By Rachel Line (my sister!)
Yesterday I was super hungry when my son got up from his nap. He usually has a snack, and I decided to join him. But what should we have? I saw the bananas laying on our counter and I thought of the piles of frozen bananas in my freezer. Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana “Ice Cream”… perfect!
I’ve been making this special treat for several years now, and I love it for so many reasons. It satisfies my sweet tooth without all the unnecessary ingredients of store-bought ice cream. It’s healthy, simple, and delicious! And it’s a perfect way to use over-ripe bananas besides always making banana bread. I’m excited to share this recipe with you, but it is so simple it almost seems silly to call it a recipe!
Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter “Ice Cream”
Ingredients
- 3 frozen bananas
- 1-2 Tbsp natural peanut butter
- 1-2 tsp cocoa powder
Method
Allow bananas to thaw on the counter for about 10 minutes. Peel bananas, cut into large chunks, and place in a food processor or high-powered blender. Add peanut butter and cocoa according to your preference. Blend until smooth and creamy. Grab a spoon and enjoy!
How to Freeze Bananas
Here are two easy methods for freezing bananas.
1. Freeze them whole and unpeeled
I just throw whole, unpeeled bananas into the freezer, sometimes still in bunches. I wait until they are really over-ripe before freezing them, which is one reason I don’t peel them first. When I’m ready to use them, I let them thaw on the counter for about 10 minutes before cutting off each end and making a slit down the length making it easier to peel. Then I cut it into chunks and throw it in the food processor.
If I’m using them for banana bread I’ll let them thaw more completely, cut off one end and then squeeze it out into a bowl.
2. Freeze them peeled in chunks
You can also peel the bananas and cut them into chunks and place it in a freezer baggie. They are easier to grab out of the freezer and use this way, but they will get brown and not last as long as the unpeeled ones. I will sometimes do this when I know I want to make a frozen banana treat within the next day or two, because it saves me time when I’m ready to make the treat.
Emily’s note: Our family also loves this strawberry banana “ice cream”!
Have you used frozen bananas to make healthy “ice cream” before? What is your favorite flavor combination?
Looking for more uses for frozen bananas?
Healthy Banana Muffins or Bread
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