Nice Ice Cream Recipes

We all scream for nice cream! If you haven’t heard about nice cream recipes, they’re banana-based “ice cream,” but a healthy version with zero added sugar or dairy! And it doesn’t hurt that they’re absolutely delicious.

If you love these healthy dessert recipes, you’ll want to try my favorite Whole30 desserts and these dairy-free strawberry banana smoothie popsicles!

Nice Cream Recipes

When we were in Marseille France, we stopped at a small gelato shop, and they were selling adorable, pre-portioned gelato scoops in small plastic shot glasses, which I thought were genius and perfect for parties.

The colors and toppings inspired me to do something similar. Thus, these frozen treats came to life!

They’re perfect for kids too since they’re really just getting a good serving of fruit and a low-sugar dessert.

And speaking of healthy desserts, you might like this yogurt fruit dip recipe, or this beautiful fruit platter you can serve your kids.

Learn how to create delicious and healthy banana-based nice cream using my basic formula, tips, and fresh ingredients.

Why You’ll Love These Nice Cream Recipes

Healthy: Made with just fruit and minimal ingredients, nice cream is a nutritious alternative to traditional ice cream with no added sugar.

Versatile: You can customize it with any fruits or flavors you have on hand to create endless variations.

Simple: With just a few ingredients and a good blender, you can whip up this creamy treat in minutes.

Kid-friendly: Children love the natural sweetness and fun colors, making it a great way to get them eating more fruit.

Perfect for dietary restrictions: Naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan, it works for almost everyone at your gatherings.

What is nice cream?

Nice cream is a dairy-free ice cream alternative made with bananas, coconut milk or almond milk, and fruit. It’s free of any added or processed sugars, making it a healthier dessert option.

The word “nice cream” comes from the combination of “nice” and “ice cream” because it’s inspired by the classic, creamy ice cream we all love but nicer for our bodies! Since it doesn’t have added sugar or dairy, this is easier to digest and healthier overall.

Basic Formula for Making Nice Cream

Creating nice cream is simple and follows a basic formula that you can customize with different fruits and flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

Frozen Bananas: These create the creamy base for all nice cream recipes.

Liquid Base: Typically coconut milk, but you can also use almond milk or other plant-based milks.

Flavor Enhancers: Vanilla extract adds depth, while frozen fruits create different flavors and colors.

Optional Mix-ins: Fresh fruits, nuts, or dairy-free chocolate chips can add texture and additional flavor.

Our Favorite Nice Cream Recipes

There are endless combinations of nice cream you can make, but these are our three favorites:

1. Banana Nice Cream

This classic base recipe is simple yet delicious.

Ingredients

• Frozen Bananas
• Coconut Milk
• Vanilla Extract

Directions

1. Add the ingredients into a powerful blender and blend until smooth.
2. Scoop into small glasses or plastic cups.
3. Freeze for only an hour or so before serving.

2. Raspberry Nice Cream

We love using raspberries in desserts, just like we did in these chocolate-filled raspberries and homemade raspberry fudge!

Ingredients

• Frozen Bananas
• Coconut Milk
• Vanilla Extract
• Frozen Raspberries

Directions

1. Add the ingredients into a powerful blender and blend until smooth.
2. Scoop into small glasses or plastic cups.
3. Freeze for only an hour or so before serving.

3. Kiwi Nice Cream

This vibrant green nice cream is as pretty as it is tasty.

Ingredients

• Frozen Bananas
• Coconut Milk
• Vanilla Extract
• Frozen Kiwis, Peeled

Directions

1. Add the ingredients into a powerful blender and blend until smooth.
2. Scoop into small plastic glasses or plastic cups.
3. Freeze for only an hour or so before serving. You want it to be creamy, not too icy.

More Nice Cream Flavor Ideas

Want to experiment beyond our three base recipes? Here are some delicious flavor combinations to try:

Chocolate Nice Cream: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and an extra splash of vanilla to the banana base for a chocolate treat.

Peanut Butter Nice Cream: Blend in 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter with the banana base for a creamy, nutty flavor.

Mango Nice Cream: Replace kiwi with 1 cup of frozen mango chunks for a tropical treat.

Blueberry Lemon: Use 1 cup frozen blueberries and add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to brighten the flavor.

Strawberry Basil: Blend 1 cup frozen strawberries with 5-6 fresh basil leaves for a sophisticated flavor combination that adults will love.

Mint Chocolate Chip: Add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract to the banana base and fold in 2 tablespoons of dairy-free mini chocolate chips after blending.

Peach Ginger: Combine 1 cup frozen peach slices with 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger for a warm, spicy twist.

Coconut Pineapple – Add 1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks and 2 tablespoons of shredded coconut to the banana base for a piña colada inspired treat.

Each of these variations follows the same basic process: blend with frozen bananas, coconut milk, and vanilla, then freeze for about an hour before serving.

So next time you’re looking for a healthy and delicious dessert to bring to your next party or gathering, give one of these nice ice cream recipes a try!

Eden’s Tips

Freezing time matters – Nice cream is not meant to be fully frozen as you want it to have a creamy texture. If you freeze it for too long, it will become icy. It’s best if you freeze it for 1 hour before serving.

Thawing frozen nice cream – If you need to freeze extra, make sure to let it thaw on the counter for about 20-30 minutes before serving.

Getting the right consistency – If you’re having a hard time getting the right creamy, thick consistency, you can add in more frozen fruit or bananas. This will help thicken it up a bit.

Presentation ideas – Layering the different flavors in a small, clear glass or plastic cup looks beautiful and is great for individual servings. You can also scoop each flavor into a larger bowl to freeze for an hour and then serve like you would classic ice cream.

Get creative with flavors – We used kiwis and raspberries as our fruit add-ins this time around, but feel free to get creative with any fruits that you have on hand. Be sure to let us know what combinations you come up with!

When to Serve Nice Cream

This dessert would be perfect for:

• An ice cream sundae bar
• A birthday party
• Tropical parties
• Pool parties
• Healthy dessert options for kids

More Healthier Desserts You’ll Love

10 Keto Cake Recipes You’ll Love

10 Whole30 Desserts You’ll Love

Dairy-Free Strawberry Banana Smoothie Popsicles

The Best Gluten Free Brownies

Homemade Almond Milk

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Peachy Mango Protein Pops