No Churn Banana Ice Cream Recipe

Quick & Creamy No Churn Banana Ice Cream Recipe for Summer

Cold banana magic happens when simple ingredients blend into a creamy dream without an ice cream machine.

Smooth frozen treats can surprise even skeptical dessert lovers with minimal effort.

Each spoonful promises rich, velvety texture that melts beautifully on your tongue.

Summer afternoons deserve something extraordinary and deliciously cool.

Sweet bananas create a naturally rich base that feels indulgent yet surprisingly light.

No complicated techniques stand between you and this delightful dessert.

Wake up your taste buds and whip up something special that feels like pure happiness.

Common Questions About No Churn Banana Ice Cream

  • Why use ripe bananas for this recipe?

Ripe bananas are key because they have more natural sugars, which enhance sweetness and provide a deeper, more intense banana flavor. They also mash more easily, creating a smoother ice cream base.

  • Can I make this recipe without an electric mixer?

Yes, you can use a whisk, but it will require more arm strength and time to whip the cream to stiff peaks. An electric mixer makes the process faster and ensures a more consistent texture.

  • How can I tell if my whipped cream has reached stiff peaks?

When you lift the mixer beaters, the cream should stand up straight without falling over. The peaks should be firm and hold their shape when the beater is turned upside down.

  • Is it necessary to use sweetened condensed milk?

Sweetened condensed milk helps create a creamy, smooth texture and prevents ice crystals from forming. It also adds sweetness and helps keep the ice cream soft and scoopable.

Why No Churn Banana Ice Cream Is a Must-Try

  • Requires only five basic pantry staples, making it budget-friendly and accessible for home cooks of all levels.
  • Perfect for families with children who love helping in the kitchen and enjoy sweet, creamy desserts without complicated techniques.
  • Easily personalize with mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or caramel sauce to create unique flavor combinations every time you make it.

What You’ll Need for No Churn Banana Ice Cream

Base Ingredients:
  • Ripe Bananas: Provides natural sweetness and creamy texture, select very ripe bananas with brown spots for intense flavor.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds rich sweetness and helps create smooth, soft ice cream texture.
Dairy Components:
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates light and airy structure, must be cold for best whipping results.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor that complements banana's natural sweetness.
  • Salt: Small pinch balances overall sweetness and deepens flavor profile.
Optional Mix-Ins:
  • Chocolate Chips, Nuts: Provides extra texture and flavor variation, can be mixed gently into base before freezing.

Quick How-To for No Churn Banana Ice Cream

Step 1: Mash Ripe Bananas

Grab ripe bananas and mash them thoroughly in a large mixing bowl until completely smooth and creamy. Add:
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt (optional)

Stir everything together until ingredients are fully blended.

Step 2: Whip Cream

Using an electric mixer, whip cold heavy whipping cream in a separate bowl. Beat until stiff peaks form that stand up straight and hold their shape.

Step 3: Blend Mixtures

Carefully fold whipped cream into banana mixture using a spatula. Gently mix until no white streaks remain and the mixture looks smooth and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Extra Goodies

If desired, softly incorporate additional mix-ins like:
  • Chocolate chips
  • Chopped nuts
  • Caramel pieces
  • Crushed cookies

Step 5: Prepare For Freezing

Transfer the entire mixture into a loaf pan or freezer-safe container. Use a spatula to create an even surface on top.

Step 6: Freeze and Chill

Cover the container with plastic wrap or a tight lid. Place in freezer for 4-6 hours or overnight until ice cream becomes firm and scoopable.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop into bowls and top with favorite garnishes like:
  • Chocolate sauce
  • Whipped cream
  • Sprinkles
  • Fresh fruit

Tips to Improve No Churn Banana Ice Cream

  • Ripeness Matters: Choose overripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor profile.
  • Whip with Precision: Ensure heavy cream is ice-cold and use a chilled bowl to achieve perfect stiff peaks for maximum volume.
  • Fold Gently: Use a light folding technique to maintain the airy texture and prevent deflating the whipped cream.
  • Flavor Boost: Experiment with additional extracts like almond or cinnamon to enhance the banana's natural taste.
  • Storage Savvy: Cover the ice cream surface with plastic wrap directly touching it to prevent ice crystals from forming during freezing.

