Month: June 2024

Step-By-Step Guide to make 3-ingredient banana ice cream

If you’re craving a creamy, guilt-free dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth, I have the recipe for you! This 3-ingredient banana ice cream comes together quickly and the best part is – you don’t need an ice cream maker!  With simple ingredients such as frozen bananas, a little milk, and your favorite flavorings, you’ll be serving this banana ice cream in minutes. 

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I’ve even made this with just bananas as a first food for my kids during the summer.  

Possible bonus, you’re kids will love it.  Shhhh, don’t tell them that it’s a healthier dessert.  

banana on white knit bag

Ingredients and substitutions

Frozen Bananas

Large whole bananas.  Overripe bananas work best.  Do not use room temperature bananas, the consistency will not have the texture of ice cream.  

Dairy of Choice

Options include cream, regular milk, coconut milk, coconut cream or almond milk. If you’re on the cottage cheese train, you can use that here too!   Or check out this recipe for cottage cheese ice cream. Greek yogurt can also be substituted if necessary.

Flavoring Agent

1-2 teaspoons; choose from cocoa powder, vanilla extract, or peanut butter

Equipment needed

All you need for this is a high speed blender or food processor to get that creamy soft serve consistency.  Vitamix blenders are a perfect tool to use if you have one.  A regular blender can work as well, you just may need to scrape side the sides a few times as you blend.  

Preparation Steps

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Step 1: Slice and Freeze the Bananas

  1. Slice the Bananas:  Start by peeling the bananas and slicing them into coins. Place the banana slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Freeze Until Firm:  Freeze the banana slices until they are firm, which usually takes about 1-3 hours. If you find that you’ll be making this one on the fly, keep a stash of ripe large bananas in the freezer.  Just peel them first and freeze them at least overnight, or until you’re ready to use them.  

Step 2: Blend the Ingredients

  1. Add to Blender:  Once the banana slices are frozen, add them to a food processor or a high-powered blender. 
  2. Add Dairy and Flavoring Agent:  Pour in your chosen dairy (such as coconut milk) and add your preferred flavoring agent (like a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a dollop of peanut butter).
  3. Blend Until Smooth:  Pulse the mixture until the ingredients are combined. Then blend continuously until you achieve a smooth, creamy texture. You may need to scrape down the sides of the blender a few times to ensure everything is evenly mixed. This should only take a few minutes.  

Step 3: Enjoy or Store

  1. Serve Immediately: For a soft-serve consistency, enjoy your banana ice cream right away.
  2. Store for Later:  If you prefer a harder ice cream, transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container and freeze for an additional 1-2 hours until it reaches your desired consistency.
Chocolate. Original public domain image

Flavor options for homemade banana ice cream:

  • Chocolate ice cream:  Add 2T cacao powder
  • Almond chocolate chip ice cream:  Make the basic recipe and then swirl in 2T almond butter and chocolate chips.  
  • Mint chocolate chip ice cream:  Add 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves to the banana mixture before blending.  Fold in chocolate chips before serving.  
  • Peanut butter swirl ice cream: Swirl in unsweetened creamy peanut butter before serving.
  • Vanilla ice cream:  Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract

Enhance any flavor by topping with a pinch of salt.  Flakey sea salt works best to give you a pop of flavor with each bite.  Let me know if you try these.  I’m excited to know which flavor combinations are your favorite.  

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your banana ice cream with these tasty additions:

  • Sprinkle chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips for extra crunch.
  • Drizzle honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.
  • Add fresh banana slices and a sprinkle of coconut flakes for a summery treat.

FAQ

How does it compare to real ice cream?   

While banana ice cream may not have the exact same texture and taste as traditional ice cream, it is a healthier alternative.  That said, if you use a few tablespoons of heavy cream or half and half, you will get a more traditional ice cream consistency and mouthfeel. 

Caloric Content

A typical serving of traditional ice cream can range from 200 to 300 calories or more, depending on the flavor and brand. In comparison, a serving of frozen blended banana usually contains around 100 calories, making it a lighter option.

