By Karyl Laeving. Updated January 3, 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from 107 votes
This 3 Ingredient Banana Peanut Butter Ice Cream is thick, creamy, naturally sweet, and made entirely in a blender. No sugar, no dairy required, no ice cream maker, and ready in minutes using frozen bananas and peanut butter.
Print
3 Ingredient Banana Peanut Butter Ice Cream (Healthy & Creamy)
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
Description
This 3 Ingredient Banana Peanut Butter Ice Cream is thick, creamy, naturally sweet, and made in minutes with frozen bananas, peanut butter, and a splash of milk. No ice cream maker needed. Serve soft-serve style or freeze for scoopable scoops.
Ingredients
3 medium very ripe bananas, peeled, sliced, and frozen (about 360 g)
1/4 cup natural peanut butter (64 g)
2 to 4 tablespoons milk of choice (30 to 60 ml)
Instructions
1. Freeze banana slices until solid, at least 2 hours or overnight
2. Add frozen bananas to a food processor or high speed blender
3. Add peanut butter and 2 tablespoons milk
4. Blend in short bursts, stopping to scrape down the sides often
5. Add remaining milk 1 tablespoon at a time only as needed until thick and creamy
6. Serve immediately for soft serve texture or transfer to a container and freeze 1 to 2 hours for scoopable ice cream
Notes
Best texture: A food processor makes the thickest, creamiest result, but a strong blender works too
Milk control: Start with less milk for a thicker soft serve, add gradually to avoid turning it into a smoothie
Peanut butter: Natural peanut butter (peanuts + salt) gives the smoothest texture and bold flavor
Storage: Freeze leftovers in an airtight container up to 1 week; let sit 10 minutes before scooping
Optional add ins: 1 teaspoon vanilla, a pinch of salt, or 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (adds a 4th ingredient)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blender
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
About This Recipe
What It Is
This recipe is a classic healthy nice cream made with frozen bananas as the base, creamy peanut butter for richness, and a splash of milk to blend everything into a smooth frozen dessert. It tastes indulgent but is made with whole foods only.
Why It Works
Frozen bananas create a naturally creamy texture when blended. Peanut butter adds fat and body, which mimics traditional ice cream mouthfeel. A small amount of milk helps the blades move without watering down the flavor.
When to Make It
This recipe is perfect for summer, late-night cravings, after-school snacks, post-workout desserts, or anytime you want ice cream without turning on the oven or buying store-bought tubs.
Why You’ll Love It
- Made with only 3 simple ingredients
- Naturally sweet with no added sugar
- Dairy-free and vegan friendly
- Ready in under 5 minutes
- Kid-approved and freezer friendly
Key Ingredients & Notes
Bananas
Use very ripe bananas with brown spots. Riper bananas are sweeter and blend smoother. Peel, slice, and freeze solid before blending.
Peanut Butter
Choose natural peanut butter with peanuts and salt only. This gives the best flavor and creamy texture. Almond butter or sunflower seed butter work as substitutes.
Milk
Use just enough milk to help the blender move. Almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or dairy milk all work well.
Ingredient science tip: Bananas contain natural starches that emulsify when frozen and blended, creating a creamy structure similar to churned ice cream. According to Healthline, bananas also provide potassium and fiber which makes this dessert more satisfying.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Banana Peanut Butter Ice Cream
- Peel and slice 3 ripe bananas and freeze until solid, at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Add frozen banana slices to a high-speed blender or food processor.
- Add ¼ cup (64 g) natural peanut butter.
- Add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk to start.
- Blend on low, stopping frequently to scrape down the sides.
- Add more milk 1 tablespoon at a time until the mixture becomes thick and creamy.
- Serve immediately for soft-serve texture or freeze for a firmer scoop.
Visual cue: The ice cream is ready when it looks glossy, smooth, and forms thick ribbons in the blender.
Pro Tips for Success
- Always freeze bananas in slices for easier blending
- Use a tamper or pause to scrape often
- Do not over-blend or the mixture will melt
- Start with less milk and add slowly
- A food processor works best for ultra-thick texture
- Freeze leftovers in a shallow container for even freezing
Variations & Substitutions
- Chocolate: Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- Protein boost: Blend in Greek yogurt or plant protein powder
- Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter
- Chunky: Stir in chocolate chips or chopped peanuts after blending
- Swirl: Add a spoon of melted dark chocolate before freezing
For another frozen treat, try this High Protein Chocolate Yogurt Ice Cream (No Churn!) from Flavor & Recipes for a creamy alternative.
Serving & Storage
Serving
Serve immediately like soft serve or scoop after freezing 1 to 2 hours. Add sliced bananas, berries, or crushed nuts.
Storage
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Reheating
Let frozen ice cream sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before scooping.
Freezing Tip
Press parchment paper directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals.
FAQs
Can I make this without a blender?
A food processor works best. A regular blender may struggle unless you add more liquid.
Does it taste like bananas?
Yes, but peanut butter balances the flavor and gives it a rich, ice cream-like taste.
Can I refreeze leftovers?
Yes. Let it soften slightly before serving again.
Is this safe for kids?
Yes. It contains no raw eggs, alcohol, or refined sugar.
Can I add sweetener?
Usually not needed, but a teaspoon of maple syrup can be added if bananas are not ripe.
Conclusion
This 3 Ingredient Banana Peanut Butter Ice Cream proves that healthy desserts do not have to be complicated, expensive, or boring. With nothing more than frozen bananas, creamy peanut butter, and a splash of milk, you get a rich, scoopable ice cream that satisfies cravings without added sugar or artificial ingredients.
It is the kind of recipe you will make once and then memorize. It works for busy weeknights, hot summer afternoons, after-school snacks, and late-night sweet tooth moments. No ice cream maker. No cooking. No cleanup headache. Just real ingredients and real flavor.
If you try this recipe, I would love to hear how you served it. Leave a rating below, share your favorite toppings in the comments, or tag your photos so others can see your creamy creations. Recipes like this get better when shared.
For more easy, healthy frozen treats and no-bake desserts, make sure to subscribe to the Flavor & Recipes newsletter so you never miss what’s coming next.
Creamy, simple, and endlessly repeatable. This one belongs on permanent rotation.
