One of the challenges I enjoy most–both as a coach and with friends–is persuading newcomers to raw foods that there is a divine-tasting natural equivalent for for every man made concoction on earth. For every bottle of Gatorade there is a cup of young coconut water; for every dab of cream cheese there is a smear of avocado and salt; for every glass of chocolate milk there is a cup of carrot-romaine juice; for every muffin or cookie there is a soft, satisfying bite of baked kabocha squash (HEAB, I know you’re grinning right now).
To me, nothing embodies this truth more than the following recipe. I hesitate to call it a recipe, even, because it’s so damn simple.
Back in my pre-vegan days, I, like so many girls, was obsessed with “healthy” soft-serve ice creams – Tasti-D-Lite, Crema Lita, etc. (I’m sure that if I would have loooved Pinkberry, too, but it appeared on the scene long after I went vegan!) If my friends and clients are any indication, the stuff is like crack for many NYC ladies! And that’s OK: it’s definitely a healthy upgrade from, say, Haagen-Daaz. But it’s still not necessarily the best or most natural snack option out there—especially since lots of women tend to eat it as a meal in and of itself! (Note to my sistas everywhere: a cup of froyo is not nourishing enough for a meal!)
Well, if you’re into the pinkberry or Red Mango, boy, do I have a treat for you. It’s the best soft serve ice cream you’ll ever taste, but it’s 100% raw, 100% vegan, 100% unprocessed, and 100% delicious. It’s also kid-friendly and ridiculously simple to make.
Friends, behold banana soft serve.
That’s right. Who knew that frozen bananas could, if given a spin in the food processor, rival the best fro-yo in town? Well believe me, they do. Once you try this recipe, I guarantee you’ll crave it instead of your usual ice cream—at least some of the time.
It couldn’t be more simple. Take 2-3 frozen bananas (you can freeze them in ziplock bags or in tupperware), like so (this was about 2 and a half):
And throw them in your food processor (I’ve tried this in a Vitamix, but the results weren’t great — you could also use certain juicers). Then turn the processor on and let it run for about five minutes, stopping every now and then to scrape it down. The bananas should get increasingly light, fluffy, and smooth. By the time you’re done, they’ll resemble a creamy bowl of soft serve, like so:
Scoop them into a bowl and prepare to marvel!
If you’re really feeling decadent, make some raw chocolate “syrup” by combining 2 tablespoons of agave nectar with 1 tablespoon raw or dark cocoa powder:
Drizzle it on top of the frozen bananas, and voila:
It’s a dessert or afternoon treat to rival the best sundaes and scoops out there. Really, I can’t begin to do justice to how delicious this is! Even if you don’t eat a lot of fruit, it’s worth treating yourself to this one every now and then. Trust me. It’s also a sweet treat you can feel great feeding your kids. Dairy and soy and preservative free ice cream? Yes please!!
So what are you waiting for? Stop reading, and start freezing those bananas you’ve got sitting on the counter.
You guys can thank me later 
Have a beautiful, sunny Saturday.
xo
Oh. My. God. There are no words. So simple, so pure…so DELICIOUS!
LOVE this. Banana soft serve has saved my butt so many times. Adding a date or two really masks the banana flavour if you want a more “authentic” vanilla. In fact, I think I could go for a bit of ice cream right now.
Maybe with cinnamon…
Ooooohh…Aaaahhhh….
I just love it. Thanks for this. I bet a strawberry sauce would also be fantastic on top. Or blueberries! I just swooned.
Sometimes the simplest things taste the best! I love the chocolate addition
Wow you’re a genius! I cannot wait to try this tomorrow:)
I’ve had great results using frozen bananas in smoothies, and I can’t believe I never thought to process them into soft serve - brilliant! I will definitely be trying this idea.
i think i just died when i saw the chocolate sauce addition. how do you think this would work in a regular old blender? my food processor is currently out of commission (which put a serious damper on my life), but i would still love to try this!
Alas, Leslie, I don’t think that will work!! Regular blenders tend to be pretty useless unless you’re adding liquid. Try it, though — and let me know if it works!!
I ate this treat a ton when I had my wisdom teeth taken out! I haven’t had it since then though. I must make it!
Gena!!
Hi sweetie! I LOVE your blog and this post…. oh my heavens. I am in love with frozen bananers! I usually use them in my green smoothies, but… you got me intrigued to try this. SO WONDERFUL you got to meet Veggie girl. I hope to do the same, someday.
Have a wonderful Saturday. Love your, sorta raw yoga buddy, Pol.
XOXO
p.s. My supper?
