With the Ninja Creami, you can turn banana bread into a creamy, indulgent frozen treat that combines the flavors of ripe bananas, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness. This Ninja Creami banana bread ice cream recipe brings the best of both Banana bread and ice cream together, offering a unique twist on two classic desserts.
1. Ninja Creami Banana Bread Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Banana Mixture
Start by mashing the ripe bananas in a bowl. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the ice cream will be. Use a fork or potato masher to mash them until smooth.
If you prefer some texture, you can leave a few chunks of banana in the mixture. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour to the mashed bananas, and stir to combine.
The flour will give the ice cream a slightly thicker, more batter-like consistency, helping it resemble the texture of banana bread.
Step 2: Add the Cream and Milk
Pour the heavy cream and whole milk into the banana mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. The combination of cream and milk will create the perfect base for your ice cream, ensuring it is rich and creamy.
Add the vanilla extract, which will enhance the overall flavor profile of the ice cream. Mix everything together thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined, and the sugar is fully dissolved.
Step 3: Freeze the Mixture
Once your ice cream base is ready, pour the mixture into the Ninja Creami pint container. Leave some space at the top of the pint to allow for expansion during freezing. Seal the lid securely, and place the pint in the freezer.
Allow the mixture to freeze for at least 24 hours. This step is essential to achieve the right texture once the ice cream is processed in the Ninja Creami. Make sure the base is completely frozen before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Process the Ice Cream in the Ninja Creami
After the mixture has fully frozen, it’s time to process the ice cream. Attach the frozen pint to the Ninja Creami machine and lock it into place. Select the “Ice Cream” setting on the machine, and let it work its magic.
The Ninja Creami will break down the frozen mixture into a smooth, creamy consistency, turning it into perfect banana bread ice cream.
If the ice cream appears too soft after the first cycle, run the machine for an additional cycle or two to achieve your desired texture. The Ninja Creami is highly effective at creating smooth, scoopable frozen desserts, so don’t be afraid to process the mixture a few extra times if needed.
Step 5: Add Mix-ins
Once the ice cream has reached the desired texture, it’s time to add the mix-ins. If you’re using walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the ice cream with a spoon or spatula.
These add-ins provide a delightful crunch and extra flavor that mimics the texture and taste of banana bread. If you prefer a smooth, classic banana ice cream, you can skip this step.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop the freshly made banana bread ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy the creamy, rich flavor. If you prefer a firmer texture, return the ice cream to the freezer for 15-30 minutes before serving. The flavors will continue to meld as the ice cream sets, making it even more delicious.
2. Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Ice Cream
Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better the flavor. Overripe bananas will have a stronger, more pronounced banana flavor, which is perfect for this ice cream. They’ll also add more natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugar.
Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your preferences. If you want a less sweet ice cream, you can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup or substitute it with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey.
Use Full-Fat Dairy: For the richest and creamiest ice cream, use full-fat heavy cream and whole milk. The combination of these two ingredients ensures the ice cream has a luxurious, smooth texture.
Customize with Add-ins: You can customize the ice cream by adding chocolate chips, crushed graham crackers, or even swirls of caramel. Adding chopped bananas after processing will enhance the banana flavor and give the ice cream a delightful texture.
No Ice Cream Maker? No Problem: If you don’t have a Ninja Creami, you can still make this ice cream by following the same steps but using a traditional ice cream maker. Simply churn the mixture according to your ice cream maker’s instructions.
Make it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the dairy products with coconut cream and almond milk. You can also use maple syrup or agave syrup instead of brown sugar.
This Ninja Creami banana bread ice cream recipe brings the warm, comforting flavors of banana bread into a delicious frozen treat. With its rich, creamy texture and subtle spices, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. Try it out today and experience the magic of transforming a simple banana bread recipe into a creamy, indulgent ice cream!