When I say summer, what is the first word that comes to mind?

If you said ‘ice cream’ I won’t blame you. I am sure it was among your top 5 thoughts. Don’t worry, it is on my brain too.

But when you are on the path towards a lifestyle of good health and whole foods, there is not much room for ice cream… or so you may have thought.

But you are mistaken! There is always room for ice cream (even for breakfast).

When you are craving ice cream, but also care about your health, all I can say is – thank god for banana ice cream!!! It’s a total life-saver!

Banana ice cream is raw, vegan, healthy and delicious! You can eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner… and of course as a snack or as a dessert!

Banana ice cream is super easy to make too! Peel and freeze your ripe bananas (best if you freeze them sliced) and when you are ready to make ice cream, just blend them.

Seriously, it’s that easy and I’ve got 15 recipes below for you to try right now! You won’t be sorry!

Regular Banana Ice Cream:

• 2 bananas

Vanilla Ice Cream:

• 2 bananas
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate Ice Cream:

• 2 bananas
• 1 – 3 tbsp of cacao powder (depending on your preference)
• Optional: 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate Chip Ice Cream:

• 2 bananas
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• Add after blending: cacao nibs or raw chocolate chips/chunks as desired

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream:

• 2 bananas
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• Add after blending: cacao nibs or raw chocolate chips/chunks as desired
• Add after blending:  simply blend some dates, nuts (e.g. walnuts or cashews) and vanilla extract, or for a low-fat raw version, just add date bites or blend some dates, figs and raisins together

Brownie Ice Cream:

• 2 bananas
• 1/4 tsp of vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp of cacao powder (or carob)
• Add after blending: raw vegan brownie bites – or for low-fat raw vegan, blend some dates with cacao powder or carob powder

Sweet Cream Ice Cream:

• 2 bananas
• 1/4 tsp of vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp of raw honey OR 2 tbsp of maple syrup OR 2 tbsp of agave syrup (depending on if you eat honey and based on your views on agave)

Coconut Ice Cream:

• 2 bananas
• 4 tbsp of shredded coconut (or more)
• Optional: 1 tbsp of coconut butter or coconut milk

Nut Butter Ice Cream:

• 2 bananas
• 3 tbsp of nut butter of your choice (peanut butter, almond butter, walnut butter, mix of nut butters)

Chocolate Nut Butter Ice Cream:

• 2 bananas
• 3 tbsp of nut butter of your choice (peanut butter, almond butter, walnut butter, mix of nut butters)
• 2 tbsp of cacao powder

Butter Pecan Ice Cream:

• 2 bananas
• 1 tbsp of maple syrup or agave syrup
• Add after blending: pecans

Cinnamon Ice Cream:

• 2 bananas
• 1 tsp of cinnamon

Strawberry Ice Cream:

• 2 bananas
• 1/3 cup of frozen strawberries

Raspberry Ice Cream:

• 2 bananas
• 1/3 cup of frozen raspberries

Note that banana ice cream should be eaten right away. It doesn’t freeze / keep well.