Last updated on March 15th, 2023
The classic combo of strawberries and bananas is all you need for this scrumptiously creamy frozen treat. Transform two simple ingredients into vegan nice cream that looks, tastes, and feels like traditional ice cream. Even better, strawberry banana nice cream is naturally sweet, so no need for added sugar. The ideal match-up of strawberries and bananas makes this a satisfying and healthy dessert.
Let me take you down
‘Cause I’m going to Strawberry Fields
Nothing is real
And nothing to get hung about
Strawberry Fields forever
“Strawberry Fields Forever”
—John Lennon
Tips
It’s easier to rough chop large strawberries first, and then arrange them in a single layer on a baking pan to freeze. Frozen strawberries are convenient, but be sure to rough chop large ones before adding to the food processor.
We’re so over freezing chunks of bananas. Instead of chopping bananas into one-inch pieces, break them in half or thirds, then pull apart lengthwise into strips. Sure, it seems a little…hmmm…fussy, but it’s the number one way to step up your nice cream game. Strips freeze in half the time of chunks, and why would we wait any longer for our nice cream than we have to? Frozen banana strips process more easily, and result in a creamier treat, too.
Work with ripe bananas, removing any dark blemishes after peeling.
Serve immediately for a soft-serve ice cream texture. For a hard-pack consistency pop the mixture back into the freezer and serve later. (If it becomes too solid to scoop straight out of the freezer, allow it to thaw on the counter for a few minutes before serving.)
Conventional strawberries are notorious for showing up on the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen list (ranked number one for 2023). Banana’s thick skin lands them in 30th place on the EWG’s 2023 list, falling short of the Clean Fifteen. Just remember, these lists are based on the estimated amount of pesticides people ingest, not the impact of pesticides on the environment.
Work with organic strawberries and bananas if possible, but, as always, eating conventional fruit is healthier than no fruit at all. Whatever fruit you use, Strawberry Banana Nice Cream has a leg up on conventional ice cream!
Strawberry Nice Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 ripe bananas
- 1 cup frozen strawberries, rough chopped
Directions
Peel bananas, remove any bruises, and break in half or into thirds. Pull apart these pieces lengthwise into strips. Arrange banana strips and strawberries in a single layer on a baking pan and freeze for 1 to 2 hours.
Prepare food processor with an S-blade. Place frozen banana strips and strawberries in the processor bowl and secure the lid. Blend ingredients until smooth, periodically scraping down the sides of the bowl.
Serve immediately or transfer to a container and freeze for later.
MAKES 4 SERVINGS
Already craving more fruity frozen treats? Check out these recipes for blueberry banana nice cream and watermelon popsicles.
Strawberry Banana Nice Cream
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 ripe bananas
- 1 cup frozen strawberries, rough chopped
Directions
- Peel bananas, remove any bruises, and break in half or into thirds. Pull apart these pieces lengthwise into strips. Arrange banana strips and strawberries in a single layer on a baking pan and freeze for 1 to 1½ hours.
- Prepare food processor with an S-blade. Place frozen banana strips and strawberries in the processor bowl and secure the lid. Blend ingredients until smooth, periodically scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Serve immediately or transfer to a container and freeze for later.