5-Ingredient Tahini Banana Ice Cream (No Churn!)
If you’ve never blended ripe bananas into a soft-serve style dessert, you’re about to discover a healthy, dairy-free magic trick. The addition of tahini, that rich, nutty sesame paste, elevates this ice cream from simple snack to gourmet delight. It’s sophisticated yet accessible, vegan yet indulgent, and you only need 5 pantry ingredients. No ice cream machine required.
Equipment
- High-speed blender or food processor
- Spatula
- Airtight container (for freezing)
- Ice cream scoop (optional but fun)
- Parchment paper (if pre-portioning into scoops)
- A high powered blender (like a Vitamix or Ninja) or food processor is your best friend here. You want something strong enough to handle frozen bananas without burning out the motor.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Base (Yields ~4 Servings)
- 4 large ripe bananas sliced and frozen
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or to taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
Instructions
Prep Bananas:
- Peel and slice ripe bananas into ½-inch rounds. Lay them flat on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Blend Base:
- Add frozen banana slices, tahini, maple syrup, vanilla, and sea salt to a high-powered blender or food processor.
Pulse Then Blend:
- Begin pulsing to break up the bananas, then blend on high. You may need to scrape down the sides or use the tamper tool. If needed, add 1–2 tablespoons of non-dairy milk for smoother blending.
Taste Test:
- Once creamy, taste and adjust sweetness or tahini as desired.
Serve Soft or Freeze:
- For soft-serve, enjoy immediately. For a firmer texture, transfer to a container and freeze for 30–45 minutes.
Scoop & Garnish:
- Serve with sesame seeds, crushed pistachios, a drizzle of tahini or chocolate, or fresh berries.
Notes
FAQs
- Can I make this without a blender?
A food processor works just as well. Without either, it’s tough, frozen bananas need powerful blades. - Can I use fresh bananas?
No, it won’t have the same texture. The frozen banana is key to the creamy, ice-cream-like result. - Does tahini taste bitter?
A little, yes but in this recipe, it’s mellowed by the banana and maple syrup. For milder flavor, choose light tahini.
- Sprinkle with hemp seeds, shredded coconut, or dark chocolate chips.
- Layer into a banana split with coconut whipped cream and strawberries.
- Swirl with date caramel or homemade berry compote for a sundae style finish.
Nutrition
Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 6gFiber: 4gSugar: 18g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
