Enjoy the flavour of Banana Nutella Ice Cream - made paleo, vegan & dairy free and without any added sugar. Roasted hazelnuts, cocoa, and a creamy frozen banana ice cream base make it possible.
This delicious variation of banana nice cream tastes like it is made with Nutella - but it isn’t. It’s just roasted hazelnuts and cocoa (or cacao) powder that create this delicious, yet healthy taste-alike.
Like this I feel absolutely no guilt over letting my preschooler enjoy something Nutella flavoured. And don’t get me wrong, she has definitely had the real deal stuff before at restaurants and when visiting family.
But balance is key. At home I always try to give her healthier options. And Nice Cream in general has been saving our summer and the endless requests for ice cream.
My almost 4-year-old doesn’t think Nice Cream any different from regular ice cream and she has a ton of fun helping me make it at home.
From adding the ingredients, to pushing the food processor buttons, and even scooping her own serving. It’s always a healthy summer treat paired with a mother-daughter bonding kitchen activity.
How to make Nutella Ice Cream - in a blender or food processor
Using my food processor is definitely my favourite method to make nutella and banana ice cream. I find it does a much better job of processing frozen and dry ingredients without added liquid.
Not adding extra liquids is what makes it possible to enjoy this easy Nutella ice cream right after blending as soft serve texture. Most regular blenders just can’t handle processing without a decent amount of liquid added.
Can you make Nutella ice cream in a regular blender? Yes, you still can. Just add liquid of your choice as needed - I recommend almond or coconut milk.
But you’ll need to move the frozen banana Nutella ice cream mixture into the freezer to set up for a while after, before being able to scoop it and enjoy it as ice cream (see section about “Soft serve or ice cream texture”).
Though some high-speed blenders like Vitamix or Blendtec will be able to handle the frozen ingredients without the need for added liquids.
This post contains Amazon affiliate links
Food Processor Method:
Add the frozen banana slices (or chunks), cocoa powder and roasted hazelnuts to the bowl of your food processor. Turn the machine on and let process until smooth.
Things will be loud at first, but as the frozen banana and hazelnuts start breaking down it gets quieter. If necessary, stop the machine and scrape down the sides.
Making Nice Cream in the Vitamix:
When using your Vitamix to make this easy Nutella ice cream recipe, or anything else with a thicker consistency, I recommend using a tamper. It allows you to push all ingredients down and into the blades to process quick and efficiently.
This also keeps the blender from overheating.
Making Nutella Flavored Ice Cream in a Blendtec:
To use a Blendtec for making Homemade Nutella Ice Cream I highly recommend using their twister jar. It is specifically designed for blending things with thicker textures.
You twist the lid while the blender is in use and the prongs attached to the lid keep all the ingredients moving around and towards the spinning blades.
Nice Cream - Soft Serve or Ice Cream Texture
You have two options when it comes to homemade banana Nutella ice cream. A luscious and creamy soft serve texture or firmer, scoop-able ice cream texture.
Soft serve Consistency:
This is the amazing benefit of banana nice cream over any other ice cream recipe. You can start enjoying it right after it’s blended.
It will be a deliciously soft and creamy texture, but you won’t have very long before it will start melting and be quite liquid.
Ice Cream Texture:
To enjoy this banana and Nutella ice cream in a firmer consistency, after blending transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container and let it set up for about 2 hours. After that you will be able to scoop it into nice uniform scoops.
If you leave it in the freezer much longer, it will firm up even more. In this case let it sit on the counter for a while before attempting to scoop it.
Tools I used to make this Nutella Nice Cream
I could have never learned to love Nice Cream this much if it weren’t for the help of my Cuisinart Food Processor. It’s been such a trusty companion in my kitchen and has never let me down.
Right now I get Mexican cacao powder locally from a little store in town, but here is an option for getting similar quality online.
Amazon is also a great place to buy high-quality hazelnuts at a good price. If you get raw hazelnuts, be sure to roast them at home before using in this recipe.
More delicious Summer Recipes
- Pineapple Nice Cream
- Vegan Peanut Butter Ice Cream
- Vietnamese Iced Coffee
- Coconut Strawberry Popsicles
- Lemon Chicken
Recipe
Banana Nutella Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 frozen banana in slices or chunks
- 2 tablespoons roasted hazelnuts
- 1 tablespoon cacao or cocoa powder
- pinch salt, cinnamon, and vanilla
Instructions
- Add the frozen banana slices (or chunks) into a food processor bowl together with the roasted hazelnuts, cocoa powder, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Turn on the food processor and blend until all ingredients are smoothly combined. It will be load at first, but as the frozen banana and hazelnuts break down things get quieter.
- As necessary, stop the food processor and scrape down the sides.
- When the Banana Nutella Ice Cream is ready, either serve it right away topped with roasted hazelnuts and shaved chocolate.
- Alternatively, transfer the ice cream mixture to the freezer to set up for 2 hours before scooping. If freezing for longer, let the Nutella Ice Cream sit on the counter to soften a little bit before attempting to scoop.
Notes
Pin Banana Nutella Ice Cream recipe for later?
Random Questions
Yes, Nutella and banana create a delicious and popular flavor combination that many enjoy. The creamy texture of Nutella pairs well with the sweetness of bananas, making it a delightful treat.
While bananas offer essential nutrients, Nutella contains sugar and fats. Moderation is key to enjoying this snack. Homemade versions, like this ice cream recipe, can be made healthier by using natural ingredients and controlling sugar levels.
Leftover Nutella can be incorporated into homemade ice cream recipes, like this banana Nutella ice cream. Combine it with frozen bananas and blend it with a food processor or blender for a delightful frozen treat.
Ice cream made from bananas can be a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream. It is dairy-free and can be made without added sugars, making it a suitable option for those looking for a healthier dessert choice.
GiGi Eats
THIS SOUNDS FRIGGIN AMAZING!! And that's coming from a girl who never liked chocolate or bananas!!!
Simone | The Paleo Girl
Ooo that looks so good! Summer has been pretty hot here recently and this would be just the thing I need to cool down on a hot day. And not too bad either... 😉
Tanith
Hi, glad to see you have made a healthy Nutella ice cream recipe that I suggested 🙂 I am definitely going to make some!! And I shall call it healthy Nuttyella ice cream! 🙂