Eating a more plant-based diet doesn’t mean ditching dessert.  Indulge in this Creamy Chocolate Peanut Butter “Ice Cream.” It’s satisfying, heart-healthy, vegan, and it’s even gluten-free!

Frozen bananas and peanut butter make this “ice cream” vegan, gluten-free, and delicious!

Is Ice Cream Bad for You?

I’m not a big believer in “good and bad foods” because it takes away from the importance of an overall healthy eating pattern.  Healthy eating patterns can include all types of foods.

I didn’t set out to make this ice cream vegan or gluten-free; it just happened that way! I just looking for a dessert that would satisfy me as much as real ice cream. While ice cream has more fat and added sugar than this homemade creamy chocolate peanut butter concoction, I still eat it. Choosing this vegan alternative provides a delicious way to include more plant foods.

How to Make Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Vegan Nice Cream

Bananas are the silent ingredient in this healthy frozen delight, and they make it unnecessary to add dairy products and sugary sweeteners. The ripest bananas are the sweetest and make the creamiest “nice cream.”

Bananas also offer fiber and potassium, and are responsible for the smooth, rich texture of this creamy chocolate peanut butter treat. One portion of “nice cream” also supplies a serving of fruit.

I keep chunks of frozen banana in the freezer to use on a moment’s notice. You can also freeze chopped bananas for at least two hours before making this, or other recipes, such as smoothies. You can also buy bags of sliced, frozen bananas to have on hand.

Keep frozen bananas on hand to make “ice cream” fast.

The Health Benefits of Cocoa Powder

You’ve probably heard that dark chocolate is good for you.  Milk and dark chocolate are a mixture of ingredients, including sugar, and cocoa butter, the fat that is removed from cocoa beans during processing.  Cocoa powder is the dried solids that result from that processing and it is ground up, packaged, and found in grocery stores.

Unsweetened cocoa powder contains flavonoids, which are plant-based compounds. An eating plan rich in flavonoids is linked to  less inflammation in the body, proper blood flow, and reducing blood pressure. Cocoa powder that is not “Dutch-process” is richer in flavonoids.

I use unsweetened cocoa powder in my “ice cream” because it delivers deep chocolate flavor without any added sugar. You can also add cocoa powder to savory dishes, such as chili, to amp up flavor and nutrition.

Cocoa powder provides intense chocolate flavor without the fat.

Why Peanut Butter is Good For You

“Is peanut butter bad for you?” is a question that I get a lot. My answer: only if you are allergic to peanuts!

Peanut butter is a source of several nutrients, including protein, heart-healthy fats, and potassium. Just two tablespoons of peanut butter provides an excellent source of manganese (not to be confused with magnesium!).  Manganese is a mineral that your body needs to make energy, protect cells from damage, and support a healthy immune system, among other functions.

Natural peanut butter is often free of added sugar. If you’re want  to limit sugar, check the package to be sure the peanut butter doesn’t contain added sugars.  Learn how to make homemade peanut butter with no added sugar from Sally Kuzemchak over at Real Mom Nutrition. (Hint: It’s easy!)

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Creamy Chocolate Peanut Butter "Ice Cream" (Vegan)

This dairy-free vegan "ice cream" is delicious and offers a serving of fruit, too!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword chocolatepeanutbutter, dairyfree, peanutbutterdessert, vegan, vegandessert, veganicecream

Prep Time 2 hours hours

Total Time 2 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Servings 2

Ingredients

• 2 medium ripe bananas, cut into chunks and frozen (Freeze for at least 2 hours.)
• 2 Tbsp. peanut butter (with no added sugar, if desired)
• 2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 2 Tbsp. chopped peanuts

Instructions

• Place bananas in a large food processor. 
• Add the peanut butter, cocoa powder, and vanilla.  
• Blend until smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes. 
• Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with peanuts. Serve immediately.

Notes

 

Per serving: 
252 calories; 12 grams fat (2 grams saturated fat); 0 cholesterol; 132 milligrams sodium; 29 grams carbohydrate; 5 grams fiber; 7 grams protein