Delicious Mocha Ice Cream with pecan crunch is a creamy and crunchy chocolate espresso version of frozen banana nice cream. Enjoy this dairy-free, vegan, and paleo treat guilt-free all summer!

I really should be packing right now, because when you are reading this, we are probably on the way to Saskatoon - a 6 (to 8-hour) road trip. Experience has taught me that driving with Olivia - or probably any baby for that matter - takes quite a bit longer.
There are feeding breaks, diaper-changing breaks, and breaks so I can quickly jump from the front to the back to entertain her when she gets bored and antsy.
When we went on our first road trip with Olivia to visit my parents 8 hours away, I started packing about a week ahead. Now I know it won't take me much more than ½ an hour to get everything together.
Adventuring With My 10-Year-Old Olivia
I could boast and say I am wiser, smarter and more experienced now. But honestly, I think a 10-month-old is just a lot less needy than a 5-week-old baby. Which is not to say travel will be easier this time.
Sure, Olivia doesn't require a feeding every couple hours anymore, but she also doesn't fall asleep in the car as easily as she used to. Instead she gets frustrated with being confined to the car seat and not being able crawl around, practice walking and explore everything - like she does all day long at home.
Wish me luck that I can come up with plenty of entertaining games and songs and that I pack enough distracting toys!

Banana Whip and Nice Cream
But before I start packing I HAD to share this amazingly delicious, but completely healthy, Mocha Ice Cream treat with you.
You may remember my blueberry nice cream from 2 years ago. The other night I had an intense chocolate ice cream craving, and instead of running to the store I figured there must be a way to make chocolate-flavored banana whip.
I call "banana whip" that amazing treat you get when blending frozen banana in a food processor. It has an amazing texture like ice cream or soft serve, but completely without sugar or dairy. Which makes it vegan, paleo, AND gluten-free! Recently the term Nice Cream seems to have emerged for delicious, healthy treats based on frozen banana.

This Treat is Delicious and Healthy!
Now, back quickly to the time I was craving chocolate ice cream. Simply blending a frozen banana with cocoa powder seemed a little boring, and I doubted that it would taste great.
So I also added a little espresso powder and pecan nuts. And born was Pecan Crunch Mocha Ice Cream!
I've been making it many times since because it never fails to satisfy my craving for something sweet, cold, crunchy and creamy. All while actually being quite healthy.
Motivated by the success of this flavor combination, I came up with 4 more delicious flavors - strawberry, peanut butter, pina colada, and chocolate hazelnut (the last of which kind of tastes like Nutella).
>> Check out the Best Nice Cream Recipes HERE!!

Pecan Crunch Mocha Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 banana frozen; sliced or in chunks
- ½ tablespoon cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon instant espresso powder or about ½ teaspoon instant coffee
- 1 tablespoon pecans chopped; or walnuts
Instructions
- In a food processor blend banana, cocoa and instant espresso powder until smooth.
- Add chopped nuts and pulse a few times to combine.
- Serve sprinkled with instant espresso powder, chopped nuts, and/or chocolate chips.
Nutrition
If you'd rather make regular churned homemade ice cream, check out my post about the best ice cream maker reviews!
Other Healthy Dessert Recipes
Check out these other scrumptious and healthy desserts!
Random Questions
Mocha ice cream typically includes a blend of rich chocolate and espresso flavors. It is often made with ingredients such as cocoa powder, espresso powder, and sometimes actual coffee or espresso for a robust flavor profile.
Yes, mocha ice cream often contains coffee or espresso, providing it with the distinct coffee flavor that complements the chocolate. The coffee element adds depth and richness to the overall taste of the dessert.
Yes, mocha ice cream has a noticeable coffee flavor, combined with the sweetness of chocolate. The blend of coffee and chocolate creates a delicious, balanced taste that is beloved by those who enjoy the combination of these two flavors.
Emily
Thanks for introducing me to this- it's really wonderful and widely circulating Facebook.
Regina
I am so glad you like this and glad to hear it's making the rounds on Facebook
Jacquee
These look amazing! I love playing around with different flavours when I make the quickie banana ice cream. Still not sure where the nice cream name originated.Still can't leave a comment on eBay for some odd reason...
Angie@Angie's Recipes
wow this looks to die for! I need to make this ASAP!! Have fun in Saskatoon, Regina!
Angie
Regina
Thanks so much Angie! Just got back and had a wonderful time 🙂