Healthy 3 Ingredient Chocolate Banana Ice Cream
Chocolate Banana Ice Cream tastes EXACTLY like chocolate ice cream and is made with only 3 ingredients and they're all healthy. My favorite way to eat it is as soft serve right out of the blender but you can also freeze so it's firm enough to scoop into ice cream cones.
This Chocolate Banana Ice Cream recipe has been on serious repeat here for weeks. Like, every other day kind of repeat. I must have made it four times before I realized that I had to share the recipe with you. It's seriously the easiest healthy ice cream recipe there is and you would NEVER know it's good for you.
The first time I made it I threw the three ingredients in my Vitamix without measuring. My handsome man, who's super skeptical about healthy treats, rolled his eyes and told me I was making mashed up bananas, not ice cream.
He changed his tune when he tried it and asked me to make more when his bowl was empty.
And honestly, how could he not? Just look at that scoop! ⇓
Why you NEED this chocolate banana ice cream
- It tastes EXACTLY like soft serve chocolate ice cream.
- It's every bit as refreshing as your fav ice cream recipe only made with healthy ingredients.
- Banana and chocolate ice cream is really just that: frozen bananas, cocoa powder (the chocolate part), and some nut butter.
- I've been making chocolate almond butter banana ice cream but you could easily make it chocolate peanut butter banana ice cream.
- This is the best recipe ever for tricking your kids, spouse, friends, or yourself into eating healthy food.
How to make frozen banana chocolate ice cream in your food processor
I normally make this frozen banana ice cream recipe in my Vitamix. Since not everyone has one sitting on their kitchen counter, I decided to try making this recipe in my food processor to see if it would work. I'm glad I did! It does work, but you need to add a little liquid to help it blend. In this case, it's a 4 ingredient ice cream banana recipe.
And if you are one of the ones that don't have a Vitamix, thank you. Because of you, I got to eat an extra serving of this healthy banana ice cream and call it work.
- Put the bananas, cocoa powder, almond or peanut butter, and some milk (any kind!) in your food processor.
- Turn it on and hold on tight. It'll shake and rattle until the frozen bananas break down.
- Scrape down the edges and keep processing the ice cream for about 3-4 minutes until it turns creamy and delicious.
- Eat!
How to make frozen banana ice cream in your blender
Word of warning: do NOT try to make this recipe in a regular blender. You need a high-powered blender (like a Vitamix or Blendtec) for this recipe. Frozen bananas are tough cookies and trying to turn them into ice cream will burn out the motor of even the most expensive regular blender. If you don't have a high powered blender, use your food processor.
This really should be called Blendtec Ice Cream or a Vitamix Ice Cream Recipe. Because your high-powered blender is so powerful, you don't need to add any liquid to the turn the bananas into ice cream. This means the ice cream is (IMO) even better.
- Put the frozen bananas, cocoa powder, and almond or peanut butter in your high-powered blender. Put the plunger in the lid.
- Turn the machine on and quickly turn it to the highest setting. Blend, pushing the bananas down with the plunger, until the ice cream is smooth and creamy.
Note: Vitamix has a fan which cools the motor when it's run on the highest setting. Make sure to always use the highest speed (even if it's noisy) so that the fan is turned on.
Now that we've got all the nitty gritty about how to make chocolate banana ice cream out of the way, I need you guys to take a look at how delicious it is.
And by close look, I mean a really close look. Does it look amazing?
Watch the banana ice cream video!
Subscribe to see more of our videos!
Healthy Vegan Ice Cream Recipes:
- Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream
- Lime Coconut Ice Cream
- Healthier Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Ice Cream
- Dreamy Almond Chocolate Nice Cream
- Black Pepper Pistachio Ice Cream
- Boozy Cherry Garcia Ice Cream
Chocolate Banana Ice Cream
If you love this recipe as much as we do, let us know with a 5-star rating!
Ingredients
- 4 frozen bananas, peeled
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons almond butter, can sub peanut butter
- ¼ cup milk of choice, only use if you are making this in a food processor
- Optional: chocolate chunks or chips, to sprinkle on the top
Instructions
Chocolate Banana Ice Cream in your Blender:
- Place the frozen bananas, cocoa powder, and almond butter into your high-powered blender.4 frozen bananas, ¼ cup cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons almond butter
- Blend the bananas on high speed using the plunger to push the bananas down as needed. After 2-3 minutes the ice cream will run smoothly.
- Either eat right away or freeze for 2 hours so that it is hard enough to scoop into cones. Sprinkle with chocolate chunks, if you'd like.Optional: chocolate chunks or chips
Chocolate Banana Ice Cream in your Food Processor:
- Place the frozen bananas, cocoa powder, almond butter, and your choice of milk into your food processor. Pulse until the bananas are mostly broken down.4 frozen bananas, ¼ cup cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons almond butter, ¼ cup milk of choice
- Scrape the sides of the food processor then continue processing on high until the ice cream is smooth and creamy.
