Craving something sweet but want to keep it healthy? This Whole30 Banana Coconut Ice Cream is where it’s at. It’s rich, creamy, and made with just a handful of simple ingredients. The best part? It’s completely guilt-free and fits your Whole30 lifestyle.
Here’s the magic: roasting bananas with a drizzle of date syrup gives them this deep, caramel-like flavor. Pair that with velvety coconut milk, and you’ve got an ice cream that doesn’t need dairy (or guilt). Oh, and those caramelized almonds on top? Chef’s kiss. Crunchy, sweet perfection.
Vegan, dairy-free, and Whole30-approved, this dessert is one you’ll keep coming back to. Let’s dive in!
Quick Recipe Rundown
- Prep Time: About 20 minutes (plus 4+ hours for chilling)
- Difficulty: Beginner-friendly—no fancy skills needed.
- Servings: Makes 4 portions, but you can double it if you’re feeding a crowd.
- Tools You’ll Need:
- Baking sheet with parchment paper
- Blender or food processor
- Ice cream maker (or just a sturdy container if you’re going no-churn)
- Skillet for those crunchy almonds
What You’ll Need
Here’s your shopping list:
- 4 ripe bananas – The more spots, the sweeter they are!
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil – Melted for roasting.
- 6 tablespoons date syrup – Half for roasting, half for caramelizing almonds. (No date syrup? Use maple, though it won’t be strictly Whole30.)
- 1 can of full-fat coconut milk – Go for the good stuff with no added junk.
- 3/4 cup sliced almonds – These add that extra crunch on top.
Optional tweaks:
- No almonds? Toasted coconut flakes work great.
- Can’t find date syrup? Blend some soaked Medjool dates into a thick paste.
Step-by-Step: How to Make It
Roast Those Bananas
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment, peel your bananas, and lay them out. Drizzle with coconut oil and 3 tablespoons of date syrup. Roast for 15–20 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing.
Blend the Base
Toss those golden bananas into a blender with the coconut milk. Blend until it’s smooth, creamy, and lump-free.
Chill the Mix
Pour the mixture into a bowl, cover it, and let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours—or even overnight. This step makes sure it churns properly and gets super creamy.
Time to Freeze
Got an ice cream maker? Follow its instructions to churn that creamy banana-coconut goodness. Don’t have one? No worries. Pour the mix into a freezer-safe container, stir every hour for 3–4 hours, and bam—homemade ice cream.
Caramelize the Almonds
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your almonds and the remaining 3 tablespoons of date syrup. Stir for about 5 minutes until they’re golden and sticky. Don’t wander off—they can go from golden to burnt real quick.
Serve and Enjoy
Scoop the ice cream into bowls, sprinkle those caramelized almonds on top, and get ready to impress yourself.
Pro Tips
- Roasting the bananas is non-negotiable—it gives the ice cream that deep, caramel-like flavor.
- If you’re skipping the ice cream maker, keep up with stirring while freezing for the smoothest texture.
- Straight out of the freezer, the ice cream can be pretty firm. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and it’ll scoop perfectly.
Want to Customize?
Make this recipe your own with these tweaks:
- Nut-Free Option: Skip the almonds or swap in toasted coconut flakes.
- Add a Spice Twist: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg goes a long way.
- Get Fancy: Drizzle dark chocolate or sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top. A little extra flair, anyone?
- Seasonal Swap: Try roasted peaches or mangoes instead of bananas for a summery twist.
Storage Tips
- Got leftovers? (Lucky you.) Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week.
- To serve, just let the ice cream soften at room temp for a few minutes to make scooping a breeze.
This Whole30 Banana Coconut Ice Cream proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. It’s indulgent, easy to make, and totally customizable. So grab your bananas, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to a bowl of creamy, dreamy goodness.
Enjoy every bite—you deserve it!
PrintWhole30 Banana Coconut Ice Cream
This Whole30 Banana Coconut Ice Cream is a luscious, dairy-free dessert that’s as wholesome as it is indulgent. Roasted bananas bring a natural caramel sweetness, while rich coconut milk provides the creamy base. Topped with crunchy caramelized almonds, this treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without compromising on clean eating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (plus 4 hours chilling)
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Whole30, Dairy-Free
Ingredients
- 4 medium bananas (ripe, peeled)
- 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 6 tablespoons date syrup, divided (or maple syrup for non-Whole30 versions)
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk (chilled)
- 3/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Roast the Bananas: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange peeled bananas on the sheet, drizzle with melted coconut oil and 3 tablespoons of date syrup. Roast for 15–20 minutes until golden and fragrant. If bananas are very ripe, check at 15 minutes to avoid over-roasting.
- Blend the Base: Transfer the roasted bananas to a blender or food processor. Add the chilled coconut milk and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Chill the Mixture: Pour the banana-coconut mixture into a bowl, cover tightly, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to ensure it’s cold enough for churning.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Use an ice cream maker to churn the mixture according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour it into a freezer-safe container and stir every hour for 3–4 hours to break up ice crystals.
- Caramelize the Almonds: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced almonds and the remaining 3 tablespoons of date syrup. Stir frequently for about 5 minutes until almonds are toasted and coated in sticky syrup.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones, then top with caramelized almonds for added crunch.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fresh fruit like berries or mango slices for an extra burst of flavor.
- Garnish with shredded coconut or a sprig of mint for a fancy touch.
Tips & Tricks
- Roasting bananas enhances their natural sweetness—don’t skip this step!
- For nut-free options, replace almonds with toasted coconut flakes or omit entirely.
- Let frozen ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping for easier serving.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week.
- To soften frozen ice cream, leave it at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes before serving.