Frozen Banana Ice Cream: A Delicious Sweet Treat

Summer is a season of fun. But it can also be a season of hot weather. Around this time of year, we have many days that get up into the high 80’s and 90’s. By the time I get back home from an afternoon walk, I am dripping in sweat. Even when I am hanging out with friends outside, I can get overheated pretty quickly. Well, I have a solution: frozen banana ice cream.

A Healthy Frozen Dessert

Frozen banana ice cream is very simple to make. Truth be told, all you need is a few bananas, a freezer, and a blender. Bananas are so sweet on their own, and they get very creamy when they are blended. However, I wanted a little extra flavor in my ice cream, so I’ve amped up my recipe.

You can feel good about eating this healthy frozen dessert because it packs in the nutrients while also tasting delicious.

Nutrition Facts About Bananas

Bananas are one of my favorite foods. They satisfy my sweet tooth, and yet they also provide healthy nutrients that keep my body functioning and feeling good.

I want to highlight three key health benefits of bananas:

Bananas are high in soluble fiber.
Bananas contain lots of antioxidants.
Bananas may be used as a substitute for added sugars, which typically have no nutritional benefit.

Soluble Fiber

This frozen banana ice cream is high in fiber. One banana provides 3 g of fiber, and you may get even more if you add other mix-ins. (For reference, a healthy adult needs an average of at least 25-30 g fiber per day).

Fiber can get complicated pretty quick, especially since there are different types of fiber that have different effects on the body. But here’s the important stuff: bananas have lots of soluble fiber, which is the type that improves our gut health and digestion by feeding our gut bacteria.

Taking care of our gut is important because it can have positive effects on other parts of our body as well!

Antioxidants

When you eat this frozen banana ice cream, you are getting a high dose of antioxidants. Antioxidants help reduce inflammation and lower your risk for certain cancers. You need to consume a consistent amount of antioxidants to truly reap the benefits, and this ice cream can be a part of that regular intake! Any other fruits and vegetables you can get into your diet will provide those beneficial antioxidants as well.

Sugar

Store-bought ice cream typically has a ton of added sugars in it. I’ve seen some products with as much as 2-3 tablespoons of added sugar in just a ⅔ cup serving. Note the word added – this does not even include the sugars naturally present in things like fruit or milk.

Research has shown that excess added sugars in the diet can add up over time and increase your risk for chronic diseases like diabetes. We want to avoid this if we can, especially if we can make healthy choices that still taste great! That’s why I love this recipe for frozen banana ice cream. It’s quick to make, and it cuts out all of those added sugars that are really unnecessary.

Adding Mix-Ins to Your Frozen Banana Ice Cream

Although this recipe is for a basic frozen banana ice cream, it can be turned into something even better with a few extra ingredients. I like to mix in certain foods that add a new flavor or texture, such as chocolate chips and walnuts.

You can also add any kinds of toppings you normally put on your ice cream. Sprinkles, berries, and little brownie bites are all great options. Just remember, use moderation when topping your ice cream to keep it balanced and avoid excess added sugars.

Get the Kids Involved!

This frozen banana ice cream can be a fun and easy way to get your kids in the kitchen. They can help you measure out the ingredients. It’s also fun if you have a few topping options set out for everyone to choose; everyone can make their own unique bowl of ice cream.

For those with younger kids, this ice cream can even be a great way to get them to try new fruits as a topping.

Making a “Banana Split”

You can even make a deconstructed version of a banana split with this recipe. Since it ticks the box for both ice cream and the banana, you’re already halfway there. All you need to add is some chocolate syrup, a maraschino cherry, and maybe some whipped cream and you’ve got a healthier banana split!