Chocolate Cherry Nice Cream - No bananas or dairy needed for this sweet and creamy blender ice cream. This makes a delicious and healthy treat, especially for kids!

Chocolate ice cream with a cherry on top in a glass on a white plate.

What is nice cream??

Nice cream is a modern phrase used to describe a basic mixture of frozen bananas and some type of liquid (usually dairy-free) to create a healthier version of ice cream.

It hit big back in the mid-2000s, with food bloggers creating any and every flavor imaginable!

I've had a love/hate relationship with bananas (I love them, they hate me) for some time now, so I created this creamy and delicious chocolate cherry alternative, made without bananas!

This is obviously not true ice cream by most people's perception. For our family, however, it's just as delicious and far 'healthier' than the alternative.

Chocolate ice cream overflowing a glass with a pink spoon.

How do you make nice cream without bananas?

The key to this nice cream is avocado!

Not only does it provide thickness, but the fat contributes to a rich and delicious texture that tastes luxurious in your mouth.

In this recipe, I've paired the avocado with frozen cherries and cocoa powder for a chocolate cherry variation, but you could use a different berry if you like.

Ingredients and substitutions

Various ingredients on a table, including cherries and cocoa powder.

Avocado - This is the base of this recipe and what makes it rich and thick. Tofu may be an alternative, though I haven't tried it.

Frozen cherries - I love a chocolate cherry combo, but frozen strawberries also work, if you prefer.

Cocoa powder - Cacao works as well.

Maple syrup - Maple is my favorite sweetener, but honey works as well. Honey has a more distinct taste, keep in mind.

Milk - Any milk can work here; my personal favorite is this Coconut Milk.

Vanilla and sea salt - Both contribute to flavor.

Best blender for making nice cream

Frozen cherries, cocoa powder, and milk in a blender.

A high speed blender is crucial for this recipe, as it is so thick, and you need a blender with a powerful motor.

Like many food bloggers and other kitchen professionals, my top choice is a Vitamix.

I know it's pricey, but, honestly, it has been the BEST investment I've made, food-wise. The first one I bought refurbished, and the warranty allowed me to get two new pitchers throughout my years of owning it.

We just bought our second one during Amazon's Christmas season, where it was nearly 50% off!

My original one still works, but it had started to develop a few kinks. Knowing that I was close to the end of my warranty, I purchased the new one.