It’s safe to say that most of us buy – and eat – a lot of bananas. Currently, we have a couple of bunches on our counter. They are inexpensive and nutritious. When they become overripe, we like to slice and freeze them for banana bread, banana nut muffins or even chocolate “ice cream.” Yes, ice cream.
According to Duke University, the United states has remained the single largest country for banana import – and consumption continues to grow. Most of our bananas come from South America, particularly Ecuador and Costa Rica.
There are thousands of types of bananas. According to Saveur Magazine, 95% of the bananas consumed in Americans households are the Cavendish variety. They are mushy and less-flavorful than their thousands of banana brethren.This makes it the perfect base for ice-cream. A decadent, cocoa-forward recipe highlights the Cavendish’s creamy, soft texture and takes advantage of its subtle taste. A drizzle of dark chocolate, and you reach the pinnacle of dairy-free soft-serve.
It’s insane that eating fruit can taste this good. It’s a crime against bananas to transform them into a dish so succulent, creamy, rich… and chocolately!
The low-cost banana is usually around 60 cents a pound – and is loaded with vitamins and minerals. And, bananas are sodium free. One provides 33% vitamin C, 41% Vitamin B6, 20% phosphorus, 15% magnesium, 30% Manganese and 20% potassium needed by the body in one day – plus many more nutrients.
The phrase, “Going Bananas,” is used interchangeable with “going insane.” Some camps believe that the salubrious banana can mitigate certain mental health issues. Though I may not completely buy into this idea, it never hurts to offer your crazy Aunt Mary a banana or three next time she stops by for a cup of tea. Or, impress her with a scrumptious bowl of banana ice cream, drizzled with melted with oozing, unctuous melted dark chocolate. Let’s get cooking!
First, puree all of the ingredients in a food processor until silky and velvety.
Transfer the ice cream to a container and cover.
Mix in chopped dark chocolate or dark chocolate chips if you wish!
Place the ice cream in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. Then, eat and enjoy!
Judging from the cocoa-covered faces, this recipe is tested and approved by Snu Magoo and Littlest guy!
Littlest Guy doesn’t usually wear necklaces. He took it from Snu Magoo to get under her skin… they are siblings, after all.
Chocolate “Ice Cream”
Are there really bananas in here?
Ingredients:
3 medium, very ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
3 Tbsp. coffee, cooled
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
2 Tbsp. local honey – or 6 packets stevia extract
1/4 cup highest quality cocoa powder
slightest pinch of salt
3 Tbsp. chopped dark chocolate or dark chocolate chips
Optional: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate, 70-72% cocoa content
Preparation:
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor.
- Pulse to break up bananas.
- Puree at full-speed until smooth and at soft-serve consistency.
- Taste. Add additional sweetener of choice, depending on the sweetness of your bananas. Older bananas have more natural sugars.
- Mix in chopped dark chocolate or dark chocolate chips with a spoon.
- Transfer to a storage container and freeze for at least 15 minutes, until firm enough to scoop but not overly frozen.
- Enjoy! If you have the ice-cream the next day, take the container out of the freezer at least 15 minutes before serving.
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©Shanna Koenigsdorf Ward, shannaward.com (2013), unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without expressed and written permission from this blog’s author, Shanna Koenigsdorf Ward, and/or owner is strictly and completely prohibited.
Curls and carrots 
I really want to make some! Looks really great! 🙂
Hi, Dimple. I am constantly making this mock ice cream. It is so good! I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
I can see why you’re making it constantly! Great job! 🙂
🙂 Thanks, Dimple. If you try it, let me know what you think!
Will do 🙂
I didnt know That are so different Banana ,thank you for sharing this information Shanna.I know all THE kids enjoy in different ways THE Way to serve to them THE Banana,and you did again so good!
Ahh, thank you Massi. You are very kind, as always! Your comments always make me smile. I appreciate you stopping by. Have a great weekend!