Fat and Sugar Content

Traditional ice cream is rich in saturated fats and added sugars, contributing to higher cholesterol levels and increased risk of heart disease. On the other hand, frozen blended banana is fat-free and contains natural sugars, which offer a healthy energy boost without the crash.

Nutritional Benefits

Bananas are packed with beneficial nutrients such as potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. These nutrients support heart health, boost the immune system, and aid in digestion. Traditional ice cream lacks these natural vitamins and minerals, instead often containing artificial additives and less nutritional value.

One serving of this dessert is just 125 calories, 2g protein, 1g fat, 31g carbs. Totally doable. Especially if you’re being mindful of macros, as we are in the FASTer Way.

Dietary Restrictions

For those with dietary restrictions, frozen blended banana is a versatile choice. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance, whereas traditional ice cream usually contains dairy and gluten, limiting its accessibility.

By choosing frozen blended banana over traditional ice cream, you can enjoy a delightful dessert that’s not only delicious but also aligns with a healthier lifestyle.

How do I know if my bananas are ripe?  

Bananas have several stages of ripeness.  For this recipe I recommend using yellow bananas that have some brown spots, or bananas that are entirely brown will offer the most sweetness.  Do not use green bananas for this homemade ice cream.  

Tips

Store for another day by pouring into an airtight container.  Smooth out into one layer and top with plastic wrap.  Push wrap down to the top layer of the ice cream so ice crystals don’t form.  Pop on the lid and store in the freezer.  

Creating this 3-ingredient banana ice cream is as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re indulging in a soft-serve treat or enjoying a scoop of firmer ice cream, you’ll find this dessert to be a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream.

Banana Ice Cream

Save this healthy dessert for literally anytime you're in the mood for a sweet treat!
8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 125 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 high power blender food processor

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large bananas frozen
  • 1/4 cup almond milk or milk of choice
  • Vanilla or cocoa powder

Instructions
 

  • Freeze bananas, if not already frozen.
  • Add bananas and milk to the base of your Vitamix or food processor and blend on high until creamy and smooth. Add milk 1T at a time if more is needed to get the blender going.
  • Add flavoring agent of choice!

Nutrition

Serving: 2gCalories: 125kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 42mgPotassium: 487mgFiber: 4gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 87IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 0.4mg
Keyword dairy free, gluten free, healthy
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

About Me

I’m Melanie.

I’m a chef, registered dietitian, foodie, wife and mom.
If you’re looking for quick and healthy meal inspiration that serves YOU and your family well, then you’ve come to the right place!

Melanie Marcus Selfie

How to Make homemade Air-Fried Donut Holes

Got a serious donut craving?  Forget the deep fryer, or frying oil and use your new best friend—the air fryer. With just 2 simple ingredients—mashed banana and self-rising flour—you can whip up homemade donut holes that are golden brown on the outside, soft and doughy on the inside. (And if you don’t have self rising flour, I have a solution for that too!) Ready in just 7 minutes, these air fryer donut holes are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without all the excess calories from oil. 

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mini donut holes in parchment cone

When I made these for my kids they asked me where I bought them!  They love a Tim Horton or Dunkin’ Donuts every once in a while so I was thrilled that these homemade donuts stack up!  I’m so excited for you to try it. 

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Ingredients

  • 1 ripe banana (mashed)
  • 3/4 cup self-rising flour (plus up to 1/4 cup extra if needed)

Optional Ingredients

  • vanilla extract
  • cinnamon
  • powdered sugar or confectioners’ sugar
  • white sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Banana and Flour

  • Mash 1 ripe banana until smooth.
  • Measure out 1/2 cup of the mashed banana and set it aside.
  • Measure out 3/4 cup self-rising flour.

Mix the Dough

  • In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine the mashed banana and self-rising flour.
  • Mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add up to an additional 1/4 cup of flour until you have a cohesive dough ball.

