Blackberry-Banana Ice Cream Recipe

Homemade Blackberry-Banana Ice Cream Recipe: Sweet Summer Joy

Cool summer memories dance through this creamy blackberry-banana ice cream that whispers sweet nostalgia.

Ripe fruits blend seamlessly into a luscious dessert without any churning required.

Smoothness defines every spoonful of this magical treat.

Blenders become your best kitchen companion for whipping up this simple delight.

Nutritious ingredients combine effortlessly, creating a guilt-free indulgence that feels like pure comfort.

Minimal effort meets maximum flavor in this dreamy frozen sensation.

Make this refreshing dessert and watch smiles bloom with each delectable bite.

Ice Cream FAQs

  • Can I use other berries instead of blackberries?

Yes, you can substitute blackberries with raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. Each berry will create a unique flavor profile for your ice cream.

  • Do I need an ice cream maker for this recipe?

No, this is a no-churn ice cream recipe that uses a food processor or blender to create a creamy texture without an ice cream maker.

  • How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

Use very ripe bananas with brown spots, as they are sweeter and will provide a better natural sweetness and creamier texture to the ice cream.

  • Is this recipe dairy-free and vegan?

Yes, this banana-blackberry ice cream is naturally dairy-free and vegan, using only fruit as the base ingredients without any added dairy products.

Why Blackberry Banana Ice Cream Is Refreshing

  • Requires only two main ingredients- bananas and blackberries- making this recipe incredibly easy for anyone to master, even kitchen novices.
  • No complex cooking techniques needed; just blend frozen bananas with blackberries for a delightful, creamy dessert in minutes.
  • A naturally sweet, dairy-free, and healthier alternative to traditional ice cream that satisfies dessert cravings without processed sugars.
  • Children can help prepare this recipe, making it a fun family activity that introduces healthy eating in a delicious way.

What You’ll Need for This Fruity Freeze

Fruit Base:
  • Bananas, Blackberries: Sweet, creamy foundation with natural sugar that creates smooth, rich texture. Ripe bananas work best for natural sweetness. Frozen bananas essential for ice cream consistency.
Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Greek Yogurt: Adds creamy tang and protein boost. Full-fat version recommended for richer texture.
  • Honey: Natural sweetener that complements fruit flavors. Local honey preferred for best taste.
Optional Garnish and Texture:
  • Mint Leaves: Fresh garnish adding aromatic brightness. Optional but recommended for visual appeal.
  • Chopped Nuts: Provides crunchy contrast to smooth ice cream. Almonds or walnuts work well.

How to Blend and Set Without Icy Texture

Step 1: Prep Frozen Banana Base

Cut ripe bananas into thin, uniform coins. Spread them carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring no pieces touch. Place in freezer for minimum 2 hours until completely solid and frosty.

Step 2: Ready Blackberry Component

Gently rinse fresh blackberries under cool water. Pat dry with clean kitchen towel. If using frozen berries, remove from package and let sit at room temperature for few minutes.

Step 3: Blend Frozen Ingredients

Transfer frozen banana coins into food processor or high-powered blender. Add blackberries:
  • Frozen banana coins
  • Fresh or thawed blackberries

Pulse mixture initially to break down larger chunks.

Step 4: Create Smooth Texture

Continue blending, scraping down sides periodically. Process until mixture becomes creamy and resembles soft-serve ice cream consistency. This might take 3-5 minutes of continuous blending.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Scoop frozen treat into serving bowls. Enjoy right away for optimal creaminess and temperature. Optional: Garnish with additional fresh blackberries or mint leaves for extra visual appeal.

Step 6: Store Leftovers

If storing, transfer to airtight container. Cover surface with plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals. Freeze for maximum 1 week.

Tips for Sweetness and Thickness Balance

  • Maximize Banana Ripeness: Choose overripe bananas with brown spots for the sweetest, creamiest ice cream texture.
  • Prevent Freezer Burn: Wrap the baking sheet with plastic wrap or place frozen banana coins in an airtight container to maintain quality.
  • Boost Nutrition Easily: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed for extra omega-3s and fiber without changing the flavor.
  • Customize Flavor Profiles: Experiment with different berry combinations like mixed berries or swap blackberries for raspberries to create unique variations.
  • Quick Serving Hack: Let the frozen mixture sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes before blending to ensure smoother, easier processing.

