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How to Make Banana Swirl Frozen Treat (Nice Cream)

A banana swirl, also known as nice cream, gives you all the satisfaction of ice cream but removes the guilt. Win! Make this banana swirl frozen treat and feel good about serving it to your family. It’s loaded natural ingredients, and you can also customize it with flavors you enjoy.

bowl of banana swirl

I placed a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for your convenience.

Nice Cream

This is such an easy recipe you’ll want to make it often. It’s one of our favorite treats during the warmer summer months. However, I’ve been known to enjoy it year round.

Ingredients

You don’t need many ingredients to make this delicious frozen banana swirl. Since the basic ingredients are all plant based, this is a vegan treat as long as you don’t add any animal based products.

ripe bananas

Here is what you’ll need:

  • 3 frozen ripe bananas (peeled and sliced)
  • 2 tablespoons almond milk (or your favorite nut milk)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
almond milk
vanilla extract

If you want different flavors, try adding some mix-ins or toppings. Here are some good ones:

  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Chocolate syrup
  • Caramel sauce
  • Chopped pecans (or any of your favorite nuts)
  • Chocolate chips 
  • Peanut butter chips
  • Sprinkles
  • Crushed candy bars
  • Whipped cream (regular or vegan)

If you have other topping ideas, feel free to give them a try. Please keep in mind that the nutritional value is based on the ingredients. So if you’re trying to limit sugar, you want to avoid adding candy or anything else with a high sugar content.

How to Make Banana Swirl

The longest part of making this treat is the first step of freezing the bananas. One thing you can do is keep a stash of ripe bananas in your freezer for times when you want to make this. If you haven’t already frozen the bananas, slice them and place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. In order to prevent them from sticking, line the pan with parchment paper.

frozen sliced bananas

Freeze them for at least 2 hours, longer if possible. They need to be completely frozen in order to have the consistency of ice cream. After the bananas are frozen, put them in your food processor. Scatter them around evenly to help reach the smooth texture you’ll want.

bananas in food processor

If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a blender instead. Just make sure you have a long spoon to scrap the ingredients from the bottom of the blender bowl. Next, pour the almond milk and vanilla into the food processor. Blend for about 30 seconds and then scrape down the inside. Keep blending and scraping the sides of the food processor until you have the smooth and creamy consistency you want.

The mixture will be very soft and maybe even a little soupy. That’s why the final step in the process is important. The next step is to transfer to a freezer safe container. If you want additional items mixed in, fold them in now. Or you can wait and top each person’s with what they want. Finally, place the mixture in your freezer for at least an hour. It will become firmer as it freezes.

bowl of banana swirl with a strawberry

Additional Tips

If it’s difficult to scoop, place the container on the countertop and let it soften just a little bit. But not too much, or you’ll have to stick it back in the freezer. As you can see, it takes time to make this delicious treat. But I believe that the final outcome makes the process worth it.

Frozen Gluten-Free Sweet Treats

I love the fact that this is another gluten free dessert that I can enjoy. I’ve taken the standard banana swirl recipe and tweaked it a bit to suit my family’s taste buds. Please feel free to tweak it to make it your own. This is such an easy recipe that you can make it as often as you want and without too much effort.

Any time I have people over for a homemade frozen treat, I like to give them options. In addition to this banana swirl, I might offer either this yummy strawberry ice cream or this refreshing and fun mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Common Questions About Frozen Bananas and Banana Swirl

If you’ve never used frozen bananas before, you may have some questions. Here are some of the most common things you may want to know.

How long Will Banana Swirl Last in the Freezer?

If you keep it in an airtight container, it should last up to 6 months, but you need to take some precautions. As I use it, I like to cover the top of the frozen concoction with plastic wrap before putting the lid back on the container. That prevents ice crystals from forming on the top of it, and it helps keep it from developing freezer burn.

Is It Safe for People who are Lactose Intolerant?

Banana swirl doesn’t have any dairy in it. So yes, it absolutely is safe for those who can’t tolerate lactose.

Is Banana Swirl Vegan?

The way I make banana swirl, it is vegan. All of the ingredients are plant based, unless you choose to add dairy.

Will Frozen Bananas Turn Brown?

Yes, frozen bananas can turn brown over time, just like fresh bananas. This is because bananas contain an enzyme that reacts with oxygen in the air and causes the flesh of the banana to turn brown. Freezing typically slows down this process, but it does not completely stop it. Over time, the bananas may still turn brown in the freezer.

To help prevent frozen bananas from turning brown, dip them in lemon juice or lime juice before freezing. This can help to slow down the enzymatic browning process. Also, storing the bananas in an airtight container or freezer bag can also help to reduce their exposure to oxygen and slow down the browning process.

Is it Healthy to Eat Frozen Bananas?

Yes, even frozen, bananas are loaded with lots of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, bananas are a great source of B6, magnesium, and potassium. Overall, as long as you don’t have any specific health concerns that would make eating frozen bananas inadvisable, they can be a healthy and enjoyable snack option.

bowl of banana swirl and a banana

More Refreshing Treats

Here are some more delicious treats:

Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream – If you enjoy a cold version of some of your favorite fall flavors, this is one you’ll love!

bowl of cinnamon pecan ice cream

Creamy Orange Smoothie – Reminiscent of the old-school Creamsicle, the flavor of this smoothie can’t be beat!

Orange smoothie with a slice of orange

Frozen Coffee Smoothie – When you’re in a hurry to get out the door in the morning, whip up one of these satisfying and delicious coffee smoothies and take it with you.

Coffee Smoothie with a Cherry

Easy but Tasty Dessert

I love the fact that this sweet treat is so easy to make, but it satisfie my dessert cravings in such a good way. The only problem is knowing when to stop, a difficult thing to do since it is absolutely delicious!

Yield: 4 servings

Frozen Banana Swirl

bowl of frozen banana swirl

This delicious frozen banana swirl is refreshing and nutritious!

Prep Time 2 hours
Additional Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 frozen ripe peeled and sliced bananas
  • 2 tablespoons almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. If you haven’t already frozen the peeled and sliced bananas, do it now. It takes at least a couple of hours for them to freeze. Before putting them in the freezer, place them on a parchment lined baking sheet in a single layer to make them freeze quickly.
  2. Put the bananas, almond milk, and vanilla extract in either a food processor or blender. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You’ll probably need to stop the process halfway through in order to scrape down the sides of the food processor.
  3. Pour the mixture into an airtight, freezer safe container. If you want to mix any additional ingredients, fold them into the mixture now.
  4. Put the lid on the container and place in the freezer for at least 1/2 hour. The mixture needs to be firm but easy to scoop.
  5. Enjoy as is or add your favorite toppings.

Notes

If you want to double or triple this recipe, just double or triple the amount of all of the ingredients. 

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 31Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 1mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 1gSugar 4gProtein 0g

The nutrition information is a product of online calculators. I try to provide true and accurate information, but these numbers are estimates.

Did you make this recipe?

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