The Best Non-Ice Cream Frozen Treat? Try Frozen Peeled Ripe Bananas!

When the temperature rises and you’re in need of a refreshing treat, ice cream might be the first thing that comes to mind. 

But what if you’re looking for something healthier, dairy-free, or naturally sweet with no added sugar? 

Enter the humble frozen ripe banana, the ultimate non-ice cream frozen treat you never knew you needed!

Why Frozen Bananas Are a Game-Changer

Bananas are naturally sweet, creamy when blended, and packed with nutrients like potassium, fibre, and vitamin B6. Freezing them takes their texture and versatility to a whole new level. And best of all? They're incredibly easy to prepare.

Here’s why frozen bananas are so brilliant:

1. Naturally Sweet and Creamy

Once ripe bananas are peeled and frozen, they develop a smooth, ice cream-like texture when eaten slightly thawed or blended. No need for added sugar or dairy, the sweetness and creaminess are built right in.

2. Perfect for Smoothies

Toss a frozen banana into your blender and you instantly get a thick, creamy smoothie base. Pair with berries, spinach, nut butter or cocoa powder for a nutritious breakfast or midday pick-me-up.

3. An Instant Snack

No prep needed. Just grab a frozen banana from the freezer, let it sit for a couple of minutes to soften slightly, and enjoy as a quick and satisfying frozen snack. For extra indulgence, dip them in dark chocolate and refreeze.

4. A Brilliant Ice Cream Alternative

When blended on its own or with a splash of oat or almond milk, frozen banana becomes a silky, scoopable treat known as “nice cream.” Add cocoa powder, cinnamon, peanut butter, or vanilla for a variety of flavours. It’s a guilt-free dessert that feels like a cheat.

5. Eco-Friendly and Budget-Smart

Got overripe bananas sitting in the fruit bowl? Don’t bin them! Peel them and freeze them instead. It’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste while stocking your freezer with something useful and delicious.

How to Freeze Bananas Like a Pro

Choose ripe bananas – the riper, the sweeter.

Peel them – never freeze with the skin on.

Slice into chunks or freeze whole, depending on how you’ll use them.

Lay out on a baking tray to freeze individually for a few hours before transferring to a container or freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together.

Fun Ways to Enjoy Frozen Bananas

Chocolate-dipped banana pops: Dip in melted chocolate, sprinkle with crushed nuts or coconut, and refreeze.

Tropical smoothie: Blend with pineapple, mango, and coconut milk.

Banana bites: Sandwich peanut butter between banana slices and freeze.

Healthy milkshake: Blend with cocoa powder, oat milk, and a touch of vanilla.

Frozen peeled ripe bananas are not just a handy ingredient, they’re a full-on frozen treat in their own right. Whether you're after a simple snack, a smoothie booster, or a healthy dessert alternative, frozen bananas tick all the boxes. Affordable, healthy, and versatile, they’re quite possibly the best non-ice cream frozen treat out there.

Why not keep a stash in your freezer and give them a try?