Another chocolate post! 😀 I love bananas, whether just by itself, in a smoothie, in a bread, or as soft serve ice cream! I love your chocolate “ice cream” recipe! Much healthier and perfect for those without an ice cream machine 🙂
Hi, there, Ada. Well, thank you! You are such a sweetie. 🙂 I’m happy that you stopped by! Oh, yes, we do love chocolate around these parts – and have a few “lactards” in the casa – so this is a great recipe for our family. haha. Have a great day….
Shanna, Snu Magoo and Littlest guy stole the show! They are adorable!
BTW, when we were travelling in South America, we saw all varieties of banana farms. 😀
Fae, that sounds fascinating. Do you have photos and a little story about your adventure on Fae’s Twist and Tango? Thank you for leaving such warm, positive words. Have a lovely Sunday! 🙂
Shanna, this is just such a great idea! It would be good to put in Popsicle moldings for yummy Popsicle treats. Thanks for sharing this yummy recipe! 🙂
Oh, wow. What a great idea for popsicles. I hope that you try it – your way – and let me know how it goes. Wow, never thought of that – YUM! Thank you so much for your kind comment and for visiting. 🙂
Looks delicious! I’m going to make this for the kiddos just as soon as I’ve got some ripe bananas to try it with!
Oh, awesome. I really hope that you guys love it. Thank you so much for your sweet comments. Have a fantastic, relaxing Sunday, Caran!
Sounds great and perfect since I don’t have an ice cream machine.
Hi, Karen! Thank you so much for your kind note! I do hope that you give it a try. We don’t have an ice-cream machine either – so this is a great alternative. 🙂 Do let me know what you think. Have a great day!
Looks good! The combination of ice cream and chocolate is always a winner. I make my banana ice cream sans chocolate but with cream. It tastes very much like banana.
That sounds very good, as well. There is something lovely about unadulterated banana flavor. And one can’t go wrong with cream, of course! 🙂
Banana homemade ice cream sounds like a delicious and healthy idea. YUM! And no wonder your children approve 🙂 xx
Haha. Thank you for the kind words and bringing a smile to my fave, Sofia! xx
I made something quite similar this summer. Isn’t it great to make ‘ice cream’ so easily? I have plans to try this with… Nutella!! Could you imagine???
OH. NUTELLA. Yes, please. Like your banana bread! Great idea for a future blog post for you, Lidia. Nice! 🙂 MMMM.
One of the few breakfasts I do is a smoothie with similar ingredients (frozen bananas, cocoa and almond or some other type of milk). I’d never thought of adding coffee, but definitely will now.
Hi, Michelle. Your smoothie sounds creamy and scrumptious. I am a fan of the flavor of almond milk. I bet you wouldn’t taste a tad bit of coffee and it would bring out the chocolate flavor, too. Thank you for stopping by – and Happy Monday!
Mmm, I just made this–it was delicious! I was making this chocolate-chip cookie dough ice cream, and I substituted your ice cream recipe to make it more chocolatey 🙂
http://www.nutritionistinthekitch.com/2013/06/13/healthy-chocolate-chip-cookie-dough-protein-blizzard-for-real-gluten-free-can-be-vegan-too/
I am so glad that you tried the ice-cream, Elena. I am elated that you liked it. It definitely looks like it be be a nice compliment to the yummy “cookie dough” recipe. Thank you so much for sharing – and for stopping by! 🙂 – Shanna
Shanna- I started doing this with my left-over bannans a couple months ago when you told me this trick. My kids really think it is ice-cream! It is even satisfying for me and I LOVE ice cream!
Hi, Gayle! Thank you for your warm comments and for visiting us at Curls and Carrots. I am elated to hear that you have found yet another way to feed B, S and J healthy food and am glad that you like the recipe! Your kids sure do eat well! 🙂 Have a great day. – Shanna
I will never throw my overripe bananas again. What a lovely, simple and straightforward recipe. A must make for me. I shall keep you posted. Thanks for sharing. Best regards!
Hi, Liz. Do let me know what you think of the recipe. Thank you for taking time to check out the recipe and leave some sweet words. Warmest wishes! Shanna