I don't know about you, but I never go through my bananas quickly enough before they ripen too much. Once they do ripen, I cut the tips off and store them in a zipper locked bag in the freezer until I'm ready to make banana bread. I also keep an eye on my banana bunches and predict whether or not I'll go through them all. If I know that I'll have plenty left over, then I'll take a couple before they are completely ripened, peel them, dice them, and throw them in the freezer. The same thing happens to the banana segments leftover from Judah's breakfasts. These frozen banana pieces are later used for this Chunky Monkey Ice Cream.
You'll be astonished at how much frozen bananas taste like ice cream when they are pureed. The consistency is dead-on and your kids will definitely be fooled by this healthy after-school snack. Mix in walnuts and chocolate chunks to re-create one of Ben & Jerry's favorite ice cream blends with less calories. Swirl in peanut butter, or Nutella, for the ultimate version!
This is the last ice cream recipe I'm sharing this month for National Ice Cream Month, but it is definitely not the last of the summer. If you could see my photo collection, I could prove it to you. But, you'll just have to wait for them these next couple of months. (Don't forget that most of September is still considered summer!) 🙂
Five-Minute Chunky Monkey Ice Cream
3 peeled and chopped, then frozen, bananas
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
Handful of chocolate chunks
2 Tablespoons peanut butter or Nutella (optional)
Puree the bananas in a food processor or blender until smooth. Add the walnuts and chocolate chunks and pulse until mixed in. Stir in the peanut butter or Nutella, if desired. Serve immediately or freeze for later consumption.
Source: Adapted from Kitchen Simplicity
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
This looks amazing! I've done bananas only before, but never with fun mix-ins!
Nancy says
I have made banana ice cream before-such a fun, healthy treat! I love your idea to add in the nuts and butters; I need to try that next time.
Blog is the New Black says
I love the idea of adding Nutella- delish!
natalie (the sweets life) says
i should definitely try this---i've made banana ice cream before and like it well enough (though i'm not fooled that it's not the real stuff ha)...i bet i'd like it more with add-ins!
sheelbeel says
I always get so upset when I come across great ice cream recipes but don't have an ice cream maker so I can't tell you how happy this post makes me! Thanks so much!
Christine @ Christine's Kitchen Chronicles says
Omigoodness this was DELICIOUS! I seriously dropped everything I was doing after I tasted it to go and blog about it so I could share with my own readers. This won't be my last banana "ice cream"!
Nikki says
Thanks, Christine. I tried to leave a comment on your blog, but none of the OpenID options work for me. (WordPress option is only for wordpress.com users, not those of us who self-host using wordpress.org.) You're right, it's a good idea to first "flash" freeze the banana chunks in a single layer so clumps aren't made. Cracks me up that you liked it so much you had to blog it right away. My kinda gal! 🙂
Katie says
These look delicious... sinful, actually.
roorXimadinosaur says
This looks delicious. Will be making this tomorrow!
I have the same problem with my bananas. Try taking them off the bunch and putting one in different parts of the kitchen. It helps keep them from ripening too fast.
Barbara Robbins says
Love your blog and will keep checking out.Can't wait to try this and the white cheese dip.
Barbara Robbins says
I would like to post on pinterest.Please help
Nikki says
Hi Barbara, When you sign up for Pinterest, it gives you the option to add a button to your toolbar so you can click it to pin anything you come across on the web. I'm working on getting a button for each post, but until then, you'll have to use Pinterest's option. 🙂
Nikki says
Ok, I actually found an easy plug-in to get a "Pin It" button added to my posts...so you should be able to use that now. 🙂
Ice Cream Magic says
A quick and healthy way to enjoy ice cream. What more could a person ask for? Great post.