The heat of summer is beyond intense, and sometimes, even that chilling AC doesn’t provide the relief we need. In comes sweet, frozen treats, cooling you off after a long day outside. These sweet treats can range anywhere from mixed drinks, popsicles, and ice cream. Unfortunately, many of these delights are packed with unnatural sugars that can make you feel even more sluggish after being in the heat.
This summer, save some money and be more health-conscious by making your own “nice cream,” a healthy alternative to ice cream and similar treats. Grab your favorite fruits and add-ons, and use these “nice cream” recipes to cool you off all summer long.
Recipes with Banana
Bananas are a great ingredient to give your nice cream a thick, creamy texture with an added sweetness. Keep some frozen bananas on hand all summer long to make these delicious recipes!
Chocolate Banana Nice Cream
Ingredients:
3 Bananas, sliced and frozen
3 tbsp. Cocoa powder
¼ tsp Vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Peanut Butter Nice Cream
3 Bananas, sliced and frozen
3 tbsp. Peanut butter
Pinch of salt
Optional: cacao nibs or crushed dark chocolate
Strawberry Nice Cream
2-3 Bananas, sliced and frozen
½ cup Strawberries, frozen
¼ tsp. Vanilla extract
Optional: dash of cinnamon
Cookies & Cream Nice Cream
3 Bananas, sliced and frozen
2 tbsp. Coconut oil
¼ tsp. Vanilla extract
Handful of crushed, healthy “Oreos”
Combine all ingredients on a low setting in a blender or food processor to enjoy these creamy recipes. If necessary, slightly thaw the bananas or add a splash of unsweetened, dairy-free milk. Serve immediately and freeze leftovers.
Recipes without Banana
Not a fan of bananas? No worries. You can still enjoy this cooling, creamy treat. Follow these recipes to delight in banana-free nice cream all summer long.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Nice Cream
1 can unsweetened coconut milk
½ cup Peanut Butter
⅓ Coconut oil, melted
¼ cup Cocoa powder
¼ tsp. Vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Combine all ingredients on a low setting in a blender or food processor. Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container, freezing for about 30 minutes. Take out the mixture, mix the ingredients gently, then freeze for 2-3 hours, until it has reached your desired consistency.
Pina Colada Nice Cream
1 cup Pineapple, frozen
1 can unsweetened coconut milk
2 tbsp. Maple syrup
Pinch of salt
Optional: 2 tbsp. Rum
Combine all ingredients on a low setting in a blender or food processor. Serve immediately or freeze until ready to serve.
Mango Berry Nice Cream
1 cup Mango, frozen
½ cup Raspberries, frozen
½ cup Blueberries, frozen
½ non-dairy milk, as needed
Combine all ingredients on a low setting in a blender or food processor. Serve immediately or freeze until ready to serve.
With these delicious, healthy “nice cream” recipes, you’ll be cooled off and content all summer long.
