Indulge Guilt-Free: The Ultimate Guide to Healthy & Delicious Nice Cream Milkshakes (Strawberry, Vanilla, Chocolate!)
Have you heard of “Nice Cream”? It’s a revolutionary way to enjoy a frozen treat without the guilt. Essentially, it’s a luscious dessert crafted from nothing more than frozen and pureed bananas, resulting in a creamy texture and sweet flavor remarkably similar to traditional ice cream. Today, we’re taking this incredibly healthy and utterly delicious trend a step further by transforming it into three mouth-watering Nice Cream Milkshakes in the timeless classic flavors: strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate. Get ready to shake up your dessert routine with these incredibly satisfying and nutritious concoctions!
What Exactly is Nice Cream and Why is it So Popular?
Before we dive into making these incredible milkshakes, let’s explore the magic of “Nice Cream.” At its core, nice cream is a simple, plant-based frozen dessert made primarily from bananas. The “nice” in nice cream often refers to its natural, wholesome ingredients and the absence of dairy, refined sugar, and artificial additives typically found in conventional ice cream. When ripe bananas are frozen and then blended, their natural sugars become intensely sweet, and their texture transforms into a remarkably creamy, soft-serve-like consistency.
Its popularity has surged due to a growing demand for healthier dessert options, catering to various dietary needs such as vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free diets. It’s also a fantastic way to utilize overripe bananas, preventing food waste while creating a delightful treat. The beauty of nice cream lies in its versatility, serving as a perfect base for countless flavor combinations – and today, we’re harnessing that potential to create the ultimate healthy milkshake experience.
Why Choose Nice Cream Milkshakes Over Traditional Ones?
If you, like many, adore the rich, indulgent taste of ice cream and milkshakes but also strive to maintain a healthy diet, these Nice Cream Milkshakes are about to become your new favorite obsession. Traditional milkshakes, while undeniably delicious, often come packed with excessive amounts of dairy, added sugars, and unhealthy fats. Our nice cream version offers a fantastic alternative:
- Naturally Sweetened: The primary sweetness comes from the bananas themselves, reducing the need for refined sugars.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Perfect for those with lactose intolerance or who follow a vegan lifestyle, as the base is entirely plant-based.
- Nutrient-Rich: Bananas are a great source of potassium, fiber, and vitamins B6 and C. When you add other fruits like strawberries or cocoa powder, you’re boosting the nutritional profile even further.
- Light & Refreshing: These milkshakes offer a lighter feel compared to their heavy dairy counterparts, making them a perfect treat for any time of day.
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll be amazed at how few ingredients are needed to create such a flavorful and satisfying drink.
I stumbled upon the idea for these milkshakes while on a personal journey, testing out the 21 Day Vegetarian Reset, a nutrition program I developed. During that time, I completely cut out dairy and sugar, which, as you might imagine, led to some serious and unexpected cravings. One particularly persistent craving? A rich, creamy milkshake.
So, leveraging a foundational nice cream recipe as my starting point, I embarked on a mission to craft nice cream milkshakes that would not only satisfy my intense desires but also align perfectly with my healthy eating goals. The result? These incredibly delicious and guilt-free milkshakes that proved to be the perfect indulgence without derailing my diet.
Mastering the Art of Freezing Bananas for Perfect Nice Cream
The secret to the perfect nice cream texture lies in properly frozen bananas. This isn’t just a simple step; it’s the foundation of your milkshake’s creamy consistency. Here’s a crucial tip for preparing your bananas that will save you time and ensure consistent results:
Pro Tip for Freezing Bananas:
Firstly, always peel your bananas before freezing them. Trying to peel a rock-hard frozen banana is a task no one enjoys! Once peeled, slice each banana into approximately 7 uniform pieces. This consistent sizing helps them freeze evenly and blend smoothly. Arrange these banana pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freezing them in a single layer prevents them from clumping together into one large block. After they are completely frozen (typically 2-4 hours), transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method not only makes them easy to grab but also prolongs their freezer life.
By pre-portioning your bananas, you eliminate any guesswork when it comes time to blend. For instance, if you cut each banana into 7 pieces, you’ll know that 14 pieces (from two bananas) are exactly what you need for one milkshake. This precision ensures consistent texture and flavor every single time. Then, it’s just a matter of blending, pouring, and serving up your refreshing treat!
Ingredients You Will Need for Nice Cream Milkshakes:
Creating these delightful milkshakes requires just a few simple components:
- For the Nice Cream Base:
- 2 large, ripe bananas, peeled and frozen solid
- 1 Tbsp honey or a sweetener of your choice (e.g., maple syrup, agave, or sugar)
- For Your Chosen Flavor (Pick one):
- Vanilla: ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond or oat milk) + 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Chocolate: ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy) + 1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- Strawberry: 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy) + 1 cup frozen strawberries
- Optional Toppings for Extra Indulgence:
- Whipped cream (dairy or coconut whipped cream for a vegan option)
- Maraschino cherries
- Chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or a drizzle of caramel
Tools You May Find Useful for Blending Perfection:
Having the right tools can make all the difference in achieving that perfectly smooth, creamy milkshake consistency.
