a bowl of ice cream. No fuss, no baking, no cooking on the stove… just scoop and indulge!
While I’m glad there are more vegan-friendly ice cream options at the store these days, I don’t love the price tag on these pints. Or the unnecessary additives and fillers. That’s why I prefer to make my vegan chocolate ice cream right at home!
You only need five ingredients, and the recipe is super clean. It also takes minutes to throw together. Just make sure to give the bananas enough time to freeze — after that, all you do is blend and serve.
Vegan ice cream made with bananas is sometimes called “nice cream,” and it’s becoming quite popular in the plant-based world. Once you try a bite, you’ll see why!
The combination of frozen bananas, almond milk, and almond butter give this vegan ice cream the most amazing creamy texture. Meanwhile, the chopped almonds and chocolate chips add a chocolatey-nutty flavor that is IRRESISTIBLE.
So, why not give your future self a little treat? Just throw some banana slices in the freezer, then you’ll have everything you need to make your chocolate nice cream later tonight!
How Long Do Bananas Take To Freeze?
I like to give bananas a good three hours to fully freeze. That way, the nice cream will have a lovely frozen texture similar to traditional ice cream.
I do recommend cutting the bananas into slices before sticking them in the freezer. If you freeze the banana whole, it won’t blend as easily when it comes time to make your ice cream.
Is Nice Cream Healthier Than Ice Cream?
First, let’s be clear that there are many different versions of “healthy.” I think everyone should be able to decide what’s best for their own body.
That being said, nice cream is becoming a popular ice cream alternative for a few good reasons. It’s gluten-free, it’s lower in calories and sugar, AND it’s dairy-free. Even if you aren’t following a plant-based lifestyle, those are some pretty great reasons to try nice cream!
Plus, I just love that this vegan chocolate ice cream recipe only has five ingredients. No fillers, no preservatives, just plant-based deliciousness.
Does Chocolate Nice Cream Taste Like Bananas?
Yes… but not nearly as much as I thought it would! The other ingredients balance the bananas really well.
I’m always a little cautious with recipes that include bananas. I’m sure we’ve all had the experience of ordering a smoothie with banana as one of the ingredients, only to receive a smoothie that tastes like one big banana.
Nice cream, on the other hand, has a subtle banana flavor without it being overwhelming. The fruit blends perfectly with the almond butter, almond milk, chopped almonds, and chocolate chips.
Additional Toppings For Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream
This dessert is so good, you can honestly eat it straight out of the blender. It certainly doesn’t need anything else.
That being said… isn’t it just so fun adding all your favorite toppings to a big bowl of ice cream?
I like to throw on more chopped almonds and vegan-friendly chocolate chips. Simple, easy, and I already have the ingredients out from making the ice cream.
But feel free to get crazy with it! Add some dairy-free whipped cream with a cherry on top for classic ice cream sundae vibes.
You could also use different chopped nuts if you prefer. Pecans and walnuts are always a great choice.
Or how about pretzels? Frozen berries? Shredded coconut? Crumbled Oreos? Or vegan chocolate sauce?
The only limit is your imagination.
How To Make Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream
Slice the bananas, then place in the freezer for about 3 hours.
Add the frozen banana slices, almond milk, almond butter, almonds, and chocolate chips to a blender or food processor.
Blend on high for 1 to 2 minutes, scraping the sides as needed.
Top with additional almonds and chocolate chips if desired and serve cold.
To store, place in an airtight glass container in the freezer. Before serving, allow to thaw for 20-30 minutes.
Other Vegan Recipes That You Might Enjoy
White Bean Cookies with Chocolate
Toasted Hazelnut Vegan Chocolate Dessert Cups
Vegan No Bake Mini Cheesecake Recipe
Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 overripe bananas frozen
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
- ½ cup almond butter
- ¼ cup chopped almonds
- ¼ cup chocolate chips vegan if required
Instructions
- Slice the bananas, then place in the freezer for about 3 hours.
- Add the frozen banana slices, almond milk, almond butter, almonds, and chocolate chips to a blender or food processor.
- Blend on high for 1 to 2 minutes, scraping the sides as needed.
- Top with additional almonds and chocolate chips if desired and serve cold.
- To store, place in an airtight glass container in the freezer. Before serving, allow to thaw for 20-30 minutes.
Nutrition
Trina Krug is a Holistic Nutritionist, Integrative Health Coach and host of the Carbless Conversations Podcast. With a Master’s Degree in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, her single mission in life is to facilitate self-healing in herself and those around her through awareness, lifestyle shifts and low-carb eating. As a current Doctor of Science student, she continues her studies in functional nutrition.