Half avocado wrapped in go-juss organic romaine leaves, 2 boiled eggs (okay, not raw
) but dessert was big bowl raspberries dipped in tons of raw almond butter. Can it get any better? mmmm
Oh my gosh, Polly! I think we are food siblings, separated at birth!!! I love your simple food approach — it’s so frighteningly like my own.
Love having you as a commenter, always. Big hug! xoxo
Sounds so fabulous, Gena! I have a bunch of frozen bananas in my freezer (for green monsters ;)), so I am ready to go. Hope you have a lovely Saturday!
OMG! Now on my dessert list for LIFE! Thanks for sharing, Gena!
::sprints to kitchen to freeze the bananas in fact sitting on counter::
What I want to know is how you figured out that there are ripe, neglected bananas in my kitchen begging to be made into this.
Aww, I wish I could eat bananas. They upset my tummy though. Maybe I could eat them blended? I wonder if it would be easier to digest =/
Hey Shelby!
Bananas are already on the mushy side, so I don’t know if blending will help — especially since this is all banana
But I think you could probably enjoy it in small amounts!
Gena, I’m trying to get OVER my raw dessert marathon from NYC, haha!!
Love this recipe though - you rock.
Hehe. Sorry, my sweet
What a great idea - I often blend up a few frozen bananas and a dash of soy milk, but have never tried it w/o the milk. I hope it works in a regular blender since my food processor is broken!
No, if you can only make a healthy, vegan substitute for 1) Nutella and 2) cheese, I will be a happy girl!
Oh. My. God. I can’t wait to try this.
I am not ashamed to admit that I will be licking the bowl clean after I make this. Like, with my face in the actual bowl and frozen banana smeared on my face.
Whoa, did I just say “like?” Apparently I did. I’m betraying my California coast upbringing.
Briana, believe me, I like the bowl clean every single time this gets made at my house. I am in love with the stuff.
Happy weekend!!
oh my goodness..I will have to try this..are you serious it comes out like THAT!?!?!? ahh…I just put 3 nanners in the freezer…must taste it to believe lol
frozen bananas are a MUST HAVE in my freezer at all times!!! this sounds wonderful!!! all the raw happenings, not to mention amazing social gatherings seem to happen in the big apple…what in the heck am i doing in NC where they fry every veggie they get their hands on :p
Thank you! I can already taste it.
Holy moly!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bananas going in the freezer NOW!
love this!!!!!!! if I wasn’t cold all the time, I’d be chuckin my naners in the freezer right now!! comon summer weather!! maybe I shouldn’t complain though- it’s much better than 95 and humid!! yuck!
Thanks again for another wonderful recipe Gena!!!
OH MY GOODNESS..I’M BACK AND I TRYED IT…
it was OH SO GOOD I wish i had someone take a picture of my face while I was eating it ..
I used 1.5 frozen bananas, cinnamon and a drizzle of agave..process for 5 minutes..it was sooooooooooooooooooooooooo GOOD I’m gonna blog about this and link back to this post!
I just tried a single serve batch in my mini-chopper…wonderful! Have you ever tried making more than one serving at a time and then refreezing it for later? I’m thinking this would be nice to have on hand for an easy-grab scoop every now and then…
I make this all the time! Its so good, and super easy!
I LOVE banana ice cream. It is so yummy on a hot day.
[...] So so good. And then…FOR THE STAR OF THIS POST. I want you all to visit a lovely blog called Choosing Raw If you click that..you will find her latest post…(gena) I believe… SOFT SERVE [...]
wow that does look really really awesome and easy…easy is my favorite! I have been slowly trying new raw foods and really enjoying them. I can tell it still freaks out my parents and others though, it seems so strange to them…any advice?
I think you’re right…this will change my life! I can’t wait to try this!!
I need to make this. NOW.
I use frozen bananas all the time in smoothies, which I love, but even so, I have really missed a good bowl of ice cream - the thickness and creaminess. I am newly vegan but have been dairy free for 7 months. I admit, I MISS my ice cream and now I don’t have too. I went and made this as soon as I finished reading your post. A perfect treat for a warm day. Instead of chocolate sauce, I made a simple strawberry topping by slicing fresh strawberries and mixing a touch of raw agave nectar. Delicious! I might try adding a couple of frozen berries in next time too. Thank you! Now summer won’t be so dreaded since I still get a frozen treat! I can’t wait to make this for the kids - they will flip as they are dairy free too.
Oh
WOW!
I can’t believe that’s just banana!!!
WOOOT NATURE’S ICE CREAM, nothing can beat that, EVER!! It’s scary how your recipes always come at the right time, my mum just bought TWO huge bags of bananas recently, YAY…..