Form the Donut Holes

  • Use a small cookie scoop to portion dough.
  • Roll the dough into 8 small balls.
  • Place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Air Fry the Donuts

  • Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
  • Spray the balls of dough lightly with avocado oil.
  • Place them in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.
  • Bake for 7 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

Final Touches

  • Remove the donut holes using a pair of tongs and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to cool slightly.
  • Spray with a bit more oil and roll in a cinnamon sugar mixture.

Serve & Enjoy

  • Serve your warm donut holes immediately for the best taste. 

Serving Suggestions

  • Dip It! Serve with a side of warm chocolate ganache, caramel dipping sauce, or a citrus glaze for an extra indulgent treat.
  • Coat It! Try different coatings like powdered sugar, matcha, or crushed nuts.
  • Fill It! For a surprise twist, fill the donut holes with fruit jam, vanilla pudding, or cream using a piping bag.
  • Parchment It! ​Roll parchment into a cone and serve 3-4 holes in each one.  Serving them this way takes these air fryer donut hole s up a notch! 

Storage Tips

Store any leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also reheat them in the air fryer at a lower temperature for a few minutes to enjoy warm donut holes again.

Why Air Frying?

Air frying is one of the best ways to make donuts without the need for much oil. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods and results in deliciously fresh donut holes that your whole family will love. Plus, it’s easy peasy clean up too!

FAQs

​What can I use instead of self rising flour?  

You can use 1 tsp baking powder (leavening agent) in addition to your all purpose flour.  Do not use bread flour, it will absorb too much water. 

How can I make these donut holes vegan?

The beauty of this recipe is that it is vegan!  Simply ensure your coatings and fillings are dairy-free. Definitely give my Eggless Banana Muffins or 3 ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies a try.

Can I use a different fruit instead of banana?

I’ve wondered about this too.  I think this could probably be done with applesauce BUT, the ratio of flour to apples will be different.  So it needs to be tested.  

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake these donut holes in the oven. Preheat to 350°F and bake on a baking sheet for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

​Is the sugar coating necessary?

Absolutely not.  You can play around with different serving options.  You could even pipe pudding or jam into the center for a fun surprise.  Maybe go with a homemade chocolate glaze instead?

Nutritional Information

The greatest nutrition benefit here is that the amount of oil used is minimal compared to store bought mini donut hole or whole donut. When you limit fat, you’re able to omit excess calories, which is a bonus if you’re trying to lose weight.  

This recipe also includes fruit, delivering fiber, micronutrients, potassium and natural sugar.  

For more tips on healthy eating, check out these 9 tips to start cooking healthier today

2 donut holes is 138 calories.

Carbs: 29g

Fat: 1g

Protein: 1g

Follow me on IG for more daily inspo in my stories: @miss_nutritious_eats

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Melanie Marcus FASTer Way to Fat Loss Coach

Ready to enjoy some guilt-free donut holes? Scroll down to get started with your first batch today!

mini donut holes in parchment cone

Banana Donut Holes

This simple 2-ish ingredient recipe is a MUST TRY!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Servings 4
Calories 138 kcal

Equipment

  • Kitchen Aide with paddle attachment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup self rising flour
  • 1/2 cup mashed banana
  • sugar and cinnamon optional

Instructions
 

  • Mash 1 banana, measure out 1/2 cup and set aside. Don't use more or less!
  • Combine 3/4 cup flour and banana in mixer with paddle attachment. Slowly add additional 1/4 cup until dough forms smooth ball.
  • Form into 8 balls and spray with oil spray.
  • Bake in air fryer for 7 minutes at 350F.
  • Toss in cinnamon and sugar mixture if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 2holesCalories: 138kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 4gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 132mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 19IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.4mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

About Me

I’m Melanie.

I’m a chef, registered dietitian, foodie, wife and mom.
If you’re looking for quick and healthy meal inspiration that serves YOU and your family well, then you’ve come to the right place!

Melanie Marcus Selfie