How to Make One Ingredient Banana Ice Cream

Co-authored by Hannah Madden

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 Tested

If you’re craving a bowl of ice cream but you want to skip the unhealthy parts, this one-ingredient banana ice cream is for you. Simple to make and easy to modify, this recipe can be whipped up in just a few minutes. Try adding different flavors and toppings to delight your friends and family with a healthy treat for dessert.

Method 1

Method 1 of 11:
Classic

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You can’t go wrong with the basics! Freeze 1 banana for around 2 hours, then chop it up into pieces. Blend the pieces until the banana looks gooey and smooth. You might have to scrape down your blender a few times, so keep an eye on it!^{[1]
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- After that, simply pour your banana ice cream into a bowl and dig in.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 11:
Peanut butter

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Add a shot of healthy protein to your ice cream. When you throw your bananas in the blender, drop a spoonful (or two) of peanut butter in as well. The creamy flavors blend together perfectly for a rich, delicious dessert.^{[2]
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- If you want a bit of texture in your ice cream, try crunchy peanut butter!

Method 3

Method 3 of 11:
Nutella

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Bananas, chocolate, and hazelnuts can’t be beat. After you throw your frozen bananas into the blender, add 2 spoonfuls of Nutella in there too. Blend the mixture together for a yummy mix of flavors that could win anyone over.^{[3]
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- For extra sweet goodness, top your ice cream off with some whipped cream.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 11:
Cinnamon

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Try a low-calorie flavor booster to stick with healthy options. Before you blend your bananas, add 1 to 2 tsp (5 to 10 g) of cinnamon in, too. Mix your ingredients together for a healthy way to spice up your ice cream.^{[4]
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- Adding cinnamon is virtually calorie-free.

Method 5

Method 5 of 11:
Cocoa powder

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Serve this ice cream to the chocoholics in your life. Chop up your frozen banana, then sprinkle 1 tbsp (17 g) of cocoa powder in with the pieces. Blend the mixture together until your ice cream turns super chocolatey, then serve!^{[5]
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- This is another option that doesn’t add many calories at all.
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Method 6

Method 6 of 11:
Honey

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Sweeten your ice cream naturally with some raw honey. Drizzle a spoonful or two over your frozen bananas, then blend your mixture together. If you absolutely love honey, you could even drizzle a little bit on top, too!^{[6]
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Method 7

Method 7 of 11:
Almonds

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Give your ice cream a crunch with some nuts. Pour a handful of almonds in with your frozen bananas, then blend them up. The almonds will crush up into small pieces so they’re easy to eat (and even easier to enjoy).^{[7]
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- If almonds aren’t your thing, try cashews or walnuts instead.
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Method 8

Method 8 of 11:
Shredded coconut

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Add some fruity flavor to the top of your ice cream. Once your bananas are blended, pour them into a bowl. Grab a cheese grater and shred some coconut over the top of your ice cream before you dig in.^{[8]
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- If you love the flavor of coconut and want your ice cream a little creamier, add a splash of coconut milk into the blender before you blend your bananas.

Method 9

Method 9 of 11:
Chocolate chips

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Give your ice cream a sweet addition. When your bananas are blended, pour them into a bowl and grab a spoon. Sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips on top for a delicious treat in every bite.^{[9]
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- If you don’t want the crunch, skip the chips and add chocolate sauce on top instead.
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Method 10

Method 10 of 11:
Granola

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Banana ice cream for breakfast, anyone? When your bananas are blended, sprinkle on a handful of plain granola. Grab a bite of crunchy banana goodness in every spoonful.^{[10]
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- Mix in some chopped strawberries or a handful of blueberries for the ultimate breakfast meal.

Method 11

Method 11 of 11:
Vanilla wafer cookies

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Make your ice cream feel more like banana pudding. Blend up your bananas and pour them into a serving bowl. Add 3 to 4 vanilla wafer cookies on top, then use your spoon to crush them up before digging in.^{[11]
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- You could also crunch up a few waffle cones and sprinkle them over your bowl for a crunchy treat.
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Community Q&A

Question

How long does it take to freeze bananas for ice cream?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

It can take up to 6 hours to thoroughly freeze a banana that’s been cut up into chunks. You may want to freeze the banana again for about 2 hours after you’ve pureed it your blender, or serve it right away if you want softer ice cream.
Question

How long does banana ice cream last?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

If you store it in an airtight container, it should stay fresh and tasty for about 3 months. You can still eat it after that, but it probably won’t taste as good.
Question

How do you keep banana ice cream soft in the freezer?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Most ice creams have additives like guar gum to preserve that soft and creamy texture. If you’d rather not use guar gum, let your ice cream sit on the counter for a few minutes to soften before you serve it. Or, simply blend your frozen banana and serve the results immediately for an extra fresh and creamy result!