That is such a great idea! I’m going to try it and see how it compares to ice cream. I was just having a client today tell me how much she’s been wanting ice cream in the warm weather. This could be a healthy alternative!
And just today I told a client to try trading her gatorade for coconut water…I thought it might be a little far fetched, but I’m glad you had the same idea.
ive done this SO many times, i love it! i started it back in my jamba juice days (it was my first job when i was 16, what can i say?). since then, frozen bananas are one of my fave treats, and then once i got to college, i used to chop them and freeze them so often, my sorority “mom” just started doing it for me. she’d keep the freezer FULLY stocked…ahhh, those were the days. i wasnt old enough to drink, but damn if i ever ran out of frozen treats!
Genius Gena, that’s your new nickname. I’ll be trying this out in the next few days. So much yum!!! (And frozen yogurt is one of the non-vegan things I actually miss more than anything else in the world.)
Oh man! this looks amazing. I will definitely try this when I get an ice cream craving. I already have all the stuff, even for the chocolate sauce!!
I’m so glad you posted this! I actually heard about this years ago and was absolutely astounded by the results. And so were my college roommates! I forgot about how incredible it was though. I so needed the reminder.
No one will believe how ice cream like it is until they try it!
Mmmmmm, that is one of my favorite snacks ever! I also love adding some almond milk and making a milkshake. I could drink that everyday!
I LOVE frozen bananas with chocolate… I’ve never blended them, though, but you can bet I’ll be doing that soon!
Ahhh no! The one day we don’t have bananas you post this! I’m not a big fan of bananas, but I love ice cream so I will definitely be trying this ASAP.
The only appeal of frozen yogurt, to me at least, is because everyone else eats it. I’m vegan but I always feel a little tempted to if my friends are. I wish some kind of vegan “fro yo” would become mainstream!
I still am marveling at the fact that both you and Chris came up with “raw” banana frozen desserts on the same day! Yours looks awesome. We are trying it for sure!!!
Thanks Gena love!
Ack, this post gave me major food-processor envy! You are such a NONcooking genius!
Yummmmmm! My favorite!!
That looks SO DELICIOUS! Will definitely be trying this
oh yes yes yes.
i discovered this probably like a month or so ago.
it is totallyyy is awesome. no soy taste, no perservatives, no added sugar, no nothing!! but banana of course
ive thought about creating a post dedicated to using foods in altered states and such[frozed melt, etc of course melted would be pretty much irrelevent to you...but yeah]
Ha! One day, Sarah, I will post something that’s “melty”
Oh wow! This looks great! I actually tried my own little version of this a couple nights ago to disastrous results (which of course, I embarrassingly posted on the blog)–I will definitely try your version next time!
Do you need to make sure that the bananas are ripe or over-ripe?
Hey Christy!
No, you don’t, but they’re sweeter when ripe or over ripe, and I much prefer them that way for desserts.
G
Thanks Gena! I am definitely going to make this soon! I never thought to use my food processor for “ice cream!”
I apologize that I am commenting twice, but I just made the frozen banana ice cream and it was INCREDIBLE!!! Thank you soooo much. I have been trying to wean myself off of Tasti D-Lite and this will definitely help
Amazing!!! I am so glad you liked it, Ada.
fantastic idea. i liked one reader’s idea of doing a strawberry sauce on top!
this is in my to do list!
Gena, I’m totally grinning right now. Love you and your simple recipes. Bananas and berries - the 2 fruits I eat. Expect some banana ice-cream with a side of kabocha very soon.
OMG! Cannot wait.
I read this just in time! My sister called me last night and told me to do the exact same thing, only she mixes in cinnamon and vanilla. My bananas are in the freezer right now! I’m going to make my ice cream tonight.
I’ll let you know how I like it!
Please let me know, Laura!!!
I made this for “breakfast ice cream” this morning for Ryan (formerly “Chase Daylight” — new blog coming soon) and I. Absolutely delicious and amazing. I added plenty of agave / cocoa powder syrup. Very good, filling, and satisfying. Thank you!
Amazing! So glad you liked! And can’t wait for the new blog.
One of my all-time favorite desserts! If you have a twin-gear juicer, you can simply run the frozen banana through it with the blank filter as well–same result!
I don’t keep much in my freezer these days, but ALWAYS have frozen bananas on hand for just this reason. Sometimes I’ll scrape out a fresh vanilla bean and add it in as well.
Okay. Now I’m not going to be able to stop thinking about it… Guess it’s time for an lil’ afternoon snack.
