Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Ice cream that has no white or brown sugar (although it does contain maple syrup), doesn’t contain heavy creams and doesn’t need to be churned (meaning no ice cream machine required!).
About a year ago, my vegan sister (love ya, sis!) mentioned she makes a banana ice cream without any cream. She just whipped up the banana, froze it and viola! – ice cream! What a brilliant idea! I kept that in mind and had meant to try it myself, as bananas are a staple in our home and there’s always a stash of frozen bananas (still in their peels), taking up space in part of my freezer.
Earlier this year, the talented folks from Donna Hay’s Fresh & Light Special Issue featured several banana-based, light ‘n’ healthful ice creams that were just too beautiful and delicious looking to pass up.
banana-maple cinnamon ice cream – don’t forget the maple syrup drizzles!
Instead of using a thick and full-bodied yogurt, I’m using a plain, low-fat variety without compromising its smooth texture. If you look closely at the images, you’ll see specks of the vanilla bean.
The maple syrup and cinnamon lends fantastic flavors without being overdone. It’s good stuff and even better if you optionally (it really shouldn’t be optional) drizzle some of that maple sweetness on top of your fresh and light, homemade ice cream. Serve it with or without the drizzle of maple syrup, but don’t say I didn’t warn that IT’S GOOD! MAKE THIS ICE CREAM!
Need to cut down on the dairy or don’t do dairy? Easily omit the yogurt and add another banana!
banana-maple cinnamon ice cream – drizzled with maple syrupno churn, no cream & no white/brown sugar added!
…ON A PERSONAL NOTE
My Dad would’ve just loved this ice cream. He was about homemade and eating healthier. One of my many favorite Dad-isms is something he always used to say about desserts and sweets in general…“It’s just a taste, don’t make it a meal.” He’d say this with a smile in his voice and laughter in his eyes. He knew the temptations and the enjoyment of good food. I miss him, every single day – and there truly isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about him.
Dad was low-key about his birthdays and was not one for wanting any fuss over him on this day, so I’ll sign off on this post without making a fuss and whispering to my confidant, my true friend, my cheerleader – my Dad. Happy Birthday.
Banana-Maple Cinnamon Ice-Cream
What you will need
- 4 large bananas
- 1½ cups low-fat, plain yogurt
- 1 vanilla bean pod, vanilla beans scraped from pod
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup maple syrup, + more to drizzle on ice cream
- Peel and slice bananas into rounds and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in freezer and freeze until frozen through (about 4 hours to overnight).
- Place the frozen bananas, yogurt, vanilla beans, cinnamon and maple syrup, in the bowl of a food processor or blender. Process or blend until smooth, about 4-5 minutes.
- Transfer to a loaf pan or ice cream container (enough to hold 1.5 quarts or a little over 6 cups). Freeze for at least 4 hours to overnight.
- To serve: Drizzle with maple syrup! © Images & content: Cristina A-Moore for TeenieCakes.com.
- I’ve used low-fat yogurt here, but using full fat will work too.
- Alternatively, if you have frozen bananas in your freezer already, you can slice them up and use it for this recipe and save the extra step of freezing up slices.
- Make it dairy free by omitting the yogurt and add another banana.
Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence says
One of the best looking no-churn ice creams yet!! I need to give this a try.
Cynthia/What A Girl Eats says
I always keep a bag of frozen banana slices in my freezer, just for this quick and easy ice cream! Love the sound of your version!
Steph @ Steph in Thyme says
I love how simple and beautiful this dessert is – and those flavors!
Stephanie Manley @CopyKat.com says
I totally need to step up my game on the no churn ice cream. You make this look so easy. I want to pick up some of these ingredients when I head to the store today.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Love this! All those flavors are simply divine and using the real vanilla pod makes all the difference!
Matt @ Plating Pixels says
This does sound too good to be true and I don’t believe this is real 😉 But seriously this looks amazing and pinning to my must make list
Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog says
The flavors in this sound outstanding – I love maple everything 🙂
Joanie @ Zagleft says
Such a healthy and delicious dessert. It’s so easy to make and I already have the ingredients at hand – perfect!
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass says
Dear Cristina – this ice cream looks delicious. And this New England girl would never pass up an opportunity for a drizzle of maple syrup. In fact, my grandfather, a true Maineiac, used to on occasion eat a small bowlful of of syrup with a spoon. Straight. For dessert. (!) He said it kept him going. And it did, because he lived well into his 90’s. Your dad was a real gem, so glad you have wonderful memories to keep him close.
Cristina says
Thank you so much for the thoughtfulness of your comment, Allie. 😉 LOL – yes, maple syrup is just divine. That along with honey, who needs anything else with hotcakes, ice cream and other breakfast fare. 🙂
Marye says
This ice cream sounds delightful! I need to give this one a try for sure!
Megan Keno {Country Cleaver} says
These photos are beautiful and the ice cream looks DELICIOUS!
Lauren @ Wicked Spatula says
I love, love, love banana ice cream! I keep no less than 10 bananas frozen at all times. It’s perfect for a quick frozen treat without the guilt!
Nessa says
Oh my goodness, you had me at bananas! What a scrumptious combination! Perfect and simple homemade Summer treat! Beautiful capture as always, Cristina.
BTW: Love those “Dad-isms.”
Florian @ContentednessCooking says
I love homemade ice creme, perfect flavors!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I love that drizzle of maple syrup over the top, so pretty!
Chrisy @ Homemade Hooplah says
Loving that pour shot! 😀 And loving how simple and tasty this ice cream sounds, too.
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says
I am not even a huge banana lover and I loved the banana ice cream! So easy to make and totally healthy! I tend to serve this to my daughter because she really believes it is ice cream. Love your flavour combination!