It’s no secret that non-dairy ice cream is soaring in its popularity, especially over the last year or so. With options no longer only available in a heavily frozen freezer pushed all the way to the back, but also in Ben & Jerry’s flavors, non-dairy ice cream is accessible almost anywhere. Amazingly enough, it tastes just as amazing, if not better, than many other dairy-filled ice creams, and leaves those that are vegan or lactose-intolerant with a much more satisfied stomach.
What’s even more incredible about non-dairy ice cream is how simple and easy it is to prepare on your own. I know, I know, you’re probably thinking that making ice cream yourself is a huge hassle that requires a special machine to freeze it at just the right temperature and prepare it at just the right consistency. And while that may be the case for some types of ice cream – cough, cough, dairy – vegan ice cream does not require all that hard work and fancy equipment. Not only is it easy to make, it also tastes great and in many aspects, is extremely healthy for you.
Making non-dairy ice cream is very similar to preparing a smoothie bowl – which is just as delicious – and all that’s needed is a food processor or blender, a few fruits here and a few nut butters there, and you’re all set to go. Of course, these ingredients vary based on what sort of flavor you’re in the mood for. And as an added bonus, you can impress your friends, parents, and just about any guest that waltzes through your kitchen by saying you’ve invented a healthier version of ice cream that can be made quickly and easily, leaving you satisfied and wanting more!
Now let’s get to the recipes, shall we!
1. Blueberry Nice Cream
Ingredients you will need:
- 2-4 frozen bananas, sliced
- 1-2 cups of frozen blueberries
Preparation:
- Blend frozen bananas separately as the base until a creamy texture is formed
- Add in the blueberries until color is a light pink or purple, depending on how many blueberries you use
- Can either be eaten immediately or frozen for 2-4 hours minimum
2. Double Chocolate-Chocolate Nice Cream
Ingredients You Will Need:
- 2-4 frozen bananas
- 1-2 tbsp. of maple syrup
- ½ – 1 tsp. of pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup of unsweetened cacao powder
Preparation:
- Blend bananas separately to form a creamy base
- Add in maple syrup and vanilla extract, continue blending for a few minutes
- Lastly, add in the cacao powder, and make sure the mixture is evenly blended
- Freeze for 4-6 hours and be sure to thaw the nice cream for at least 5 minutes before eating
Now, grab that blender and show the world you can be as good a chef as anyone else!
Photo credits to @veganfoodspot on Instagram