Store Without Freezer Burn

  • Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent freezer burn and preserve its creamy texture.
  • Keep the blackberry-banana ice cream in the freezer for up to 2 weeks without significant quality loss.
  • Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container to minimize ice crystal formation.
  • Remove the ice cream from the freezer 5-10 minutes before scooping to allow it to soften slightly and become more scoopable.

Flavor Pairings That Match This Frozen Treat

  • Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the sweet-tart berry notes, cutting through the creamy banana base with refreshing acidity.
  • Crunchy almond cookies provide a delightful textural contrast to the smooth, velvety ice cream, adding a nutty undertone.
  • Sprinkle rich, slightly bitter dark chocolate over the ice cream to enhance the fruit flavors and create a luxurious dessert experience.
  • A few fresh mint leaves add a bright, cooling element that lifts the creamy banana and intensifies the blackberry's natural sweetness.

New Ingredient Combos to Play With

  • Low-Sugar Delight: Swap ripe bananas with stevia-sweetened frozen yogurt for a lower-sugar alternative that maintains creamy texture.
  • Dairy-Free Dream: Replace dairy ingredients with coconut milk or almond milk-based frozen base to create a vegan-friendly frozen dessert.
  • Protein Power Scoop: Blend in a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder to boost protein content and enhance nutritional value.
  • Tropical Transformation: Substitute blackberries with frozen mango or pineapple chunks for a different fruity flavor profile that still provides natural sweetness.
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Blackberry-Banana Ice Cream Recipe

Blackberry-Banana Ice Cream Recipe


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4.8 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Smooth blackberry-banana ice cream delivers creamy summer magic without dairy or added sugar. Cool dessert blends ripe fruit into luscious, guilt-free indulgence perfect for chilling with friends.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Fruits:

  • 2 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
  • 1 cup (150 g / 5.3 ounces) blackberries, fresh or frozen

Sweeteners and Liquids:

  • 12 tablespoons honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar (optional, for added sweetness)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fluid ounces) coconut milk or almond milk (optional, for creaminess)

Flavor Enhancers:

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Toppings:

  • Fresh blackberries
  • Shredded coconut
  • Chopped nuts or granola

Instructions

  1. Carefully cut ripe bananas into uniform, thin medallions to ensure even freezing and smooth texture.
  2. Arrange banana slices in a pristine, flat configuration on a parchment-covered baking tray, ensuring no pieces overlap.
  3. Transfer the tray to the freezer and allow bananas to solidify completely for a minimum of two hours, or until they become rock-solid.
  4. While bananas are freezing, gently inspect blackberries, removing any stems or imperfect berries.
  5. Thoroughly rinse fresh blackberries under cool water, then delicately pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  6. If utilizing pre-frozen blackberries, simply remove from freezer storage and set aside for immediate use.
  7. Once banana slices are completely frozen, transfer them into a robust food processor or high-powered blender.
  8. Pulse the frozen banana chunks until they transform into a creamy, soft-serve-like consistency, scraping down sides as needed.
  9. Gradually introduce the prepared blackberries into the banana mixture, blending until a smooth, uniform lavender-hued ice cream emerges.
  10. For optimal texture, serve immediately as a luscious, soft-serve dessert or transfer to a sealed container and freeze for a firmer consistency.

Notes

  • Achieve creamy texture by using fully ripe, spotty bananas which provide natural sweetness and smooth consistency.
  • Prevent ice crystals by spreading banana coins in a single layer without touching, ensuring even freezing and optimal blending results.
  • Customize flavor profile by experimenting with different berry combinations like mixed berries or adding a splash of vanilla extract for depth.
  • Make dairy-free and vegan friendly by using only plant-based ingredients and skipping any potential dairy additions during blending process.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 5 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 59 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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