- Either eat right away or freeze for 2 hours so that it is hard enough to scoop into cones. If using, sprinkle with chocolate chunks.Optional: chocolate chunks or chips
Omg this was soooooo good! I added chocolate chips before freezing the batter and added almond slices before serving. I’m hooked! Thank you!
Do you think this recipe could be made in a nutri bullet? Very excited to try this recipe either way!!
From what I’ve heard, some of the newer nutribullets work quite well. If you’re having trouble getting it to blend, you may just need to add a little bit more milk.
Wow, this recipe looks so delicious. I look forward to making this soon.
Wasn’t expecting much because the recipe’s so simple, but it was delicious! The texture was surprisingly creamy, even without any cream or milk!
Yummy! Thank you! Couldn’t be any easier!
Ahhh!! I’m so happy! I just finished eating a bowl and I could hardly even tell that there was banana in it (it tastes just like chocolate ice cream)!! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe! My family members easily get a cold after eating ice cream in the winter so I’ll have to make this for them in the summer. I was seriously feeling so down and unmotivated but after eating this, I just feel so motivated.
Side note: since I didn’t have almond butter or peanut butter, I used nut butter (mixed nuts).
That is so wonderful to hear, Dia! Yay!!
This is so good! I made it in my food processor. Instead of cocoa powder and peanut butter I used 4 tablespoons of PB2 Cocoa Powder. I also added 3/4 cup of vanilla oat milk. Amazing!
Absolutely amazing! Tastes like a decadent dark chocolate ice cream, but healthy!!
H, I was wondering which Vitamix blender you have? I’ve been looking for a better high-powered one and the one you have seems to be working great!
Mine is a super old one that (I don’t think) they make anymore. I think their professional series 750 is the newer version of mine. 🙂
Made this in my vitamix tonight and OH MY STARS is it delicious! Easy to make and healthy! My husband was so impressed! The texture is perfect. I put some in popsicle molds for the kiddos to eat tomorrow, but we are considering keeping them for ourselves!
Unbelievable absolutely Divine, my weakness is ice-cream, and this is totally yum, Will be making this regularly, thank you for this wonderful healthy recipe, thank you Kristen your a star
You’re so very welcome!
I haven’t had ice cream or chocolate since goin WFPB in June. This was amazing!! I used my cuisinart so it took a little longer to process til smooth but it worked. I used Hershey’s unsweetened cocoa powder and organic peanut butter. I sprinkled it with shredded coconut, OMG it was delish! Thanks for sharing!
I love this recipe and you don’t even miss the sugar.
Just made this! It is exactly as described! Smooth, creamy and tastes just like chocolate ice cream. I used my cuisinart, it took a few minutes, but not long. Best part, I don’t feel bloated like I do after ice cream made with dairy!H
Unbelievably Good! Thank you, Thank you. I did mine in a Vitamix according to the above directions and it was Perfect.
Organic Banana
Organic Cocoa Powder
Organic Peanut Butter
Yum!
Such a Yummy recipe, I think adding banana makes it more smooth. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to making this tomorrow.
I subbed out 1/4 of the cacao powder with orgain chocolate protein powder, to add protein to it. It was delicious! Amazing recipe, thanks again!
Haven’t been this excited about a recipe in awhile! The first time I made it in my Vitamix I didn’t add any liquid but felt it was going to burn out my mixer 🙁 so added some milk to it. Must’ve added too much because it made it came out like a milkshake. Still, My grandkids and I wanted to lick the blender (though I wouldn’t try that 🙂 it was so tasty! Just made again tonight using less than 1/4 cup almond milk, 3 bananas, cocoa powder and almond butter and it was perfect!!! Came out like soft serve ice cream. Have it in the freezer now with dark choc chips and some walnuts mixed in. Can’t wait to dig in! Thank you!!!
You’re so welcome!!
Used a food processor and the first time I made it I had trouble getting the frozen bananas chopped and mixed evenly. This time I ran the bananas through the grater disc first and then switched to the regular blade to combine it with the nut butter and cocoa powder and it blended much more easily. Added chocolate chips and toasted walnuts. Yum!
Great idea!
Yeah, amazing recipe, adding this to my favorites.
Thanks for sharing! Does it keep long?
Technically, it remains safe to eat indefinitely. But the flavor and texture are best fresh. You can always make half the recipe if you don’t think you’ll eat it all. 🙂
This look so good! The texture is perfect! What a great way to still enjoy a treat and not miss out on this summer treat!
Absolutely the creamiest ice cream & a superb taste !! Wholesome, no additives, natural. I’ll never buy store bought chocolate ice cream again. Far superior way to indulge!
I tried it, very nice and healthy too
Thank you for sharing
You’re welcome!
How long does this keep in the freezer?
I find that the flavor and texture are best eaten within a day or two. But if it’s been longer it will still be safe to eat so you can always do a taste test to see if it still tastes food.
Would you double this recipe, or would it be too much for the blender to handle? I have a Vitamix and also a large food processor I can use. Five people in this family and I don’t think 2 cups will cut it!
