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As a pregnant mom, I often find myself craving sweets. But with a toddler eager to share every bite, I’m more mindful of our snack choices. That’s where nice cream, a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream, comes into play. It’s not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect treat for anyone looking to indulge without guilt.
What is nice cream?
Simply put, nice cream is a creamy mixture of frozen bananas, a dash of milk, and a touch of vanilla. But the secret to its creamy texture and nutritional boost? Avocado! Adding this ingredient transforms the dessert into a rich, creamy treat filled with healthy fats, making it ideal for pregnant women and health enthusiasts alike.
Nutritional Spotlight
Each ingredient in nice cream brings its own health benefits:
- Bananas: Provide natural sweetness and are rich in potassium and dietary fiber.
- Avocado: Offers a good dose of healthy fats, fiber, and folate, crucial for pregnancy.
- Milk (or milk alternative): Adds calcium and protein; choose almond or soy milk for a vegan twist.
Making Nice Cream
Chop bananas into one-inch segments and organize them on a cookie sheet with parchment paper for easy removal. Freeze for 2 hours or until they are frozen through.
- Basic Recipe: Combine 3 frozen bananas, 1/4 ripe avocado, 2 tablespoons of milk (dairy or plant-based), and a dash of vanilla extract in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Flavor Variations:
- Chocolate Mint: Add cocoa powder and fresh peppermint leaves.
- Peanut Butter Cup: Mix in natural peanut butter and a sprinkle of chocolate chips.
- Strawberry Cheesecake: Blend with fresh strawberries for a fruity twist.
Basic Nice Cream Recipe
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas
- 2 TBSP milk or milk alternative
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 ripe avocado
Steps:
- Cut the bananas into 1 or 2-inch segments and spread them evenly on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet
- Freeze the banana segments until completely frozen.
- Using a food processor like this one (affiliate link) or a good blender like this one(affiliate link), combine all of the ingredients and puree until smooth.
- Serve immediately!
Nutrition:
- Calories: 209 kcal
- Protein: 2.97 g
- Fat: 4.57 g
- Carbohydrates: 43.47 g
Notes and Tips:
- Add milk sparingly if it proves to be too difficult to get a smooth consistency, but avoid adding too much as you’ll end up with a melted ice cream consistency.
- This is not a recipe you can make ahead of time as it will freeze solid.
- Look for bags of discount bananas at your grocery store that are marketed for banana bread. These are the perfect ones to use.
- Freeze a bunch ahead of time and fill a gallon ziplock to have them handy! It doesn’t take long to make nice cream, but not having frozen bananas at the ready throws a kink in your plans for sure.
Flavor Variations
Mint to Be
Inspired by classic chocolate chip ice cream
- 3 frozen bananas
- 1/4 avocado, peeled and pitted
- 2 tablespoons whole milk (or alternative milk for vegan version)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup fresh peppermint leaves
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
Combine the frozen bananas, avocado, milk, cocoa powder, and peppermint leaves in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add honey or maple syrup if desired for extra sweetness.
Peanut Butter Cupid
Inspired by peanut butter cup ice cream
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 3 frozen bananas
- 1/4 avocado, peeled and pitted
- 2 tablespoons whole milk (or alternative milk for vegan version)
- 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Combine the frozen bananas, avocado, milk, peanut butter, and sea salt in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Fold in chocolate chips.
Strawberry Sunset
Inspired by strawberry cheesecake ice cream
- 3 frozen bananas
- 1/4 avocado, peeled and pitted
- 2 tablespoons whole milk (or alternative milk for vegan version)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Combine the frozen bananas, avocado, milk, strawberries, and vanilla extract in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Rocky Road Rampage
Inspired by Rocky Road ice cream
- 3 frozen bananas
- 1/4 avocado, peeled and pitted
- 2 tablespoons whole milk (or alternative milk for vegan version)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Combine the frozen bananas, avocado, milk, cocoa powder, and chopped nuts in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Stir in the dried cranberries.
Note: To add the chopped nuts and dried cranberries to the Rocky Road Rampage recipe, simply stir them in after blending the other ingredients. This will help distribute the nuts and cranberries evenly throughout the mixture. You can also sprinkle some extra chopped nuts and cranberries on top of the nice cream before serving, if desired.
Join the Conversation
Have you tried making nice cream? What’s your favorite flavor? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! I’d love to hear how you customize your recipes and what your family thinks of this delightful treat.
Conclusion
Nice cream is an easy, delicious way to satisfy sweet cravings with nutritious benefits, making it an excellent choice for pregnant moms and health-conscious individuals. So next time you’re looking for a guilt-free dessert, give nice cream a try—your taste buds and your body will thank you!