This is one of my favorite ways to have bananas! I always keep them frozen for smoothies, but I while back I started just blending the bananas with vanilla bean and topping with bee pollen, gojis, or pecans…whatever the mood. Sometimes I’ll add coconut or almond cream and it gives even another layer of richness. So fabulous! Thanks for sharing
WOW! That’s so simple, and it sounds delicious!! I could eat my body weight in ice cream during the summer (or any season actually…), and this sounds like a great substitute!
Gotta love frozen bananas… so versatile. I’ve made this banana ice cream before and was simply delicious!
Ah, so simple! I’m making this tonight - my 2 year old would live on bananas alone if we let him. What a nice treat this will be for my dairy-free kiddo (ok, and me, too).
Can’t wait to try this!
Awesome recipe! I’m not on a raw diet but I want to slowly incorporate more raw/clean foods into my diet and yesterday and today I’ve been eating the chocomole.. It is heaven on earth!! Thanks for sharing
I’ve never posted a comment before and still a relatively new reader of yours, but had to comment because I made this tonight and am still wiping away the tears of joy over how amazingly delicious this was. Thank you THANK YOU for bringing frozen banana whip into our lives!
I am totally making this tomorrow. Yum.
amazing! i am trying this asap. the only thing is that i am wishing I had a bigger food processor rather than my teeny two cup one. : )
Michal (lilearthmuffin)
i just got busted by the pilot for licking the screen. i have nanners in the freezer that are taking their SWEET time freezing… i can’t wait to try this!
hope you had a wonderful weekend!
i’m thinking you need a break from all of that work you’ve been doing to come to disney!
xoxo
You will go NUTS, Gina! It is so good!
I love frozen bananas! I usually eat them plain or make them into a shake with some almond milk, but I think “ice cream” would be even better. Thanks for the food processor tip, too!
So, my husband and I decided to try to go raw until dinner about a month ago. We bought a book and started to adjust our diet accordingly. We have been vegetarians for 11 years, but are trying to refine our diets even more. I love your site and blog and wanted to let you know that this recipe was a huge success tonight! The bananas…? Wow, what a surprise! Thanks for the realistic approach and fantastic recipes. I look to see what you have posted daily…it is my little escape from reality! Thanks so much!!!
Thanks, Melissa!!
Oh my word! That looks incredible. I’ve had frozen bananas before, but I’ve never thought of blending them like that. LOVE the idea! Thanks so much
[...] then we made the wise decision to listen to Gena and make some banana soft serve. I’m calling her tomorrow to ask her to pick out my [...]
I ate a frozen banana out of the fridge yesterday and it was delicious, but I was wishing I could make it creamier. This is genius, Gina! I don’t have a food processor, but I’m going to give it a try in my blender.
Thanks, Lara!
Gena,
YUM. That’s the only word that comes to mind. wowser.
With love,
Emily
Great post Gena! In my early detox days I lived off of avo salads and chocolate banana ice cream. It really is amazing how creamy dreamy and fluffy it gets in the food processor!
Love this recipe! They actually have a store in Ocean City, NJ where they make this! They have all kinds of vegan toppings too! I get it every time I am there! I need to try it at home but I only have a blender!
You can try it with a blender, Missy! But food processors are better for this stuff, and worthy investments.
Gena!! Hi sweetie
I loved the photos from your last post. Liz was so excited to have the chance to meet up with you, so glad you had a nice time together.
And don’t you know this is my all time favorite dessert. Could it be any easier? Nope. When I’m feeling sassy I sprinkle raw cacao nibs or some maca on top too. Or try adding half frozen mango half frozen banana. Boo ya! Yum diddly um!
Hope you are doing wonderfully!
wow you dedicated your post to my favorite food in the world! htanks! i guess i need a food processor. I have always heard frozen bananas in the juicer taste like Mr. Softee!
ps I am pretty sure i want my life to change right now
I actually got my mom into this last summer and despite her skepticism she ended up loving it. I’m about to expose my inner nerd here….the best part is you can have it after avos OR nuts. Amazing
i think i might try eating bananas again.. just so i can have this!
So this definitely won’t work in a regular blender, correct? I don’t want to spend the money on a food processor, but it looks so good. Are there any affordable, good quality food processors that you recommend?
Hey Roxy —
My friend Sarah (Lovinmytummy) tried it in a magic bullet and it worked, so a blender might be ok — though I really think the food processor results will be shorter and better. I recommend a cuisinart 7 cup. It’s an invaluable investment for so many reasons, and will last forever.