How to Keep No Churn Banana Ice Cream Ready to Serve

  • Transfer leftover ice cream to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent freezer burn and maintain its creamy texture.
  • Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap before closing the lid to minimize air exposure and prevent ice crystals from forming.
  • Store in the coldest part of your freezer, typically the back, to preserve the smooth consistency and prevent texture changes.
  • Enjoy the homemade banana ice cream within 1-2 weeks for the best flavor and quality, as the texture may gradually become icier over time.

Pairings for No Churn Banana Ice Cream

  • Sprinkle toasted pecans and drizzle salted caramel sauce over each scoop for a delightful textural contrast that elevates the banana's creamy sweetness.
  • Serve alongside a warm espresso or cold brew coffee, which cuts through the richness and highlights the dessert's smooth banana flavor.
  • Pour a chilled passion fruit mojito or coconut rum cocktail that echoes the banana's tropical essence and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy ice cream.
  • Garnish with dark chocolate shavings or serve with a side of rich chocolate brownie to create a decadent flavor explosion that complements the banana's natural sweetness.

Ways to Customize No Churn Banana Ice Cream

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk and use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Protein Power Boost: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to increase protein content and create a more nutritious frozen treat.
  • Nutty Banana Crunch: Fold in chopped toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans for added texture and nutty flavor profile.
  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Swirl in melted dark chocolate or sprinkle cocoa nibs throughout the ice cream for intense chocolate lovers.
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No Churn Banana Ice Cream Recipe

No Churn Banana Ice Cream Recipe


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4.7 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Creamy no churn banana ice cream delivers a dreamy dessert that takes minimal effort and maximum flavor. Cool, smooth swirls of sweet banana goodness will delight you with each refreshing spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
  • 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy whipping cream, cold

Flavor and Texture Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Mix-Ins and Toppings:

  • ½ cup chocolate chips or chocolate chunks
  • ½ cup crushed cookies (e.g., vanilla wafers or graham crackers)
  • ¼ cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans)
  • ¼ cup caramel or chocolate sauce, for swirling

Instructions

  1. Crush ripened bananas thoroughly in a spacious mixing vessel until achieving a velvety consistency, ensuring no lumps remain.
  2. Incorporate sweetened condensed milk, vanilla essence, and a subtle salt enhancement, stirring until ingredients harmonize seamlessly.
  3. Using a chilled electric mixer, whip heavy cream vigorously until peaks stand tall and maintain their structured form.
  4. Execute a delicate folding technique, merging the whipped cream into banana blend with precise, gentle motions to preserve airy texture.
  5. Continue folding methodically until mixture transforms into a uniform, silky composition with zero visible cream streaks.
  6. Optional enrichment involves introducing complementary elements like chocolate fragments, chopped nuts, or preferred mix-ins through careful integration.
  7. Transfer the luxurious concoction into a designated freezer-compatible container, meticulously smoothing the surface for uniform freezing.
  8. Shield the mixture with protective wrap or container lid, positioning carefully in freezer’s stable zone.
  9. Allow transformation to occur undisturbed for 4-6 hours, preferably overnight, enabling complete solidification and flavor melding.
  10. Extract from freezer, allowing minimal softening period, then artfully scoop into serving vessels, complementing with preferred garnishes.

Notes

  • Choose perfectly ripe, brown-spotted bananas for maximum natural sweetness and deeper flavor profile.
  • Chill all ingredients beforehand to ensure smoother, fluffier texture during mixing and freezing process.
  • Consider dairy-free alternatives by substituting coconut cream for heavy whipping cream to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
  • Add extra flavor dimensions by incorporating spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or a splash of rum during the mixing stage for sophisticated taste variations.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 577
  • Sugar: 47 g
  • Sodium: 140 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 61 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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