Frozen cherry nice cream is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional ice cream. It’s made with just a few simple ingredients – frozen bananas, cherries, and a touch of sweetness – and it’s completely dairy-free, vegan, and naturally sweetened. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make at home, so you can enjoy a refreshing treat anytime you want!
I remember the first time I made frozen cherry nice cream for my kids. They were skeptical at first, but one bite and they were hooked! It’s become a summertime staple in our house, and I love that it’s a treat I can feel good about giving them.
Gathering Your Ingredients and Tools
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s make sure you have everything you need:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups frozen cherries, pitted
- 2 ripe bananas, peeled, sliced, and frozen
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust to your desired sweetness)
Equipment:
- High-powered blender or food processor
- Spatula or spoon
- Airtight container for storing
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Frozen Cherry Nice Cream:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Ensure your bananas are sliced and frozen beforehand. Frozen cherries should be readily pitted.
- Blend the Base: In your blender or food processor, combine the frozen bananas and cherries.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the almond milk and vanilla extract.
- Sweeten (Optional): If you prefer a sweeter nice cream, add maple syrup or honey to your taste.
- Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid and blend the mixture until it reaches a creamy, ice cream-like consistency. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides a few times.
- Adjust Consistency: If the mixture seems too thick, add a little more almond milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired texture.
- Serve Immediately: For a soft-serve consistency, enjoy your frozen cherry nice cream right away.
- Freeze for Later (Optional): For a scoopable nice cream, transfer the mixture to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours.
Tips for Perfect Frozen Cherry Nice Cream:
- Ripe Bananas are Key: Make sure your bananas are very ripe, with brown spots on the peel, for the sweetest flavor and creamiest texture.
- Frozen Fruit is a Must: Using frozen fruit is essential for achieving the right consistency.
- Don’t Over-blend: Over-blending can sometimes cause the nice cream to become too soft.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with different toppings, such as fresh fruit, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of nut butter.