This Mint Chocolate Banana Ice Cream is a refreshing and naturally sweet frozen treat that blends the creamy texture of bananas with the vibrant flavor of fresh mint and the richness of dark chocolate. It’s dairy-free, added-sugar-free, and perfect for anyone looking for a healthy dessert option that feels indulgent. Ideal for hot days or as a guilt-free after-dinner treat, this simple recipe requires minimal ingredients and no ice cream maker.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves (packed)
- 1/4 cup canned coconut milk (full fat for creaminess)
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional, for extra mint flavor)
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
- Pinch of sea salt
Directions
- In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the frozen banana slices, mint leaves, coconut milk, and peppermint extract (if using).
- Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
- Stir in the dark chocolate chips or chunks by hand.
- Serve immediately as soft-serve or transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 1-2 hours for a firmer texture.
- Scoop and enjoy! Garnish with extra mint leaves or a drizzle of melted chocolate if desired.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 20mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 27g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 15g (naturally occurring from banana)
- Protein: 2g
- Vitamin A: 4% DV
- Vitamin C: 10% DV
- Calcium: 2% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
Healthier Dessert Alternative
Mint Chocolate Banana Ice Cream is a great option for those seeking a dessert that’s both satisfying and healthy. Unlike traditional ice creams, which are high in added sugars, artificial flavorings, and saturated fats, this recipe uses natural ingredients to create a creamy texture and rich flavor. The bananas provide natural sweetness, eliminating the need for processed sugar, while the coconut milk offers healthy fats that enhance satiety. This makes it a fantastic dessert for those who want to indulge without compromising on nutrition.
Naturally Sweetened
One of the standout features of this recipe is that it’s naturally sweetened with ripe bananas. As bananas ripen, their natural sugars intensify, providing the perfect level of sweetness without the need for any additional sweeteners. This not only makes the dessert more wholesome but also reduces the risk of blood sugar spikes often associated with refined sugar consumption. It’s an ideal dessert for those watching their sugar intake or trying to follow a low-glycemic lifestyle.
Dairy-Free and Vegan Friendly
This ice cream is completely dairy-free, using coconut milk as a base to achieve a creamy, indulgent texture. This makes it suitable for vegans, those with lactose intolerance, or anyone looking to cut back on dairy products. Coconut milk not only provides creaminess but also adds a subtle richness that complements the mint and chocolate flavors. This allows more people to enjoy a frozen treat without the digestive discomfort or ethical concerns that may come with traditional ice cream.
Loaded with Nutrients
While this recipe may feel like a guilty pleasure, it’s surprisingly nutritious. Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber, which aid in heart health, digestion, and energy metabolism. Fresh mint contributes antioxidants and compounds like menthol that are known for their digestive and cooling effects. Dark chocolate adds iron and flavonoids, which support heart health and cognitive function. Together, these ingredients make each bite not just delicious, but beneficial to your health.
Perfect for Kids and Adults
This ice cream is a hit with both kids and adults alike. Its smooth, sweet flavor appeals to younger palates, while the addition of dark chocolate and fresh mint gives it a more sophisticated edge appreciated by adults. Parents can feel good about offering this dessert to their children, knowing it’s made with wholesome ingredients, and adults can enjoy it as a refreshing end to a meal without the heaviness of traditional ice cream.
Easy to Make at Home
You don’t need an ice cream maker or fancy tools to prepare this recipe. All that’s required is a blender or food processor and a freezer. This makes it incredibly accessible for anyone, even those with limited kitchen equipment. The simplicity of the process allows you to whip up a batch anytime you crave something cool and sweet, making it a go-to recipe for busy households or spontaneous treat nights.
Customizable Flavors and Add-ins
One of the advantages of this recipe is how easily it can be customized to suit personal tastes. You can add ingredients like shredded coconut, nuts, protein powder, or even a swirl of nut butter for extra richness. For those who enjoy an extra minty flavor, a touch more peppermint extract can intensify the freshness. The versatility makes it easy to adapt the recipe to seasonal ingredients or dietary needs, making it a staple dessert in any healthy kitchen.
Supports Digestive Health
The ingredients in this dessert can also support gut health. Bananas are known to contain prebiotics, which feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut. Mint has been used traditionally to soothe the digestive tract and reduce symptoms like bloating or gas. By choosing a dessert like this over sugar-heavy options, you’re actually doing your digestive system a favor while still satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ideal for Meal Prep and Storage
This ice cream can be made ahead and stored in the freezer, making it ideal for meal prep. Simply portion it into containers or an airtight dish and enjoy it over the course of a week. Because it’s made with whole ingredients and contains no preservatives or artificial stabilizers, you’ll want to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping. This storage-friendly recipe is perfect for those who like to have a quick dessert on hand.
Environmentally Conscious Choice
By making your own plant-based ice cream at home, you’re also contributing to a more sustainable food system. Reducing dairy consumption can significantly lower your carbon footprint, and using ripe bananas helps cut down on food waste. If you grow your own mint or source it locally, that further reduces the environmental impact. This dessert supports not just personal health, but planetary health too.
Budget-Friendly Option
Store-bought non-dairy ice creams can be quite expensive, especially those made with organic or premium ingredients. This homemade version is much more cost-effective, especially if you regularly buy bananas or mint in bulk. With just a few ingredients, you can create multiple servings of high-quality ice cream without the premium price tag, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious households.
Great Post-Workout Treat
Thanks to its carbohydrate content from bananas and small amount of fat from coconut milk, this ice cream can be a suitable post-workout snack. The natural sugars help replenish glycogen stores, while the potassium in bananas supports muscle recovery. If you add a scoop of protein powder, it turns into a more complete recovery snack that helps repair muscle tissue and reduces post-exercise fatigue.
No Guilt, Just Satisfaction
One of the most appealing aspects of Mint Chocolate Banana Ice Cream is that it offers the indulgent satisfaction of dessert without the guilt that typically comes with high-calorie, sugar-laden options. It’s a nourishing, flavorful treat that you can enjoy any time of day, even as a healthy breakfast on hot mornings. It proves that eating well doesn’t mean giving up the foods you love—it simply means choosing better ingredients.
Conclusion
Mint Chocolate Banana Ice Cream combines nutrition, flavor, and simplicity into a single frozen treat that fits a variety of lifestyles. It caters to dietary restrictions, promotes wellness, and delivers refreshing satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, reduce your sugar intake, or just want a quick and easy dessert, this recipe offers a versatile, delicious, and mindful alternative to traditional ice cream. Adding it to your kitchen repertoire is a step toward more nourishing indulgences and a healthier relationship with dessert.