Confession: I used to think ‘healthy ice cream’ was an oxymoronuntil I whizzed up frozen bananas with a handful of pantry staples and accidentally changed my dessert life. This Cherry Pecan Nice Cream? It’s the lazy, heatwave-proof miracle that made me a believer. No fancy gadgets, no patience required, just 10 minutes between you and a bowl of creamy, crunchy bliss.
Try my Protein Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why this Cherry Pecan Nice Cream is about to become your go-to dessert:
- 10-minute magic – No cooking, no churning, just blend and devour. Heatwave approved!
- Healthier than ice cream – Sneaky-good with bananas as the base (but shhh, it tastes like dessert).
- Crunchy + creamy = perfection – Sweet cherries and toasty pecans make every bite stupid delicious.
- No fancy equipment needed – Just a blender and a spoon. Even your lazy Sunday self can handle this.
- Customizable AF – Swap mix-ins, adjust sweetness, or make it dairy-free. Rules? What rules?
Basically, it’s the dessert that loves you back.
→ ✔
Try my Blueberry Chia Seed Jam recipe.
What You’ll Need To Make
Let’s talk about the rockstars in this recipe:
- Frozen Bananas – Nature’s ice cream base! They blend up creamy, add natural sweetness, and make this dessert actually good for you. Pro tip: Slice ’em before freezing for easier blending.
- Pecans – Buttery, toasty crunch machines. They add protein + healthy fats, making this feel indulgent without the guilt. (Toast them for 5 mins first if you’re extra.)
- Honey – Just enough to sweeten the deal, but flexible-maple syrup works too! Bonus: It balances the tart cherries like a boss.
- Cherries – Juicy, vibrant, and packed with antioxidants. Frozen or fresh, they’re the pop of flavor that makes this not just another banana blend.
TL;DR: This isn’t just dessert-it’s a nutrient-packed party in a bowl.
NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.
What You’ll Need To Do
Time required: 10 mins
Let’s make this Cherry Pecan Nice Cream!
- Blend it up! Toss those frozen bananas, honey, vanilla extract, and salt into a blender. Pour in the milk and let ‘er rip until it’s smooth and creamy-about 2-3 minutes. (Pro tip: If it’s being stubborn, add a splash more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it blends like a dream.)
- Mix & serve! Pour the creamy goodness into a bowl and gently fold in the chopped cherries and pecans. Scoop into bowls, sprinkle extra pecans on top, and dig in immediately for soft-serve vibes. (Or, if you’re patient, freeze it a bit longer for a firmer treat.)
Boom! You’ve got dessert in 10 minutes.
Glycemic Index: 30-40 (low ) Glycemic Load: 10-12 (moderate)
Note: Bananas and honey contribute to carbs, but fiber/fat from nuts helps balance blood sugar impact.
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Recipe Swaps
- Bananas → Avocado (for extra creaminess, but reduce liquid)
- Honey → Maple syrup or agave (vegan option)
- Milk → Almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk (dairy-free)
- Pecans → Walnuts or almonds (different crunch profile)
- Cherries → Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries (seasonal twist)
- Vanilla extract → Almond extract (for a marzipan-like flavor)
Try my Crispy Carrot Cake Bites recipe.
Tweak Ideas
- Protein Boost: Stir in 1-2 tbsp nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew) or a scoop of vanilla protein powder for extra staying power.
- Chocolate Lover’s: Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder or cacao nibs for a mocha-chocolate twist.
- Tropical Vibes: Swap cherries for diced mango + toasted coconut flakes.
- Coffee Kick: Blend in 1 tsp instant espresso powder for a mocha ripple.
- Extra Decadent: Drizzle melted dark chocolate on top before serving.
Helpful Tips for Success
- Freeze bananas in chunks – They blend smoother than whole frozen bananas.
- Toast your pecans – Just 5 minutes in a dry pan = next-level nutty flavor.
- Use ripe bananas – Spotted ones are sweeter, so you can reduce added honey.
- Chill your bowls – Keeps the nice cream colder longer when serving.
- Blend in stages – Pulse first to break up bananas, then blend full power to avoid overworking your blender.
Try my Protein Crepes with Blueberry Sauce recipe.
Budget-Friendly Tips
- Buy bananas in bulk when they’re on salepeel, slice, and freeze for future batches.
- Opt for store-brand honey or syrupjust as tasty, usually cheaper than fancy brands.
- Use frozen cherries (often cheaper than fresh, especially off-season).
- Skip the garnishextra pecans are pretty but not essential.
- Sub half the pecans with oatstoasted oats add crunch at a fraction of the cost.
Serving Ideas
- Breakfast Bowl: Top with granola and chia seeds for a morning treat.
- Dessert Nachos: Serve with cinnamon-dusted plantain chips for scooping.
- Ice Cream Sandwich: Press between two gluten-free cookies.
- Sundae Style: Drizzle with melted nut butter or caramel sauce.
- Mini Parfaits: Layer with coconut yogurt in small jars.
Try my Protein Mango Fluff recipe.
Storage
- Freezer: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Pro Tip: Press parchment paper directly on the surface to prevent ice crystals.
Try my Tropical Mango Chia Bowl recipe.
Final Thoughts
So here’s your mission: Wreck your freezer with bananas, raid your nut stash, and blend up this too-easy-not-to-try treat. Even if your summer is currently a record-breaking meltfest (hey, mine too), this recipe’s got your back. Now go forth and conquer cravingsI’ll be over here, licking my bowl.
Recipe Card
Cherry Pecan Nice Cream
Got frozen bananas? Turn them into this dreamy cherry pecan nice cream! ❄️ Sweet, crunchy, and ready in minutes-no ice cream maker needed. Your summer dessert game just leveled up!
What you'll need...
What you'll need to do...
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Blend the base:
In a high-powered blender, combine the frozen bananas, honey, vanilla extract, salt, and milk. Blend on high speed for 2–3 minutes until smooth and creamy. If needed, add additional milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, to reach the desired consistency.
-
Fold in Mix-Ins:
Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Gently fold in the chopped cherries and pecans until evenly distributed.
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Serve or Freeze:
Divide into individual serving bowls and garnish with extra chopped pecans. Enjoy immediately as soft-serve, or freeze for 1–2 hours for a firmer texture.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 3
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 300kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Protein 5g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
