Healthy Nice Cream Recipes (Paleo, Vegan, dairy-free)

An ice cream container with two colored nice cream and two cones resting on top next to a nice cream scoop.

5 from 4 votes

Healthy Nice Cream Recipes (Paleo, Vegan, dairy-free)

Make creamy and naturally sweetened nice cream recipes with or without frozen bananas—with 5 delicious nice cream flavors.

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Cookies, Snacks, Desserts

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 106kcal

Author: Mariska Ramondino

Ingredients

Nice Cream Without Bananas

5 to 7 pitted Medjool dates about one cup. You can also use black dried raisins or dried sweet apricots, depending on the fruits you use—see flavor combos below
3-4 tablespoons canned coconut milk the solidified and richer part on top, yields the best results (see note)]
2 cups frozen fruits of your choice 10 oz/284 grams
Toppings of your choice optional

Banana Nice Cream

5 to 7 pitted Medjool dates about one cup. You can also use black dried raisins or dried sweet apricots, depending on the fruits you use—see flavor combos below
2 frozen bananas
3-4 tablespoons canned coconut cream optional but recommended, the solidified and richer part on top, yields the best results (see note)
2 cups frozen fruits of your choice 10 oz/284 grams
Toppings of your choice optional

Very Berry Ice Cream

2 cups frozen berry mix (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries) 10 oz/284 grams
7 soft Medjool dates
3-4 tablespoons canned coconut milk see note
Top it with crushed pecans or chocolate bits optional

Tropical Ice Cream

2 cups frozen mango pieces 10 oz/284 grams
5 Medjool dates
3-4 tablespoons canned coconut milk see note
Top it with dried and fine coconut shreds optional

Floral Ice Cream

2 cups frozen sliced peaches 10 oz/284 grams
1 cup black raisins or dried apricots or a mix of both
3-4 tablespoons canned coconut milk see note
Top it with homemade cookies or Einkorn Crispy Cocoa Cookies by Jovial—they happen to be also accidentally vegan.

Raspberry or Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream

2 cups frozen raspberries or cherries
2 frozen bananas
5 pitted dates
3-4 tablespoons canned coconut milk optional
Top with dark chocolate chunks or shavings optional

Salty Date and Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwiches

2 frozen bananas
5 pitted dates
3-4 tablespoons canned coconut milk see note
3 tablespoons peanut butter
Generous pinch of salt if using unsalted peanut butter
Homemade cookies or Einkorn Crispy Cocoa Cookies by Jovial to make ice cream sandwiches optional

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Instructions

Place first the dates and the coconut cream into a high-speed blender or food processor. Then add the frozen fruits.
If you're using frozen bananas, break them into three pieces (if not cut before freezing) and throw them also in the blender.
Turn the blender on, starting with the lowest speed setting, then turning the power to the highest speed setting. For a Vitamix, use the tamper tool to rotate the ingredients. Blend until you get a beautiful creamy soft-serve consistency with no fruit chunks left.
For harder scoop-able ice cream, transfer to a freezer-safe dish and freeze for 2 hours. Scoop and serve with your favorite toppings.
You can store leftover ice cream in a covered container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, let it first sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes to make it scoop-able again.

Notes

Nutrition information is for basic banana nice cream only.
The creamy part of the canned coconut milk adds a nice consistency to the healthy ice cream and a silky-rich texture. I would add a few tablespoons whether you use frozen bananas or not. Depending on the appliance you use, you can go up to ¼ cup if needed for your blender blade to run smoother.
If you don't like any chunks of Medjool dates or dried fruits in your ice cream, blend until all pieces are completely pulverized. With some appliances, this might make the ice cream a bit too soft to serve immediately. If that's the case, store it in the freezer for another hour or two, then take it out and let it rest a bit at room temperature (for 15 to 20 minutes, if too firm) before serving your creamy scoops.
Serving suggestions: My recommendation is to place some shaved dark chocolate or other toppings at the bottom of a small bowl or preferred ice cream cone. Then scoop your ice cream into the bowl or cone (I usually count one to two scoops per serving). Top off with some extra toppings, and enjoy!
I use my Vitamix to make nice cream, but you can adapt the technique depending on your own appliance. For example, if using a food processor, fit it with an "S" blade. You might need to stop and scrape the machine down once or twice to make sure everything keeps moving and blending.
The flavor combos are suggestions and the ones I make the most at home. Use my basic approach as a guideline, but adjust and taste as you go until you get the flavors, level of sweetness, and creaminess that is perfect for you.

Nutrition