It Looks Like Ice Cream, But It’s Just Fruit!
If you’re craving something refreshing and sweet but want to keep it healthy, here’s a fun, easy, and delicious treat that looks just like ice cream, but it’s actually made entirely from fruit. This is a great way to enjoy a cold, creamy dessert without any added sugars or dairy!
Here are a couple of different fruit-based “ice cream” options you can try:
1. Banana “Nice Cream”
This is the classic fruit-based ice cream that’s creamy, sweet, and simple to make!
Ingredients:
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2 ripe bananas (peeled and frozen)
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Optional add-ins: a splash of vanilla extract, peanut butter, cocoa powder, or a few frozen berries
Instructions:
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Freeze the Bananas: Slice the bananas into coins and freeze them for at least 2 hours or overnight. Frozen bananas are key to getting that ice cream-like texture.
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Blend: Add the frozen banana slices to a high-powered blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
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Customize: You can add optional mix-ins like a splash of vanilla extract, a tablespoon of peanut butter, or even a few frozen berries. Blend again until combined.
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Serve: Scoop out the banana “nice cream” and serve it immediately as a soft-serve texture, or freeze it for 1-2 hours to make it firmer like traditional ice cream.
2. Mango Sorbet (No Sugar Added)
Mango sorbet is another refreshing fruit-based frozen treat that’s perfect for hot weather.
Ingredients:
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2 cups frozen mango chunks
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1/4 cup coconut water (or any fruit juice for a different flavor)
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1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)
Instructions:
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Blend the Mango: In a high-powered blender or food processor, combine the frozen mango chunks and coconut water (or juice). Blend until smooth. If needed, add a little extra liquid to help it blend.
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Add Lime: For a tangy twist, add a tablespoon of lime juice and blend again.
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Serve: Scoop out the mango sorbet and enjoy immediately as a soft-serve texture, or freeze it for 2-3 hours for a firmer consistency.
3. Watermelon Ice Cream (No Dairy)
Watermelon ice cream is a light and hydrating option that tastes just like summer!
Ingredients:
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3 cups frozen watermelon chunks
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1-2 tablespoons lime juice or lemon juice
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A handful of mint leaves (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Watermelon: Cut the watermelon into chunks and freeze them for a few hours. You can also freeze it overnight.
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Blend: In a blender or food processor, add the frozen watermelon chunks and lime or lemon juice. Blend until smooth. Add a handful of mint leaves for extra flavor, if desired.
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Serve: Scoop and serve immediately for a soft texture, or freeze for 1-2 hours to firm it up.
4. Strawberry “Ice Cream”
Strawberries make a bright, fruity ice cream alternative that is sweet and creamy without any dairy.
Ingredients:
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2 cups frozen strawberries
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1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, depending on the sweetness of your fruit)
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1/4 cup coconut milk or almond milk
Instructions:
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Blend the Strawberries: In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine the frozen strawberries and coconut or almond milk. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
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Sweeten: Add honey or maple syrup to taste, then blend again.
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Serve: Once it’s smooth and creamy, serve immediately for a soft-serve consistency, or freeze for a few hours to firm it up.
Tips:
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Customizing Flavors: You can add other fruits like blueberries, peaches, or cherries to any of the above for a mix of flavors. Just make sure the fruit is frozen for that creamy texture.
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Add-ins: Feel free to mix in fun ingredients like mini chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or crushed nuts for extra texture and flavor.
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Texture: For an ice cream that’s more like the traditional scoopable texture, freeze the blended fruit for a couple of hours after mixing.
These fruit-based “ice creams” are not only healthy but also incredibly refreshing and satisfying. They look just like ice cream but are made purely from nature’s sweetest treats!