- A powerful blender, such as a Vitamix, is highly recommended for breaking down frozen bananas smoothly.
- Elegant milkshake glasses to present your creations.
- Fun and cute straws to enhance the drinking experience.
- Reliable measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient proportions.
Customization and Beyond: Exploring Nice Cream Milkshake Variations
While the classic strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate flavors are undeniably delicious, the world of Nice Cream Milkshakes is vast and full of possibilities! Don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences:
- Fruity Boosts: Besides strawberries, try frozen mango, pineapple, blueberries, or raspberries. A mix of berries can create a delightful “berry blast” milkshake.
- Nutty Flavors: Add a tablespoon of your favorite nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew) for a boost of protein and rich flavor. Pair peanut butter with chocolate for a classic combo!
- Green Goodness: Sneak in a handful of spinach or kale for added nutrients. The banana and other flavors will mask the green taste completely.
- Protein Power-Up: For a post-workout treat or a more filling breakfast, blend in a scoop of your preferred protein powder.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of cardamom can add an unexpected layer of warmth and complexity.
- Coffee Lover’s Dream: Add a shot of cold brew or espresso for a coffee-flavored nice cream milkshake. You might also enjoy our Loaded Coffee Breakfast Smoothie for a similar kick!
- Tropical Twist: Combine frozen pineapple and coconut milk for an exotic escape.
The key is to experiment and find what you love! Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired consistency – less milk for a thicker, spoonable treat, more for a thinner, drinkable milkshake.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nice Cream Milkshakes
Are Nice Cream Milkshakes truly healthy?
Yes, compared to traditional milkshakes, nice cream milkshakes are generally much healthier. They are primarily made from whole, natural ingredients (bananas and fruits), are naturally sweetened, and can easily be made dairy-free. They contain essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the fruit base. Of course, the healthiness can vary depending on your choice of added sweeteners and toppings.
Can I use fresh bananas instead of frozen ones?
While you can, using fresh bananas will result in a much thinner, more smoothie-like consistency and won’t have the rich, creamy, and cold texture of a true milkshake. Frozen bananas are essential for achieving the thick, ice cream-like base that defines “nice cream.” For the best results, always use bananas that have been frozen solid for at least 4 hours.
What kind of milk should I use?
You can use any type of milk you prefer! Dairy milk works perfectly fine. For a dairy-free or vegan option, almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk are excellent choices. Each will impart a slightly different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite.
How do I make my nice cream milkshake thicker or thinner?
To make your milkshake thicker, add less liquid (milk) or more frozen banana pieces/frozen fruit. For an even thicker consistency, you can also add a small amount of ice (though this might dilute the flavor slightly). To make it thinner, simply add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I store leftover nice cream milkshake?
Nice cream milkshakes are best enjoyed immediately after blending. If you store leftovers, they will likely refreeze into a solid block, losing their creamy milkshake texture. You could technically refreeze it and then re-blend it with a splash of milk later, but the texture might not be as perfect as fresh.
More Delicious Milkshake Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with these nice cream milkshakes, you might also enjoy exploring other exciting milkshake variations:
- Freakshakes: Extreme Milk Shakes
- Apple Cider Milkshakes
- Butterscotch Milkshake Cocktail
- Naturally Green Shamrock Shakes
- Salted Caramel Milkshake
How to Make “Nice Cream” Milk Shakes
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
Base
- 2 bananas, peeled and frozen
- 1 Tbsp honey or sugar (optional, to taste)
Flavor (choose one)
- Vanilla: ½ cup milk + 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Chocolate: ½ cup milk + 1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- Strawberry: 1 cup milk + 1 cup frozen strawberries
Toppings (optional)
- Whipped cream
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
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Prepare the Base: In a powerful blender, combine the frozen banana pieces and your chosen sweetener (if using). Blend until completely smooth and creamy, pausing to scrape down the sides of the blender with a spatula as needed. This ensures a consistent, ice cream-like texture for your nice cream base.
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Add Your Flavor: Now, add the specific ingredients for your desired milkshake flavor (vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry) along with the specified amount of milk. Blend again until the mixture is perfectly smooth and all ingredients are well combined.
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Serve and Enjoy: Pour your freshly blended nice cream milkshake into a chilled glass. If you’re feeling fancy, top it with a swirl of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately and savor every healthy, delicious sip!
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
