Banana ice cream

Banana Coconut Ice Cream - A Sweet and Healthy Indulgence

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Freezing time: 8 hours (or overnight)
Servings: 4

Banana ice cream is a simple and delicious dessert, perfect for warm summer days or whenever you crave something sweet and refreshing. This recipe is not only quick but also healthy, made with natural ingredients, free from additives or preservatives. Let's venture together into making this delicacy!

Ingredients you need:
- 4 ripe bananas (without black spots, but well-ripened)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (for a sweet and aromatic taste)
- Juice from 1 lemon (for a delicious contrast and to prevent the bananas from oxidizing)
- 2 tablespoons of coconut (for extra flavor and texture)
- 150 g of cream (preferably with a higher fat content for creamier ice cream)
- 3 biscuits (preferably cocoa or digestive, for a crunchy note)

Step by Step - Making Banana Ice Cream

1. Preparing the Bananas: Start by peeling the 4 bananas. Choose bananas that are ripe but not too soft - these will provide the ideal texture for your ice cream. Cut them into slices about 1-2 cm thick and place them in a large bowl.

2. Adding Flavors: Sprinkle the 2 packets of vanilla sugar over the banana slices. Then, add the lemon juice. This will not only enhance the flavor but also prevent the bananas from turning brown.

3. Blending in a Food Processor: Transfer the banana mixture to a food processor. Blend for a few seconds until you achieve a smooth paste, but not too fine. You want to keep some texture.

4. Incorporating the Cream: Add the cream and the 2 tablespoons of coconut into the processor. Blend again until the ingredients combine perfectly, forming a thick and fluffy cream.

5. Crunchy Biscuits: Crumble the 3 biscuits. This step is essential as the biscuits will add a crunchy note to your ice cream. Add them to the banana mixture and gently fold with a spatula, so as not to crush them completely.

6. Filling the Containers: Pour the mixture into ice cream cups or plastic cups, as I did. If you have space in the freezer, use glass containers for a more uniform texture.

7. Freezing: Place the cups in the freezer and let them cool for 8 hours or ideally overnight. This way, the ice cream will have time to harden and achieve the perfect consistency.

8. Serving: Take the ice cream out of the freezer 5-10 minutes before serving, to soften slightly. You can garnish each serving with a sprinkle of coconut or fresh banana slices. Enjoy!

Practical Tips:
- Bananas: Choose ripe but firm bananas to achieve an ideal ice cream texture. If you have very ripe bananas, you can freeze them before using.
- Cream: A cream with a higher fat content will yield creamier ice cream. You can experiment with plant-based cream for a vegan option.
- Biscuits: You can substitute biscuits with granola or ground nuts for a healthier version.

Nutritional Benefits:
Banana ice cream is a healthy option, made with natural fruits rich in potassium and vitamins. Coconut adds fiber and healthy fats, while the cream contributes protein. Additionally, it is a dairy-free dessert, making it suitable for various diets.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can the ice cream be made without cream? Yes, you can use Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Can I add other fruits? Sure! You can experiment with strawberries or mango, which pair perfectly with bananas.
- How can I store the ice cream? You can keep it in the freezer for up to a month, but it is best consumed within a week to retain its flavor.

Serving Suggestions:
Banana ice cream pairs perfectly with warm chocolate sauce or some fresh fruits on the side. Additionally, a glass of berry smoothie will make a wonderful duet!

This banana ice cream recipe is not just a delicious dessert but also a great way to use ripe bananas that would otherwise go to waste. Its fresh taste and creamy texture will win you over from the very first spoonful. So dare to try and enjoy a scoop of cold happiness!