I've said it before and I'll say it again. 

I'm obsessed with banana ice cream.

It's just so darn easy and so darn refreshing after a meal.

After stepping away from dairy a few years back, banana ice cream has made the transition smooth and delicious. I honestly crave this instead of the dairy and sugar-laden ice cream, I kid you not. 

This recipe is my go-to banana ice cream that I make multiple times a week after dinner. From this base, I may add almond butter, peanut butter, cacao powder, chopped dates, avocado... whatever I feel like adding at the moment! But, for the most part, I keep it plain and simple.

My tip for having banana ice cream at any given moment is to keep frozen bananas in your freezer at all times. I have a banana buying problem so I inevitably have a few over-ripe ones on my counter on a daily basis.  So, I just peel, chop and place them in a gallon freezer bag. That way, I can just toss some chunks in a blender with non-dairy milk and I have ice cream in no time!

Easy Banana Ice Cream

(makes 4-5 servings)

• 4-5 bananas, peeled chopped and frozen

• 1 13.5 or 14 oz can organic coconut milk (light or full-fat)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional

• Toppings: melted dark chocolate, nuts, shredded coconut, cinnamon, fresh fruit or cacao nibs

Directions: 

1. In a high speed blender, blend bananas, coconut milk and vanilla until very smooth. Add a splash of water if it seems too thick. (This is a flexible recipe, add more/less milk and more/less bananas depending on how much you want to make!)

2. Eat right away or freeze until scoop-able. If you eat right after blending, it will be more like soft serve. The longer you freeze the ice cream, the thicker it will be. So, it just depends on your patience and your preference.

3. Freeze leftover ice cream in an airtight container. Just thaw on the counter before enjoying. If you want the ice cream to be smooth again, you can give it a whirl in the blender with a splash of nondairy milk once it's partially thawed and it will become a soft serve consistency.

4. Add toppings such as melted dark chocolate, if desired.

If you are wondering what to have for dessert tonight... give this a try! 

The banana ice cream in the photographs is topped with melted dark chocolate and extra chopped chocolate, to give the healthy ice cream a decadent kick. This will also please the otherwise skeptical family member who will eat it (and enjoy it) without questioning your new banana ice cream obsession... ;)