Cherry Chocolate Chip Nice Cream!
Eat as much ice cream as you want, it’s good for you. Said no one ever.
This is what we know about dairy ice cream. It’s full of fat, cholesterol, and processed sugar. It’s not good for you. It’s only been two and a half years since I’ve eaten ice cream, and I remember the feeling. That first spoonful was pure bliss. It was so rich and creamy. That last spoonful wasn’t as wonderful. After eating a serving of ice cream I felt horrible. My stomach hurt, the sugar gave me a high and then a big fat low. Every time I ate it I’d ask myself, why? Why did I subject myself to the hours of feeling bad just for a few minutes of feeling good? Instant gratification can lead to long term problems. Unless you indulge in nice cream.
Nice cream made with frozen bananas and other frozen fruit, such as cherries, is the best alternative to a creamy frozen dessert craving. You don’t have to add sugar because the fruit is full of it naturally. It whips up creamy and delicious. And, it’s full of healthy things like potassium, vitamins, and antioxidants. Dairy ice cream can’t say that.
Bananas are pretty cheap, so I buy two bunches instead of one, and by the time I get down to the last few bananas they’re so ripe that I slice them up and freeze them. Whenever I feel like a frosty dessert, I pull them out and make banana nice cream.
This cherry chocolate chip combination was inspired by my freezer. I opened the door and saw the bag of frozen cherries and the Enjoy Life mini chocolate chips and voila! Within a few minutes I had a delicious and healthy frozen dessert that made me happy and didn’t weigh me down.
Let’s talk about the health benefits of bananas and cherries.
We all know that bananas are a great source of potassium, but did you know that they’re also a great source of vitamin B-6, manganese, vitamin C, copper, and biotin? They’re an excellent source of fiber and as sweet as they are, they’re low on the glycemic index scale, making them an excellent food for athletes and everyone else.
Cherries are another great fruit for athletes and non-athletes alike. If you suffer from inflammation, eat cherries. They contain anthocyanins, which act like anti-inflammatory drugs. They’re also a pigment rich fruit that’s high in antioxidants. They also contain melatonin, which can calm the nervous system and help with insomnia and headaches.
I made a big batch of this cherry nice cream with chocolate chips last week and it’s been the perfect post-recovery treat after a long run. If you want to get decadent with it, make yourself a nice-cream sundae. Just melt some vegan chocolate chips and spoon it over the nice cream and then add a cherry on top. Truly delicious!
Notes on the bananas – When the bananas peels are full of brown spots, peel them and slice them. Don't freeze them whole because it will be very difficult to blend them. Store in an airtight freezer container and freeze.
Notes on the nice cream – After you’ve blended the bananas and cherries and they’re smooth and creamy like ice cream, fold in the chocolate chips and put them in a bread pan and cover with an airtight lid and freeze for a few hours.
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nicoleanndawson says
How great is it to be able to eat nice cream as a post recovery option! I'm in!
Linda Meyer says
One of the many benefits of eating vegan. 🙂
Strength and Sunshine says
Crying over the short fresh cherry season of summer 🙁 I know we can get frozen...but still....
At least frozen works super well for nice cream!
Linda Meyer says
It's too short, but like you said, frozen cherries make great nice cream.
Cadry's Kitchen says
Even though fall starts on Friday, it's almost 90 here today. That Sunday looks like the PERFECT way to beat the heat!
Linda Meyer says
It's sizzling here too. I'm not complaining, it will be cold before we know it, and nice cream is the perfect treat. Thanks, Cadry!
Jenn says
LOVE nice cream! I also buy more bananas than I know we'll eat just for this very reason. I must have frozen banana chunks in the freezer at all times! Love the cherry chip flavor...so yum!
Linda Meyer says
I don't think I could ever have too many bananas in my freezer. Thanks, Jenn!
Christine @ Run Plant Based says
Yum, this looks like the perfect post long run recovery treat, great flavors and can't wait to try. Thanks!
Linda Meyer says
Especially after a long run in the heat. 🙂 Thanks, Christine!
Mel | avirtualvegan.com says
I love nice-cream and it's so great that you can eat it as a snack, breakfast or even a meal and not feel guilty. I eat it for breakfast about twice a week :O) I love the addition of cherries here. I have a big bag of frozen ones which I hadn't thought of using in nice cream!
Linda Meyer says
It's so great to have a dessert that you can eat without guilt. Use those cherries, Melanie, you'll love them in nice cream! 🙂
Dianne says
Chocolate and cherries is my favorite flavor combo!
Linda Meyer says
It's one of mine too. Thanks, Dianne.
Virginia Butters says
Your pics have me drooling! I love the idea of this as a post workout treat. Incentive!
Linda Meyer says
Thank you, Virginia! It's so good after a hot and sweaty workout. The perfect way to cool down and recover.
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says
This looks even better than the Trader Joe's soy cream version!
Linda Meyer says
Thank you! That's quite the endorsement!
Uma Srinivas says
This will be hit here for hot weather! Cherry flavor is my one of favorite:)
Linda Meyer says
Thank you, Uma! I'm happy you like the cherry flavor.
The Vegan 8 says
Chocolate and cherries are such a wonderful combination! I'm not a fan of bananas at all, but I am sure my daughter sure would love this!
Linda Meyer says
Thank you, Brandi! I don't know any little girl who wouldn't like a bowl of nice cream. 🙂
veggiesdontbite says
This looks so good Linda. I could literally use an entire bowl in my pjs on the couch right now.
Linda Meyer says
Thank you, Sophia! You could eat an entire bowl and not feel guilty! Yippee!!
Vanessa @ VeganFamilyRecipes says
I felt so similar to you back when I used to eat ice cream. I always felt miserable afterwards. I'm so glad there are some many dairy-free alternative now available for purchase. They're usually filled with more sugar so nothing beats making your own. I can't wait to give this cherry choc. chip nice cream a try. Pinning it for later 😉 Looks delicious and thanks so much for meeting up with Jenn and I. I really enjoyed getting to meet you 😉
Linda Meyer says
Hi Vanessa! It was so much fun getting to know you in real life and I'm happy you made home safely. Store bought everything has so much more added sugar and fat than necessary. Homemade is definitely the way to go! Thanks for pinning!
Amanda says
What can I use I place of bananas? I am allergic to them. ?♀️
Alex Meyer, MA says
Hey Amanda,
You could try using cooking coconut cream, but then let the mixture set in the freezer for a few hours before eating : )
Alex & Linda