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!
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.
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
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
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.
Recipe tips
This recipe is modestly sweetened. You can add in a bit more maple or honey, or even a little stevia if you'd like it sweeter.
Other ice cream recipes you might like
Chocolate Cherry Nice Cream
Ingredients
- ½ avocado
- 1 cup frozen cherries
- 2 teaspoon raw honey or maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder
- 4-5 Tablespoons milk of your choice as needed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- dash sea salt
Instructions
- Blend until smooth and creamy (add a dash or two of stevia for extra sweetness).
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
If you have a chance to try this recipe, please leave a star rating and a comment below letting me know how you liked it!
Anya
LOVE that this has no bananas, as we're allergic here. Thank you, can't wait to try.
kimmythevegan
Sounds like a decadent & delicious breakfast! I can't wait to try it out =)
It's interesting how everything depends on perception and how everyone's perceptions are different. I find as I get older, I go more with the flow, which suits me better 😉
April J Harris (@apriljharris)
Perception is everything, that is very true. Love this delicious, healthy treat - what a great way to encourage your children to eat healthier foods! Thank you for sharing with us at the Hearth and Soul Hop. Sharing.
Andrea Wyckoff
Your photos are so darling!! I want to dive right into this sundae. ? Love the idea of adding avocado too!
Thalia
Love how healthy this ice-cream is. And I bet it is so delicious too! You can never go wrong with chocolate and cherries.
PeggyP
Looks delish! Can't wait to try it. I might tonight since I just happen to have all the ingredients!
fitfoodiemama
Looks awesome! Love that this is banana free- thanks so much for sharing and linking up 🙂
Courtney's Cookbook
Yum! I love the avocado in there-- I bet it makes it deliciously creamy! 🙂
Laura
My husband related a story from his co-worker that described how she made a new soup recipe from scratch and her grandkids really liked it. It involved opening a can of cream of mushroom soup and rotel, both of which I wouldn't consider 'from scratch.' But she did. Perception!
I think this 'ice cream' looks great as a breakfast or for anytime. We are not cherry fans but I have other frozen fruit available.
Do you finds your kids get 'ice cream' otherwise and think it tastes funny? Perhaps less an issue with allergies as they may not be exposed to other versions. When we eat outside of home, my daughters discover that other ice creams or granola bars or bread or whatever taste quite different than what they are used to. Trained taste buds.
Lauren
First, haha to your 'made from scratch' story. That is a true testament to 'perception'!...and you're right about the allergies here. They've both tried regular ice cream, but we don't eat much outside our home because of allergies. Hopefully they don't go hog-wild when they're old enough to make decisions for themselves!
Dawn
YUM! going to make this since i have a very-ripened avocado awaiting (and frozen cherries).
as for your comments on the 'perceptive people'...
it's unfortunate that we see people's true heart now when they post online. they hide behind the screen.
so many people are too PC and just plain, not happy. why argue?
BE HAPPY! 😀
Lauren
Thanks Dawn! Yes, a lot of people with cat avatars, huh? 🙂