Craving a sweet treat that’s unbelievably easy to make? You can whip up this creamy banana soft serve with just a handful of ingredients. This simple recipe is one of the best five ingredient dessert recipes for satisfying your dessert cravings quickly and healthily.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ripe Bananas: Essential for natural sweetness and creaminess.
- Milk: Any milk works (dairy or non-dairy like almond or oat milk).
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: A pinch of cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Freeze Time: 3 hours
- Servings: 2
- Tools: Food processor or high-speed blender
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Freeze Your Bananas
Peel and slice your ripe bananas into 1-inch pieces. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then freeze for at least 3 hours until solid. This is crucial for achieving that perfect soft-serve consistency.
2. Blend Until Crumbly
Transfer the frozen banana slices to a food processor or high-speed blender. Begin processing. The bananas will first look crumbly, like small frozen bits.
3. Add Milk and Blend Until Creamy
Add 1 tablespoon of milk to the banana mixture. Continue to blend, scraping down the sides as needed, until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add the second tablespoon of milk, a little at a time.
4. Serve Immediately
Once you achieve a soft-serve consistency, scoop the creamy banana treat into bowls. Enjoy your delightful dessert right away! This quick and easy method is a standout among five ingredient dessert recipes.
Variation Ideas:
- Chocolate Banana: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder during blending.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Mix in a tablespoon of peanut butter for a nutty flavor.
- Berry Boost: Blend with a handful of frozen berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries).
- Tropical Twist: Add a few pieces of frozen mango or pineapple.
Storage Instructions:
This creamy banana soft serve is best enjoyed immediately for the perfect texture. If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and freeze. When ready to eat again, you may need to re-blend with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can you use fresh bananas instead of frozen?
A: No, frozen bananas are essential for the soft-serve texture. Fresh bananas will result in a smoothie, not soft serve.
Q: How ripe should the bananas be?
A: Use very ripe bananas with brown spots. These will be sweeter and have a stronger banana flavor, perfect for this five ingredient dessert recipe.
Q: What if the mixture isn’t getting creamy?
A: Keep blending and scraping down the sides of the food processor. It takes patience, but it will eventually transform into a smooth soft serve. Adding a tiny bit more milk can also help.
Q: Can you make this without a food processor?
A: A high-speed blender can work, but a food processor is generally better for achieving the right creamy consistency for frozen fruit.
Q: Is this a healthy dessert option?
A: Yes, it’s a naturally sweet and dairy-free option, making it a great alternative to traditional ice cream.
Q: Can you add sweeteners?
A: The natural sweetness of ripe bananas is usually enough, but you can add a touch of maple syrup or honey if you prefer it sweeter.