When I first tried making my own “nice cream,” I was skeptical. Could frozen bananas really mimic the creamy, rich texture of traditional ice cream?
The answer was a resounding yes! And when I paired it with a refreshing minty twist and crunchy chocolate chips, it became my go-to post-workout dessert.
This healthy mint chocolate chip nice cream is indulgent enough to feel like a cheat meal, yet packed with nutrients to fuel your fitness goals. Best of all, you can whip it up in just a few minutes!
Step-by-Step Guide to Mint Chocolate Bliss 🌿✨
Step 1: Freeze the Bananas 🍌
If you haven’t already, slice two ripe bananas into coins and freeze them for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better). The riper the bananas, the sweeter your nice cream will be!
Pro Tip: To avoid clumping, spread the banana slices in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
Step 2: Blend the Base 🌀
Grab a high-powered blender or food processor and toss in your frozen banana slices. Add 1-2 tablespoons of unsweetened almond milk (or your favorite plant-based milk) to get the blending started.
Key Tip: Blend in short bursts, scraping down the sides as needed. It will transform from chunky to smooth and creamy—just be patient!
Step 3: Add the Mint Magic 🌿
Add 1 teaspoon of pure peppermint extract or 5-6 fresh mint leaves for that signature minty flavor. To give your nice cream a fun green hue, toss in a handful of fresh spinach leaves. Don’t worry, you won’t taste the spinach—it’s just for color and added nutrients!
Step 4: Chocolate Chip Perfection 🍫
Fold in 2 tablespoons of mini dark chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate) for that satisfying crunch. If you’re cutting sugar, swap them for cacao nibs.
Step 5: Serve or Freeze Again 🍨
You can enjoy your nice cream immediately for a soft-serve consistency, or transfer it to a container and freeze for 1-2 hours for a firmer texture.
Use an ice cream scoop to serve it like a pro!
Tips for Maximum Freshness 🧊
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.Before serving again, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften.
Creative Flavor Variations 🎨
- Protein Boost: Blend in a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder.
- Nutty Delight: Add a tablespoon of almond or cashew butter during blending.
- Tropical Twist: Swap spinach for a handful of frozen avocado for creaminess.
Pair It with Other Recipes
This nice cream pairs wonderfully with:
- Easy Healthy Keto Brownies Recipe: A warm, fudgy treat to complement your frozen dessert.
- High Protein Brown Sugar Overnight Oats: Perfect for a crunchy contrast.
Pin This Recipe for Later! 📌
Treat yourself to guilt-free indulgence with this Healthy Mint Chocolate Chip Nice Cream! It’s creamy, refreshing, and packed with nutrients.
Save this recipe now for your next sweet tooth craving!
Healthy Mint Chocolate Chip Nice Cream
2
servings10
minutes180
kcalIngredients (for Easy Reference)
2 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen 🍌
1-2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk 🥛
1 tsp peppermint extract or 5-6 fresh mint leaves 🌿
1 handful fresh spinach (optional, for color) 🥬
2 tbsp mini dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs 🍫
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 2.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamin A: 20% of the Daily Value (from spinach, if included)
- Vitamin C: 15% of the Daily Value
Notes
- On Bananas: The Base of the Nice Cream 🍌
Ripe bananas are key! The more ripe and spotty they are, the sweeter and creamier your nice cream will be.
Always slice the bananas before freezing; whole bananas can be tough to blend and may damage your blender. - Getting That Vibrant Green Color 🌱
Spinach works wonders for color without impacting flavor. Plus, it sneaks in some extra vitamins and minerals.
Don’t worry if the spinach isn’t blending smoothly at first—just keep blending! It’ll incorporate seamlessly with the frozen bananas. - Chocolate Choices 🍫
Dark Chocolate Chips: Opt for chips with at least 70% cocoa for a rich flavor and health benefits.
Cacao Nibs: For a crunchier texture and no added sugar, cacao nibs are a fantastic alternative.
Feel free to mix both for extra texture! - Blending Tips for Creamy Success 🌀
Use a high-powered blender or food processor for the best results. If the mixture is too thick, add almond milk one tablespoon at a time.
If your blender struggles, let the bananas thaw for a minute or two before blending. - Customizations to Try 🎨
Add a scoop of protein powder to make this a post-workout recovery treat.
Sprinkle in crushed nuts (like almonds or pistachios) for added texture and healthy fats.
Love a cooling boost? Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil (food-grade) for a stronger minty chill. - Serving and Storage Tips 🧊
Serve immediately for soft-serve consistency, or freeze for 1-2 hours for a firmer texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, but remember that the texture may harden. Let it thaw for 5-10 minutes before scooping. - Quick Nutrition Tip 💡
If you’re tracking macros closely, weigh your bananas and chocolate chips before adding them to get an exact calorie and carb count. The natural sugar in bananas can vary depending on their size.
Who says you can’t have dessert every day? Dive into this minty, chocolatey, creamy goodness and let it fuel your workouts—or your Netflix binges. 😉
