Just 4 simple ingredients to make this:
Swirly chocolate soft-serve.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably seen the idea of whipping frozen banana in a vitamix or food processor until it resembles the exact texture of soft-serve ice cream. (If you add a fat source, like peanut butter, it tastes pretty similar to ice cream as well. Or leave the fat out for a refreshing sherbet-like taste.)
I first blogged about the idea back in 2009, and then again in the Vitamix ice cream post, and I’m sure others were making it even earlier than that. The best thing about the concept is its versatility; everyone gets to put his or her own spin on the basic recipe. One of my favorite variations: chocolate soft serve!
With sprinkles on top.
(Just in case you forgot whose blog you were reading.)
Chocolate Banana Soft Serve
(Serves 2-3)
Category: 50+ Healthy Banana Recipes
- 3 medium bananas, the riper the better (for substitutions, see nutrition link below)
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/16 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp cocoa or cacao powder (15g)
- optional: sweetener of choice, depending on your tastebuds and ripeness of the bananas
- optional: 3-5 tbsp peanut butter or another nut butter of choice
Ahead of time: peel and slice the over-ripe bananas into chunks. Freeze in a Ziploc-type bag, then combine all ingredients in a Vita-Mix, food processor, or blender. (If not using a Vita-Mix, add 2-3 tsp milk of choice so it’ll blend more smoothly. You might also have to thaw the frozen bananas if your freezer is super-powerful.) If you want the look of ice cream, use an ice-cream scoop to serve! (If you scoop it all into a container and freeze about 10-15 minutes, the texture will also become a bit firmer like ice cream, as opposed to soft serve.) Don’t try to halve the recipe unless you have a tiny food processor, as it won’t blend as smoothly.
View Chocolate Banana Soft Serve Nutrition Facts
Have you ever tried banana “ice cream”?
Any favorite ways to eat it? I almost always add a ridiculous amount of peanut butter, even to this chocolate version. Peanut butter and banana belong together, and the added fat makes it taste more like ice cream than sherbet.
LINK OF THE DAY:
I just sat here for at least five minutes drooling at the screen. Yum!
Looks festive and delish! I make this sometimes too, but I’ve never put it in a cone with sprinkles! Nice touches! 🙂
I actually hadn’t heard of doing this before. This is so awesome. Love the idea and thanks for sharing!!
I love banana soft serve! I’m a fan of throwing in some PB just for good measure!
Katie, this looks delicious! I actually made this last week 🙂 and I loved it!
I made your chocolate mousse frosting today and everyone was in LOVE with the delicious and creamy dessert!
We ate it along side strawberry banana soft serve.
You’ve inspired me to try mango banana soft serve. I bought some frozen mango chunks at the grocery store today!
Thank you for posting such delicious recipes!
Earlier this summer I made banana ice cream (just from frozen bananas!) with my kids and daycare kids. It was great and they all loved it! After we tried just banana, then I threw some frozen strawberries into the blender, and blended. Strawberry Banana ice cream – made JUST with strawberries and bananas? Yes, please! 🙂
Hey Katie!!!
I just wanted you to know that you inspired me to create my very own blog about my quest to become vegan. Your blogging tips really inspired me! Thank you soooooo much Katie I’m sure I’m not the only one you’ve helped- I lurv you girl!!! (and not in the creepy way, lol)
-Mary
Aw thank you, Mary! I will be sure to check out your blog :).
This looks sooooo tasty. I’ve been wanting to try banana soft serve for ages so when I get home to a blender I’ll have to try it!
I just tried it with kiwis i put in the freezer, salt, vanilla, a tiny bit of almond butter, and a tiny bit of honey. it was great but those kiwis were TANGY omg. had my mouth tingling like crazy. I think i will try peach banana strawberry next time.
Aw, I’ve been making this for a long time, too. I also love adding almond butter! Or cashew if you don’t want a strong nutty flavor.
I make this in the vita-mix though, it get’s creamier that way…