What is “nice” cream
In a nutshell, “nice” cream is plant-based ice cream made with bananas. It’s as simple as that! Over the years, I’ve been known to call it ice “dream” too. The term can also used for any type of ice cream that is made with plant-based ingredients and without dairy. Whatever you call it, it’s a delicious treat that is dairy free and in most cases, sugar free too.
Making nice cream
Step One: Take some ripe bananas, peel them, and place them on parchment paper in your freezer. Once they are frozen, store them in a ziploc bag or other freezer container.
Step Two: When you’re ready to make some nice cream, take out 3-4 bananas and break them into pieces. Put the pieces in a high speed blender (such as Vitamix). If you don’t have a high speed blender, then you can let the bananas sit out for a few minutes so they aren’t as difficult to blend.
Step Three: Start blending the bananas until they are creamy. If you’re using a Vitamix, you can help this step by using the tamper. You can also add a small amount of liquid (almond milk, soy milk, water) to help the blending process.
Step Four: Gradually add your flavor ingredients depending on your mood and what you have in the house.
Step Five: Serve immediately for a soft serve type ice cream. Or pour into a bowl and place it in the freezer for a harder ice cream you can scoop.
Nice Cream Flavor Ideas
- Blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- Strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- Raspberries (fresh or frozen)
- Blackberries
- Mango
- Cantaloupe
- Watermelon
- Fresh peaches
- Pineapple (fresh or canned in pineapple juice)
- Chocolate Chips (dairy free)
- Cinnamon
- Mint
- Vanilla
- Maple Syrup
- Nut butter / Nuts
- Or any combination! Be creative!
Some Nice Cream Recipes
Blueberry Ice Cream
This super simple, dairy-free ice cream is really delicious and good for you too! Made from bananas and frozen blueberries or any berries you have on hand.
Chocolate Mocha Ice Cream
This dairy-free, vegan ice cream is so easy to make. Thick and creamy, your entire family will love this yummy chocolate treat!
Mint Chocolate Chip
Minty, chocolaty deliciousness! This plant-based ice cream is made from bananas and has no added dairy or sugar. Yummy stuff!
Final Thoughts on Nice Cream
While you can buy many varieties of vegan or plant-based ice cream in stores these days, they are full of fat, so much sugar, and other ingredients you might not want to consume. Yes, I know Ben and Jerry’s makes some amazing new dairy free ice creams, but have you ever looked at the labels?! This is only for a 1/2 cup serving…. Yikes! And who really only eats a 1/2 cup serving?
Taking 5 minutes to make your own “nice” cream is a much better way to go! Super simple, you know exactly what you’re putting into it and it’s good for you too.
What are your favorite nice cream flavors? Tonight I am going to make some peach nice cream – I can’t wait! Please let me know the delicious ideas you have for this frozen treat! 🍨🍦💗
