This Banana Pudding Ice Cream is a simple, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly treat that requires only three ingredients. With a creamy texture similar to traditional ice cream, this plant-based dessert is naturally sweetened and packed with flavor. All you need is a blender and a few minutes to enjoy a guilt-free frozen delight!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

2 large ripe bananas, cut into small pieces and frozen for at least 12 hours
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

Directions

Add the almond milk to a high-speed blender.
Add the frozen banana pieces and blend until a creamy consistency is achieved. If needed, add small increments of additional milk to reach the desired texture.
Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Serving: 1 bowl, half of the recipe)

Calories: 249 kcal
Carbohydrates: 37g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Sodium: 33mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 19g
SmartPoints (Freestyle): 10

Why This Banana Pudding Ice Cream is the Best

If you love banana pudding and ice cream, this recipe gives you the best of both worlds. The bananas provide a naturally sweet and creamy base, while the almond milk helps achieve the perfect soft-serve consistency. The addition of walnuts not only enhances the texture with a satisfying crunch but also adds a dose of healthy fats and protein.

This recipe stands out because it requires only three ingredients, making it easy to prepare without any unnecessary additives. It is completely dairy-free and naturally sweetened, making it a great choice for those who are lactose-intolerant or looking to reduce processed sugar intake. The simplicity of this ice cream means it takes only a few minutes to prepare, yet it delivers the rich, satisfying taste of traditional ice cream.

The Health Benefits of Banana Pudding Ice Cream

Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin B6, all of which contribute to overall health. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, while fiber aids in digestion and keeps you feeling full for longer. Bananas are also a great source of natural carbohydrates, making this ice cream a perfect pre-workout or post-workout snack. Unlike processed sugars that cause energy crashes, the natural sugars in bananas provide a steady energy release.

Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which support heart health by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels. Adding walnuts to this ice cream enhances both the taste and the nutritional profile. Bananas contain prebiotics, which support gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. This can improve digestion and reduce bloating.

Since this ice cream is made from whole, natural ingredients, it’s a much healthier alternative to traditional ice cream, which is often loaded with refined sugars and artificial additives. The fiber content helps keep cravings in check and promotes satiety, making this a weight-friendly dessert option.

How to Customize Your Banana Pudding Ice Cream

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily modify it to suit your taste preferences. Using coconut milk instead of almond milk creates a richer texture and adds a tropical flavor. Adding crushed graham crackers or chopped pecans gives it an extra crunch that mimics classic banana pudding. A dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic touch to the ice cream, while a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or cacao nibs makes it a decadent treat for chocolate lovers.

If you’re looking for a protein boost, blending in a scoop of vanilla or banana-flavored protein powder makes it an excellent post-workout snack. Reducing the amount of almond milk slightly transforms this ice cream into a smoothie bowl, perfect for adding toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, and granola.

Best Times to Enjoy This Dairy-Free Ice Cream

This Banana Pudding Ice Cream is the perfect refreshing summer dessert, providing a cool and creamy treat on hot days. It’s also an excellent choice for a healthy breakfast alternative, since it is packed with natural energy-boosting ingredients and free of refined sugars. For those who exercise regularly, this ice cream works as a pre- or post-workout snack, thanks to its natural carbohydrates and potassium that aid muscle recovery.

If you have a sweet tooth at night, this ice cream serves as a late-night indulgence that won’t leave you feeling sluggish or bloated. It is also a fantastic option for kids and picky eaters who may not usually enjoy eating fruit. Since it tastes just like ice cream, they’ll love it while still benefiting from its nutritional value.

FAQs About Banana Pudding Ice Cream

Frozen bananas are essential for achieving the creamy ice cream texture. If you use fresh bananas, the consistency will be too soft, resembling a smoothie rather than ice cream. This ice cream is best enjoyed immediately, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about five to ten minutes to soften slightly for the best texture.

You can use different types of nut milks such as cashew milk, coconut milk, or oat milk depending on your preference. Walnuts can also be substituted with almonds, pecans, or cashews to give it a unique twist. Since bananas contain natural sugars, this ice cream is not considered keto-friendly. However, a lower-carb version can be made by reducing the banana content and blending it with an avocado.

While a blender makes the process quick and easy, a food processor can also be used to blend the frozen bananas into a smooth and creamy consistency.

Conclusion

Banana Pudding Ice Cream is proof that you don’t need heavy cream, refined sugar, or complicated ingredients to enjoy a rich and satisfying frozen dessert. With just three simple ingredients, this dairy-free and vegan-friendly treat delivers all the flavors of classic banana pudding in a healthier, guilt-free form.

Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it also provides a nutritious boost, supporting digestion, heart health, and sustained energy. Whether you enjoy it as a post-workout snack, a kid-friendly dessert, or a refreshing summer treat, this ice cream is sure to become a household favorite.