Gena
I’ve used banana to make raw ice creams before, but never just by itself. Sounds delicious!! And the pics of that chocolate sauce look too good to be true! Mmmmmmmmmm
This sounds so delicious! I’ve got a few near-overripe bananas on the counter right now. Going to put them in the freezer right now. Can’t wait to try this dessert. Yummo!
Oh my gosh Gena, you did it! You’re fantastic darling, this sounds sooo good and I have so many bananas at the moment
I wonder if it were possible to alter it slightly for that yogurt-consistency I’ve been longing.
Love it! This is one of my favorite treats and I’m always telling people about it (not that anyone has actually tried it yet, but I try!)
I’ve been eating frozen bananas (picture 2) forever, and putting them in smoothies, but I haven’t tried blending them alone yet- I’ll be trying that asap! Red Mango is one of my guilty pleasures and I’d love to have it even less. It occurred to me that for the food-combiners out there, this is one ice cream that is perfectly fine to eat with loads of berries on top! That’s pretty awesome!
(oh- and check out my post on Natalia’s blog about my Saturday!)
I make this all the time!! It’s a great treat.
I love reading your blog. We have similar outlooks on cleansing and raw foods. I have tried to go raw cold turkey a few times, but have come to the conclusion that slowly easing into it is a better option for me. I also love colonics. Never been to see Gil (but obviously have heard of him). I usually go to LYT NYC on 5th ave. I have just started reading Natalia Rose’s Raw Detox Diet and plan on using most of the techniques I learned once I finish the book. I look forward to keeping up with your posts!
Delighted that you like the blog, Kaitlyn! And always psyched to hear from a fellow city gal.
just put some banana’s in the freezer!
this looks amazing! I already slice brown-ish bananas and freeze them as a “dessert”
Gena,
I found your site from Sarah lovinmytummy. She referenced your blog when she made the banana ice cream. When I read it this morning I immediately threw to bananas in the freezer. I made it tonight for after dinner treat. Oh was it fabulous I also made the chocolate syrup. I split the serving in half and plan on eating the other half tomorrow. Since reading your blog I am very curious about incorporating some raw meals into my diet. I started a vegetarian diet in April and have enjoy it. Would you recommend incorporating raw or going vegan?
I look forward to reading your blog from now on.
Hi Kathi!
So glad you’re interested! I am vegan first and foremost, and raw second. And I think that any raw transition is much easier when you’ve gotten more accustomed to a totally plant-based diet. So perhaps some vegan steps is the best way to go.
That said, everyone is different, and every transition is different! If you’d like some more guidance, please feel to shoot me an email and inquire about my coaching.
Gena
[...] literally 100 degrees outside, I was fantasizing about making Gena’s blended frozen bananas for something cold and sweet after my salad. However, I did not have any bananas, I had to work [...]
Yes Yes Yes! I do love the simplicity and deliciousness of frozen banana raw ice cream. In fact, I am looking forward to simplicity when I return to AZ. Goodness I need it after my foodie safari in NY!
XOXO,
Kristen
O my gosh; I am trying this tonight…this banana with cocoa looks unreal…this is going to be my dessert this evening…
Have a great day and keep up the great posts! Thanks for this yummy ‘treat’ idea…hehe…Hope to see you soon.
Best,
Amie
The Healthy Apple
I tried your ice cream this morning…it was so good I had to blog about it! I added blueberry sauce to mine and felt like I was having a rich dessert!
Amazing! So glad you enjoyed!!
[...] ice cream with chocolate sauce. I got the idea for the chocolate sauce from Gena’s post here! I’ll be getting the recipe up on Deliciously Healthy sometime this week.After dessert we [...]
[...] the coconut/banana combo was really good, but next time I am going to leave out the water and use Gena’s idea to make Banana Coconut Ice [...]
Oh, wow — what a treat! Thanks, Gena!
holy moly, i’m so glad i have bananas stashed in the freezer
[...] ate some banana soft serve on the front porch for [...]
Ok, I have been seeing this RAVED over everywhere. I have TONS of bananas in the freezer. I will definitely be making it in the near future!
Gena! This is absolutely fantastic! I am going to try to make this before the weekend is over.
I saw this on KERF and just HAD to check it out. I’m putting my ‘nanas in the freezer now! Can’t wait to try this. Thank you so much!
Jenn
Hi Gena, i’ve been reading your blog for a while and really love it!!! And this recipe really rocks and I feel I need to tell you that! hahaha…..
do you live in NYC? I’m heading to NY in about 2 hours….. any suggestion of what to do/eat? or probably a meetup? I’m so curious about all the raw food revolution!!!