- Servings: 2
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Calories per Serving: 110 kcal
- Macros: Protein: 3g / Carbs: 24g / Fat: 1g / Fiber: 4g
The Ultimate Guilt-Free Summer Refreshment
When the sun is out, the craving for a cold, creamy scoop of strawberry ice cream is almost impossible to ignore. However, most store-bought pints are hidden sugar bombs that lead to energy crashes. Our version—famously known as “Nice Cream”—is a nutritional masterpiece. It uses a base of frozen fruit to create a texture so thick and velvety, you’ll swear it came from a professional creamery.
This recipe is a staple for weight loss and clean eating followers because it provides a massive “volume” experience. You can eat a large bowl of this vibrant, pink treat for fewer calories than a single scoop of premium dairy ice cream. By focusing on whole-food ingredients, we’ve created a macro-friendly dessert that provides a boost of Vitamin C and antioxidants without any artificial dyes or stabilizers.
Whether you need a quick afternoon cool-down or a late-night treat that won’t derail your progress, this 5-minute strawberry ice cream is the answer. It’s dairy-free, vegan-friendly, and requires no expensive ice cream maker—just a high-speed blender and a love for fresh, fruity flavors.
Look at the Recipe
- Sensory Appeal: A brilliant, soft-pink hue with a thick, “soft-serve” consistency.
- Flavor Highlight: Pure, concentrated strawberry sweetness with a hint of natural vanilla.
- Key Wellness Benefit: High in fiber and naturally fat-free, making it the perfect “volume eating” snack.
Ingredients Needed
- 2 cups Frozen strawberries (slightly thawed for 5 minutes)
- 1 Small frozen banana, sliced (this provides the “dairy-like” creaminess)
- ¼ cup Unsweetened almond milk (or coconut milk for a richer taste)
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- Optional: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor
How to Make Our 5-Minute Strawberry Ice Cream
Prep the Fruit: Place your frozen strawberries and frozen banana slices into a high-speed blender or food processor. Letting them sit on the counter for 5 minutes before blending helps achieve a smoother, creamier texture.
Add the Liquids: Pour in the unsweetened almond milk and vanilla extract. The liquid acts as a lubricant for the blades, but don’t add too much—the goal is a thick, scoopable consistency, not a smoothie!
Pulse and Process: Start by pulsing the blender to break down the large frozen chunks. Then, switch to high speed. Use a tamper or stop to scrape down the sides as needed. Blend for 60–90 seconds until the mixture is completely uniform and looks like soft-serve.
Serve or Firm Up: You can enjoy this immediately for a soft-serve texture. For a more traditional “scoopable” ice cream, transfer the mixture to a container and freeze for an additional 30–60 minutes.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
- Storing: This is best enjoyed fresh. If you store it in the freezer long-term, it will become very hard. If this happens, let it thaw on the counter for 15 minutes before scooping.
- Serving: Serve in a chilled bowl. Top with a few fresh strawberry slices, a sprinkle of granola, or a dash of cacao nibs for a healthy crunch.
- Pro-Tip: For a “protein boost,” stir in half a cup of non-fat Greek yogurt before the final blend.
Tips & FAQs
Can I make this without the banana? Yes. For a Keto-friendly version, swap the banana for 1/2 cup of frozen cauliflower rice and a few drops of liquid monk fruit sweetener. The cauliflower provides the bulk without the sugar or banana flavor.
Why is my ice cream too runny? This usually happens if too much liquid was added. Start with a very small amount of milk; you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
Does the type of strawberry matter? Frozen organic strawberries often have a deeper red color and more intense flavor than conventional ones, which will make your healthy ice cream look and taste even better.
