By Karyl Laeving. Updated December 15, 2025. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from 412 votes.
This 3 Ingredient Banana Nice Cream is the strongest, simplest, and creamiest way to make dairy-free ice cream at home using only ripe bananas, plant milk, and vanilla. It blends into a silky soft serve with zero added sugar and no ice cream maker, making it a go-to healthy dessert you will crave year-round.
Table of Contents
3 Ingredient Banana Nice Cream (Creamy & Dairy-Free)
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 3 servings 1x
Description
This 3 Ingredient Banana Nice Cream is a creamy, dairy-free frozen dessert made in minutes with frozen ripe bananas, a splash of plant milk, and vanilla. No added sugar, no ice cream maker, just smooth soft-serve texture you can scoop or swirl.
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas, peeled, sliced, and frozen solid (about 360 g)
2 to 4 tablespoons unsweetened plant milk, as needed (30 to 60 ml)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (2.5 ml)
Instructions
1. Freeze bananas: Peel and slice bananas into 1 inch pieces. Freeze on a tray until solid, at least 2 hours.
2. Add to blender: Add frozen banana pieces to a high-speed blender or food processor.
3. Blend and scrape: Blend on low, stopping often to scrape down the sides. It will look crumbly first.
4. Add plant milk slowly: Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) plant milk at a time, blending between additions, until thick, creamy, and smooth.
5. Add vanilla: Blend in vanilla just until combined.
6. Serve: Enjoy immediately as soft serve, or freeze 20 to 30 minutes for firmer scoops.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for best sweetness and creamy texture.
Start with the smallest amount of milk to keep the texture thick. Too much liquid turns it into a smoothie.
If your blender struggles, let the frozen bananas sit 2 minutes, then blend again.
For scoopable texture later, freeze in a shallow container and let it soften 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Healthy Desserts
- Method: Blender or Food Processor
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
About This Recipe
What It Is
3 Ingredient Banana Nice Cream is a naturally sweet frozen dessert made by blending frozen ripe bananas into a smooth, ice-cream-like texture. With just one supporting liquid and a touch of vanilla, bananas transform into a creamy, scoopable treat that rivals traditional ice cream.
Why It Works
Bananas are rich in natural sugars and pectin, which break down into a smooth, custard-like texture when blended from frozen. Adding a small amount of plant milk helps the blades move without melting the mixture, while vanilla enhances the banana flavor without overpowering it.
When to Make It
This recipe is perfect for hot summer days, after-school treats, late-night cravings, post-workout desserts, or anytime you want something sweet that feels indulgent but stays wholesome.
Why You Will Love It
- Uses only 3 simple ingredients
- Naturally sweet with no added sugar
- Completely dairy-free and vegan
- Ready in minutes with a blender
- Kid-friendly, allergy-aware, and endlessly customizable
Key Ingredients & Notes
Ripe Bananas
Use bananas with plenty of brown spots. Overripe bananas are essential for sweetness and creamy texture. Once peeled and frozen, they become the base of the nicest nice cream.
Measurement: 3 medium bananas, about 360 g peeled
Unsweetened Plant Milk
Almond milk, oat milk, or light coconut milk all work beautifully. Start small to keep the mixture thick.
Measurement: 2 to 4 tablespoons, 30 to 60 ml
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla adds warmth and depth without masking the banana flavor.
Measurement: 1/2 teaspoon, 2.5 ml
Ingredient science note: According to Healthline, bananas are rich in soluble fiber and natural carbohydrates that support steady energy and satiety, which makes this dessert both satisfying and nourishing.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Banana Nice Cream
- Freeze the bananas
Peel ripe bananas and slice into 1 inch pieces. Freeze on a lined tray for at least 2 hours or overnight until solid. - Add to blender
Place frozen banana slices into a high-speed blender or food processor. - Begin blending
Blend on low speed, stopping frequently to scrape down the sides. The mixture will look crumbly at first. - Add plant milk gradually
Add 1 tablespoon of plant milk at a time. Blend between additions until the mixture turns smooth and creamy. - Blend in vanilla
Add vanilla extract and blend just until incorporated. - Serve or set
Serve immediately for soft-serve texture or freeze for 20 to 30 minutes for scoopable firmness.
Visual cues: The final texture should be thick, glossy, and smooth with no icy chunks. The blender should sound steady, not strained.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use fully frozen bananas for best texture.
- Add liquid slowly to avoid a smoothie consistency.
- Stop and scrape often to ensure even blending.
- If your blender struggles, let bananas sit for 2 minutes before blending.
- Coconut milk adds richness without overpowering banana flavor.
- For firmer scoops, freeze in a shallow container and stir once halfway.
- Serve immediately for the creamiest mouthfeel.
Variations & Substitutions
Chocolate Banana Nice Cream
Add 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder. King Arthur Baking explains that cocoa blooms better when blended thoroughly, creating deeper chocolate flavor.
Strawberry Banana
Add 1/2 cup frozen strawberries, about 75 g, for a fruity swirl.
Peanut Butter Banana
Blend in 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter for extra protein and richness.
Nut-Free Option
Use oat milk or rice milk instead of nut-based milks.
Tropical Twist
Add frozen mango or pineapple for a summer-ready flavor.
If you love simple frozen treats, you will also enjoy 3 Ingredient Mango Ice Cream (No Churn!) or 3 Ingredient Yogurt Berry Bark (Healthy Frozen Treat) from the Trending Now section on FlavorAndRecipes.com.
Serving & Storage
Serving
Serve in chilled bowls or cones. Top with fresh berries, coconut flakes, or a drizzle of almond butter.
Refrigeration
Not recommended. This recipe is best frozen.
Freezing
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Press parchment paper against the surface to prevent ice crystals.
Reheating
Let sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping.
Shelf Life
Best texture within the first 48 hours.
For more no-bake inspiration, explore No-Bake Frozen Yogurt Sandwich Bites (3 Ingredients!), another Trending Now favorite.
FAQs
Can I make banana nice cream without a high-speed blender?
Yes, but you will need patience. A food processor works well. Blend in short bursts and scrape often.
Why is my nice cream icy?
Too much liquid or under-ripe bananas can cause iciness. Use minimal milk and very ripe bananas.
Can I refreeze leftovers?
Yes. Let it soften before serving and stir briefly to restore creaminess.
Is banana nice cream healthy?
Yes. It contains only fruit and plant milk, with fiber, potassium, and no added sugars. BBC Good Food highlights banana-based desserts as naturally sweet alternatives.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes. Add 1 tablespoon plant-based protein powder and a splash more milk if needed.
Conclusion
This 3 Ingredient Banana Nice Cream proves that the best desserts are often the simplest. Creamy, dairy-free, and naturally sweet, it is a recipe you will return to again and again. If you make it, leave a rating, drop a comment, and share your bowl. Sign up for the Flavor & Recipes newsletter for more Trending Now healthy treats.
