This delicious banana-based ‘gelato’ combines flavors of almond and maple for a healthier and more modern take on Italian ice cream!
What is the difference between gelato and ice cream?
I wondered this for a bit before finally delving into cyberspace to discover the answer.
To sum up my findings, gelato is an Italian ice cream that is typically lower in fat than ice cream (yay!).
It also contains less air, making it denser, and it is usually served at a slightly warmer temperature than ice cream, making it softer in consistency.
Does this sound a bit like banana soft serve to anyone? I thought it did!
Before anyone gets sassy in the comments, I know frozen bananas do not a gelato make, but I DO think the descriptions above aptly portray this creamy dessert we’re all enchanted with (and it beats the heck out of calling it ‘Processed Frozen Bananas’!
Whoever out there discovered that bananas could be frozen is a person worthy of some serious accolades, but the genius that somehow whirred them into this delicious treat should be given preferential treatment for life!
Hugs and kisses to you both.
5-Minute Maple Almond Gelato
Ingredients
- 2 large frozen bananas
- 3 Tbsp raw almond butter
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract
- ¼ cup light coconut milk
- pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Add everything into your food processor.
- Process until well combined and creamy.
- Freeze for a bit if you like your ice treats a bit harder, but it's delicious as is!
Notes
Nutrition
Notes:
I love the additions of the almond butter as well as the extracts.
I’ve had plain banana soft serve, and it was a nice and healthy treat, but the almond butter brings a richness that can’t be duplicated, and vanilla and almond extracts add loads of flavor without extra calories!
I typically eat this right away, but I’ve also frozen it for a bit, and it’s delicious that way as well!
This looks lovely! Haha, I was actually wondering what the difference was yesterday, how funny! Thank you for explaining!
coconut milk from a can or a carton?
Can….I never use the stuff from a carton. I like the Trader Joe’s brand because it doesn’t have any additives! 🙂
Thanks! My son loves my homemade “ice cream” made from frozen bananas. My freezer is stocked with them. Now I have to find a recipe to match the Coconut Bliss flavors ….
YUM! I have all the ingredients for this so I’m thinking… afternoon snack? 🙂 Thanks for sharing! Love it.
What a delicious and creative version of ice cream! I love it. And I happen to love the combination of banana, coconut, and almond butter. Simply delicious. My kiddos would adore this dessert. Yes, making very soon. 🙂
Haha, thanks Amber! Our girls really enjoyed it, so hopefully yours will too!
Haha I have NO plans on getting sassy with you 😉
I think frozen bananas mimic gelato wonderfully! What a great idea!
Thank you for your submission on Nourishing Treasures’ Make Your Own! Monday link-up.
Check back tomorrow when the new link-up is running to see if you were one of the top 3 featured posts! 🙂
Lovely! But…2 calories? Typo or miracle?
Haha, that would be a miracle! It’s actually 2 servings, 355 calories per serving. 🙂
This recipe just reminds me that summer is right around the corner! Come share at Raw Foods Thursdays! (And I love that you call it gelato!)
http://www.glutenfreecat.com/2013/05/raw-foods-thursdays-51613/
Heather
When you can make this in 5 minutes there is no excuse not to have dessert! 🙂 Thanks for linking up at our Gluten Free Fridays party! I have tweeted and pinned your entry to our Gluten Free Fridays board on Pinterest! 🙂
Can’t wait to see what you are bringing to the party this week! We have another GREAT giveaway!
Cindy from vegetarianmamma.com
I love frozen banana ice cream! It is amazing! This sounds like a delicious combo. One thing I love to do is drizzle melted coconut oil on the ice cream once it is done, but before I remove it from my processor. Then I let it harden from the cold for a few minutes and give it one more whirl. It adds crispy chunks to the ice cream. I also almost always add cocoa powder to mine and it makes me think I have chocolate chip chunks, even though it’s just crunchy frozen coconut oil! A bit healthier, less sugar and I get another dose of coconut oil down me! Yum:)
Yum, Rebecca, that sounds delicious! 🙂