You’ve heard—and likely enjoyed—ice cream. But what about n’ice cream? A playful and more health-conscious choice spin on the popular frozen treat, n’ice cream is simply a non-dairy or vegan ice cream that you can make at home. By using a few key ingredients, you recreate the delicious dessert you love and even get creative in the process with toppings. Here’s everything you need to know.

What exactly is n’ice cream made of?

Unlike its dairy-laden counterpart, n’ice cream is typically made using frozen fruits, such as bananas, berries, or mangoes, blended to creamy perfection. The result? A silky smooth dessert that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re lactose-intolerant, looking to incorporate healthy alternatives to your favorite sweets or just want to spin up something new in the kitchen, this vegan ice cream delivers all the goodness.

The Appeal

Sugar is in so many things, and while delicious, it’s not great for your health to enjoy in large quantities every day. N’ice cream can help satisfy your sweet tooth, plus sneak in some vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Plus, with its natural fruit base, it provides a refreshing alternative to heavily processed ice cream varieties.

Although you can enjoy it without being vegan, if you’re curious about this lifestyle, finding indulgent desserts can be a challenge. You can make your own creamy alternative using plant-based ingredients that won’t compromise on taste or texture. Even if you’re not planning on going vegan anytime soon, or ever, but want to move away from animal products for any number of reasons, this can be a good route to go.

Additionally, one of the most exciting aspects of n’ice cream is its versatility. With a bunch of fruits and flavorings to choose from, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic strawberry swirl or a decadent chocolate peanut butter sensation, it can be customized to suit any palate. And with the rise of creative flavor combinations, such as matcha green tea or tropical coconut lime, there’s always something new and exciting to explore in the world of n’ice cream.

The Essential Ingredient: Bananas

Bananas serve as the typical base ingredient in many of these recipes, and for good reason. Their naturally creamy texture, when frozen and blended, mimics the mouthfeel of traditional ice cream without the need for dairy products. Also, bananas bring a subtle sweetness to n’ice cream without overpowering other flavors. This inherent sweetness means that fewer additional sweeteners, such as sugar or syrups, are required, promoting a healthier dessert option overall. From a nutritional standpoint, bananas pack a ton of essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.

3 Recipes to Try at Home

Start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need frozen fruit of your choice, juice, plant-based milk of your choice and a blender or something like this Ninja Creami. Blend everything together and enjoy!

And, once blended to creamy perfection, transfer your concoction to a bowl and let your imagination run wild with toppings. From fresh fruit slices to crunchy granola or a decadent swirl of chocolate sauce, the choice is yours!

1. Chocolate Peanut Butter N’ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
• Crushed peanuts for garnish (optional)

2. Vanilla Chocolate Chip N’ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup dairy-free chocolate chips

3. Refreshing Fruit Sorbet

Ingredients:

• 2 cups frozen mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)
• 1/4 cup coconut water or fruit juice (such as orange or pineapple)
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)