You can easily double this recipe if you’re using a Vitamix!
I just triec this recipe. While the consistency was on point, I found it was not sweet at all. He bananss I used were quite ripe but the mix tasted of unsweetened chocolate only. May I ask what brand of cocoa anyone lese who has made this has used ? Thanks.
I’ve used a few different brands. Currently using one I bought at Costco. If you’d like it sweeter, you can always add some honey or maple syrup. 🙂
Maybe you some vanilla
Maybe try some vanilla
This was amazing! Creamy and delicious. I added a few tablespoons of roasted salted peanuts and used peanut butter. Out of this world yummy!
Good call on adding the peanuts! Yum!
Amazing ice cream! Simple delicious and looks so yummy! I just made it in my food processor and have put it in the freezer to freeze up a bit. But like it’s described, you can definitely eat it right after it’s done if you enjoy soft serve! This will be my go to dessert from now on as everyone in my family loves chocolate ice cream and this couldn’t get any better! Thank you for sharing your fabulous recipe!
Oh that’s so great to hear!!
This was wonderful! Perfect for a hot summers day!
Used 1/2 cup of oat milk in the blender when I was having issues blending the frozen mixture, it turned out great!
That’s fantastic, Steph!
This is a great recipe, and I would agree that it does not taste banana-y at all. Perfect icecream for people who find normal icecream too sweet!
So happy that you love the recipe!
I had to remind myself I wasn’t eating high fat ice cream, it is so delicious!
Love it!!
I had to put almond milk in because my blender didn’t seem to be getting to the bananas. I out more in than on the recipe is this why it’s gone hard and icy? Also would it help to blend the bananas not frozen? Thanks
Some blenders will struggle more than others with blending the frozen bananas. If yours is having a hard time, let the bananas thaw just a little before blending them. And yes, if you freeze this for a long time it will freeze solid. You’ll need to let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes or so before eating it. 🙂
This recipe is truly a blessing. I think the subtle banana flavor goes really well with the chocolate and nut butter. I’m so glad I gave it a try, and definitely will be making again in the future. Thanks!
You’re very welcome, Zoe!
I can’t believe I’m only trying this now. Great recipe! It satisfied my craving for ice cream!
Yay! Love it!
Wow!!!! I do have a vitamix and always looking for a healthy treat at night. I cannot eat dairy…and tired of spending $9 for a small container of coconut milk ice cream. This is delicious. Healthy. And cheap to make!
Love.
Thank you for the comment, Shelley! So happy that you liked the recipe!
Hello! Did you use unsweetened cocoa powder? Thanks!
Yes!
super simple and tastes delicious!
Thanks, Melissa!
What setting on the Vitamix do you? Frozen dessert setting or another?
I start it out on medium and work it up to the highest setting.
Can you post a pic of bananas before throwing in the freezer how ripe it should be?
There’s no hard and fast rule here. I’ve used bananas that are just barely ripe and bananas that are starting to brown.
Oh my goodness. So easy to make and so good. This could be a dangerous desert as I could eat it all by myself! But I will share. I used peanut butter instead of almond butter as I did not have almond butter made (I make my own). Thanks for posting the recipe.
You’re so welcome!
You do realize that there are 4 ingredients in this 3 ingredient recipe…
Only if you choose to use a food processor. 🙂
So good!!!!
Yay!!
Should you add a sweetener like honey?
I find that the bananas add the perfect amount of sweetness. Once you blend them, you can taste it and add honey if you’d like it a little sweeter. 🙂
Dying to try this but don’t have a strong blender or processor. Could this be made with unfrozen bananas and then just freeze the results?
I think it would work. Just be careful not to freeze it too long or it will be very solid. 🙂
Just tasted like banana 🙁 used bananas that were not too ripe to try and help, but didn’t work.
I’m sorry to hear that the recipe wasn’t a hit for you.
I find that when I use less ripe bananas in recipes, it turns out less sweet and more banana-y. On the flip side, I always freeze my bananas when they are basically to the point I would want them in banana bread–brown with a side of yellow. Whenever I use frozen bananas like that in a recipe, I can barely ever taste any banana.
This was amazing!
Yay! Thanks, Mckenna!
Excellent! I tried it before with chocolate chips I stead of cocoa powder and it was too sweet. This recipe was perfect. Give it a try!
Yay! I’m so happy to hear that you loved the recipe!
Chocolate banana ice cream: can I use cacao nibs (Navitas Organic – no sugar or stevia added) instead of cacao powder? I ask because I’ve tried cacao nibs in other smoothies and it tastes bitter.
I suspect that they would make the ice cream bitter. You may need to add some sweetener if you opt for the nibs. 🙂
Love this recipe. It cured my craving for ice cream. I substituted peanut butter for almond butter, because I love peanut butter, bananas, and chocolate combined. My son loved it, too. Thanks for the great recipe.
That’s so great to hear, Jane!