🍨 Non-Dairy Banana Pecan Ice Cream

I purposely stock up on bananas so that I have some ready to toss in my protein smoothies, make banana muffins, or mix up this special treat. When the banana is a bit too ripe for my liking, I peel it, break it in half and put it in my banana baggie that lives in the freezer. This non-dairy treat is delicious without the addition of sweetener; however you may enjoy trying some of the variations. Makes 2 servings, or 1 serving if you’re really craving bananas. 

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
• 2–3 tablespoons pecans (plus a few extra for topping)
• a splash of milk (I use Silk unsweetened coconut milk)
• Optional: a dash of cinnamon, or a drizzle of maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Place the frozen banana slices in a blender or food processor.
2. Blend until creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
3. Add the pecans and pulse a few times to incorporate.
4. Add a splash of your choice of non-dairy milk for easier blending and a hint of cinnamon or maple syrup for extra flavor, if desired.
5. Scoop, top with extra pecans, and enjoy right away!

Extra Tips:

• You can make a bigger batch and freeze it for 30–60 minutes if you want it a little firmer like traditional ice cream.
• Slice bananas thinly before freezing to make blending even quicker.
• Use a food processor for creamier texture vs. a blender if possible.

🎉 Want to Mix It Up? Here Are Some Fun Variations:

1. Maple Pecan Banana Ice Cream

• Add 1–2 teaspoons pure maple syrup while blending for a richer, buttery-sweet flavor.
• Top with a drizzle of maple syrup and extra chopped pecans before serving.

2. Chocolate Pecan Banana Ice Cream

• Add 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder or a few dark chocolate chips during blending.
• Or, stir in mini chocolate chips after blending for a chunky texture. 

3. Cinnamon Toasted Pecan Banana Ice Cream

• Quickly toast the pecans in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes before adding.
• Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon while blending for a cozy, spiced flavor.

4. Salted Caramel Banana Ice Cream

• Add a tiny pinch of sea salt and a drizzle of date syrup or caramel sauce before blending.
• Top with a few flaky sea salt crystals for a sweet-salty contrast.

5. Banana Berry Pecan Ice Cream

• Blend the bananas with a small handful of frozen raspberries, strawberries or blueberries. 
• Stir in chopped pecans afterward to keep some crunch.

6. Peanut Butter Banana Pecan Ice Cream

• Add 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter when blending the bananas.
• Bonus: peanut butter + pecans = ultra creamy and nutty!

7. Tropical Banana Ice Cream

• Blend a few frozen pineapple chunks with the bananas.
• Stir in pecans at the end for a fun tropical-nutty twist.

8. Banana Pecan “Chunky Monkey” Style

• Blend bananas with a few chocolate chunks and walnuts (or pecans) to mimic the popular ice cream flavor.
• A few mini marshmallows stirred in could make it even more decadent if you want a fun treat version.