This Chocolate Peanut Butter Nice Cream is a rich, creamy, and healthy frozen treat made with only 4 simple ingredients. Using frozen bananas as the base, this dairy-free, naturally sweetened soft-serve alternative is perfect for summer evenings—or anytime you’re craving something sweet and chocolatey without the guilt. Bonus: it’s super easy to make and totally customizable!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, peeled, sliced, and frozen

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

• 3 tablespoons peanut butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Peel and slice ripe bananas, then freeze them in a bag or container ahead of time.

2. Add the frozen banana slices to a blender or food processor. Blend on high until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.

3. Add in the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and peanut butter. Continue blending until well combined.

4. If needed, add a small splash of almond or coconut milk to help with blending.

5. Serve immediately for soft-serve texture. For a firmer ice cream, transfer to a loaf pan and freeze for 1–2 hours.

6. Scoop into bowls and enjoy! Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the freezer for several days.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 296 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 43g

• Sugar: 22g

• Fiber: 7g

• Protein: 8g

• Fat: 14g

What Is Nice Cream, Anyway?

Nice cream is a healthy, dairy-free alternative to traditional ice cream that’s primarily made from frozen bananas. The bananas provide a natural creaminess and sweetness when blended, creating a texture that’s shockingly similar to soft-serve ice cream. It’s called “nice cream” because it’s a kinder, cleaner version of the dessert—no dairy, no added sugars, and totally plant-based. This chocolate peanut butter version elevates that simplicity by adding cocoa powder and peanut butter, making it a dreamy combo of indulgent and nutritious.

A Dessert That’s Ready in Minutes

One of the best parts of this recipe is how quick it is to make. If your bananas are already frozen, you can go from craving to creamy dessert in under five minutes. Everything comes together in a blender or food processor, and the only “cooking” involved is the whirl of blades transforming basic ingredients into a decadent, scoopable treat. For those times when you want dessert without the prep, mess, or guilt, this is a go-to option that delivers every time.

Naturally Sweetened and Dairy-Free

Unlike traditional ice cream that often contains heavy cream, processed sugar, and stabilizers, nice cream relies on the natural sugars found in ripe bananas to sweeten the mix. That makes this dessert naturally sweet without the sugar crash. It’s completely dairy-free, which is ideal for people with lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, or those following vegan or plant-based diets. You won’t find any syrups or artificial sweeteners here—just real food ingredients that do all the work naturally.

The Creamy Power of Frozen Bananas

Bananas are the base of many nice cream recipes for good reason. When frozen and blended, they create an incredibly creamy, almost whipped texture that mimics soft-serve ice cream. The natural sugars in ripe bananas become more pronounced after freezing, bringing out an inherent sweetness that doesn’t need any enhancement. Their smooth texture blends effortlessly with cocoa and peanut butter, creating a silky dessert that feels luxurious without needing cream or eggs.

Chocolate and Peanut Butter: A Timeless Combo

There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. The bittersweet depth of cocoa paired with the savory richness of peanut butter creates a perfect balance of flavors that feels decadent and satisfying. This pairing is a classic for a reason—it hits all the right notes, whether you’re a hardcore chocolate lover or a peanut butter enthusiast. When combined with the smooth base of bananas, it results in a dessert that feels indulgent but is packed with nutrients.

Customizable for Every Craving

While this recipe is incredible as-is, it also serves as a fantastic base for customization. Want to make it crunchier? Toss in some chopped peanuts or dark chocolate chips. Looking for a fruitier twist? Add in a handful of raspberries or a swirl of strawberry puree. For a more intense chocolate flavor, add an extra spoonful of cocoa or even a pinch of espresso powder. This is the kind of recipe that welcomes creativity—you can make it yours with just a few tweaks.

Perfect for Summer—and Every Season

Chocolate Peanut Butter Nice Cream is obviously refreshing on hot summer days, but it’s a dessert you’ll crave year-round. It’s light enough to enjoy after a hearty meal and satisfying enough to serve at a dinner party. Plus, since you can keep the ingredients on hand in your freezer and pantry, it’s an easy, last-minute dessert option that feels impressive even though it’s effortless to make.

Health Benefits Without the Compromise

Beyond being delicious, this recipe packs some serious nutritional perks. Bananas provide fiber, potassium, and vitamin B6. Peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats, helping to make the dessert more filling. Cocoa powder contributes antioxidants that support heart health and mood. Together, these ingredients form a treat that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also supports your wellness goals. It’s the ultimate win-win—comfort food that actually nourishes your body.

Kid-Friendly and Parent-Approved

Kids love the creamy texture and chocolatey flavor, while parents can feel good about serving something that’s naturally sweet and loaded with nutrients. It’s a great way to sneak fruit into your child’s dessert and an excellent alternative to store-bought frozen treats that are full of additives. The hands-on preparation can also be a fun activity to do together. Let kids help add the ingredients to the blender or create their own mix-in versions—it’s a fun and healthy kitchen experiment for the whole family.

No Ice Cream Maker Needed

Traditional homemade ice cream recipes often require an ice cream maker, but nice cream requires no special equipment—just a high-speed blender or food processor. That means fewer tools, no waiting for a machine to chill, and less cleanup afterward. It’s a great option for small kitchens, college dorms, or anyone who wants a no-fuss dessert that still tastes gourmet.

Storage Tips and Serving Ideas

If you prefer a firmer texture, you can pop the blended nice cream into a container and freeze it for an hour or two. This will give it a scoopable consistency more like traditional ice cream. You can also store leftovers in a sealed container for a few days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh. To serve, scoop it into bowls or cones, top with a drizzle of extra peanut butter, a few cacao nibs, or a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch. Every bite is creamy, dreamy, and absolutely satisfying.

Conclusion

Chocolate Peanut Butter Nice Cream is proof that dessert can be both decadent and good for you. With just four simple ingredients, no dairy, no added sugar, and no fancy tools required, it’s a recipe that fits seamlessly into a busy, health-conscious lifestyle. Whether you’re cooling off on a hot summer night, treating yourself after a long day, or looking for a sweet way to satisfy your cravings without guilt, this nice cream delivers. It’s quick, customizable, and loaded with ingredients that fuel your body while feeding your soul. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s a favorite freezer staple for anyone who loves dessert with a healthy twist.