De-lish Banana "Ice Cream"

I don't know about you, but I have absolutely NO patience when it comes to waiting on ice cream to freeze, food to cook or bake, water to boil, etc.  If you have this problem as well, you're in luck! I was so eager to try this recipe when I saw it, although a bit apprehensive.  No worries-it turned out better than I expected, and has become a de-lish go-to for a cool snack & dessert on these hot summer days!  This recipe can be tweaked to make a variety of flavors-Peanut butter, nutella, banana nut, chocolate peanut butter, chocolate, chocolate chip, cinnamon, cappuccino crunch & coconut...the list never ends!   The more ripe the bananas, the better.   This is a great way to use up overripe bananas...keep your freezer stocked with baggies of bananas so they'll be ready to go when you're craving some ice cream;-) 
Below is my favorite version with walnuts, coffee and cinnamon.   For added sweetness, drizzle honey over walnuts before toasting-Enjoy!

Banana Walnut

"Ice Cream"

INGREDIENTS

2 bananas, frozen and cut in slices

2-4 T walnuts, toasted and chopped

Dash of cinnamon

DIRECTIONS

*Prior to making ice cream: Slice bananas in small circles & place in a baggie. Freeze.

Using a food processor, (or blender-if using blender, you may need to add a splash of milk to help it blend better) add bananas and cinnamon.  Pulse until a smooth cream is formed.  Fold in nuts, and whatever other toppings desired.  Enjoy!!!

(If wanting a CHOCOLATE version, add 1 T cocoa powder and pulse in with processor!)

The most important part is to eat this ice cream right after making it...OR freeze, and when ready to indulge, heat in microwave for ~30 seconds to slightly soften. 

Variations: Simply add...
-Peanut butter- 1 T
-Nutella - 1 T
-Chocolate peanut butter- 2 tsp cocoa powder, 1-2 tsp peanut butter
-Chocolate- 2 T cocoa powder
-Chocolate chunk- 1-2 T chocolate chunks
-Cinnamon-1/2 tsp cinnamon
-Cappuccino crunch-1 tsp instant coffee
-Coconut- 1 T toasted coconut
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This recipe has less than a gram of fat (with just bananas), and has no added sugar (crazy when comparing to full-fat ice cream!).  The natural sugars in the bananas sweeten this treat nicely without having to add loads of extra sugar. 

*Gluten and Dairy Free
inspired by thekitchn.com