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Get ready to indulge in a delightful, guilt-free treat with Cherry Pecan “Nice” Cream! This creamy, delicious dessert is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the added guilt of traditional ice cream. 

The star of this recipe is frozen bananas, which blend into a smooth, creamy base that’s as good as soft serve. Did you know bananas are packed with potassium and fiber? This makes our “Nice” Cream not only tasty but also nutritious.

This recipe is incredibly easy and quick to make, so you can enjoy it in just 10 minutes. Plus, it’s versatile—use your favorite milk or dairy-free alternative to suit your taste. The addition of dark cherries and crunchy pecans takes the flavor to a whole new level, offering a perfect balance of sweet and nutty. 

If you’re looking for a quick dessert or a healthier alternative to ice cream, Cherry Pecan “Nice” Cream is a fantastic choice. Try it today and experience a burst of flavor and creamy goodness in every bite!

What is Cherry Pecan “Nice” Cream?

This creamy, sweet treat can be enjoyed immediately or frozen for a firmer texture. Pair it with fresh berries, granola, dark chocolate chips, coconut flakes, and a drizzle of nut butter, or serve it on homemade waffles or pancakes for an indulgent and nutritious dessert experience.

Cherry Pecan “Nice” Cream Ingredients

Welcome to a delightful, healthy dessert recipe that you can whip up in just 10 minutes! This recipe yields approximately 3 cups of “Nice” Cream. Let’s take a closer look at each ingredient and what it brings to this tasty treat.

  • Frozen Bananas – The base of our “Nice” Cream, frozen bananas blend into a creamy, ice cream-like texture. 
  • Honey – Used to add a touch of natural sweetness, honey complements the bananas and cherries while providing antibacterial properties and antioxidants.
  • Real Vanilla Extract – This adds a rich, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dessert, making it more complex and enjoyable.
  • Salt – Just a pinch helps to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
  • Whole Milk – Provides a smooth, creamy texture to the “Nice” Cream. You can substitute with almond milk, soy milk, or any other milk alternative to suit your dietary preferences.
  • Frozen Dark Cherries – These add a burst of fruity flavor and a touch of tartness, along with antioxidants and vitamins.
  • Pecans – Chopped pecans add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor, along with healthy fats and protein.
  • Additional Chopped Pecans (for garnish) – Optional, but highly recommended for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

How to Make Cherry Pecan “Nice” Cream?

Get ready to enjoy a delicious and healthy treat with our Cherry Pecan “Nice” Cream! Follow these simple steps. 

  1. Start by slicing 4 large ripe bananas and freezing them ahead of time. Briefly rinse 1 cup of frozen dark cherries under warm water and chop them into smaller pieces. Chop ½ cup of pecans as well.
  2. Place the frozen banana slices into a high-powered blender. Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey, 1 teaspoon of real vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Pour in ½ cup of whole milk.
  3. Blend the mixture on high until it becomes smooth and creamy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add additional milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.
  4. Pour the banana mixture into a large bowl. Gently fold in the chopped cherries and pecans until they are evenly distributed.
  5. Spoon the “Nice” Cream into individual serving bowls. Top with additional chopped pecans for garnish. Serve immediately if you prefer a soft serve texture. If you want a firmer texture, place the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze until it reaches the desired consistency.

Tips For Making This Recipe

Try these helpful tips to make your Cherry Pecan “Nice” Cream more delicious.

  • Use Ripe Bananas: For the best flavor and natural sweetness, make sure to use ripe bananas. They blend more smoothly and add the right amount of sweetness to the “Nice” Cream.
  • Pre-Freeze Bananas: Slice and freeze your bananas in advance. This saves time and ensures they are thoroughly frozen, which is key to achieving the creamy texture.
  • Adjust Consistency: If the mixture is too thick to blend, add milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. This prevents the mixture from becoming too runny.
  • High-Powered Blender: Use a high-powered blender to ensure the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If you don’t have one, you can use a food processor, but it might take a bit longer.
  • Chill for Firmer Texture: If you prefer a firmer “Nice” Cream, place the mixture in a freezer-safe container and freeze it for a while. Stir it occasionally to maintain a smooth texture.
Pecan Ice Cream in a bowl top view

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between nice cream and ice cream?

The main difference between nice cream and ice cream lies in their ingredients and preparation method. Nice cream is typically made from frozen bananas blended with other fruits or flavorings, resulting in a creamy, dairy-free dessert. It is lighter in texture and lower in calories compared to traditional ice cream. 

On the other hand, ice cream is made from cream, milk, sugar, and often egg yolks, which are churned together and then frozen to create a rich, creamy texture. Ice cream tends to be higher in fat and calories due to the dairy content. Additionally, nice cream can be made quickly without the need for an ice cream maker, making it a convenient and healthier alternative to traditional ice cream.

What blender is best for nice cream?

The best blender for making nice cream is a high-powered blender with strong blades and a robust motor. Models like Vitamix, Blendtec, and Ninja are popular choices due to their ability to thoroughly blend frozen fruits, creating a smooth and creamy texture without leaving behind any chunks.

Look for a blender with at least 1000 watts of power and sturdy construction to handle the frozen ingredients with ease. Additionally, blenders with variable speed settings and a tamper tool can be advantageous for achieving the perfect consistency.

How to make nice cream thicker?

To make nice cream thicker, start by using ripe bananas with brown spots on the peel, as they contain more natural sugars for added creaminess. Use less liquid, such as milk or cream, during blending, and opt for frozen fruits to achieve a thicker consistency. 

Blend the ingredients in stages, allowing the frozen fruits to break down gradually, and invest in a high-powered blender for optimal results. Additionally, consider incorporating thickeners like Greek yogurt, coconut cream, or nut butter to enhance thickness and flavor. 

This Cherry Pecan “Nice” Cream recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, all while being simple to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re craving a healthier dessert option or simply looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, this creamy treat is sure to hit the spot. 

So why not give it a try? Whip up a batch, savor each spoonful, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences. Rate the recipe, share it with friends and family, and spread the joy of guilt-free indulgence. Enjoy!

Yield: 3

Cherry Pecan “Nice” Cream

Pecan Ice Cream top view

Once you see how quick, easy, and delicious this tasty treat is, you’ll want to keep a steady supply of frozen, sliced bananas in your freezer.

From start to finish, this recipe can be ready to serve within 10 minutes with a consistency similar to soft-serve ice cream. However, if you prefer a firmer texture, pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and place it in the freezer until it reaches the desired consistency.

Whole milk was used to create this recipe. However, you can use your choice of milk, cream, or non-dairy alternatives, such as almond milk, instead. (Plant-based alternatives will affect the flavor, however). For richer results, add a splash of heavy cream while blending.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 large ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
  • 1-2 T. honey
  • 1 t. real vanilla extract
  • ¼ t. salt
  • ½ c. whole milk (see notes above)
  • 1 c. frozen dark cherries, rinsed briefly under warm water and chopped
  • ½ c. pecans, chopped
  • Additional chopped pecans, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place the frozen bananas, honey, vanilla extract, and salt into a high-powered blender. Add milk and blend on high until smooth, approximately 2-3 minutes.

    Note: If more liquid is necessary, add additional milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, while blending until smooth.
  2. Pour the mixture into a large bowl and fold in the chopped cherries and pecans. Spoon into individual serving bowls and serve immediately topped with some chopped pecans (or place in the freezer until firm). Enjoy!

Notes

For best results, use frozen cherries for this recipe.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

3

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 634Total Fat: 41gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 34gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 217mgCarbohydrates: 70gFiber: 11gSugar: 44gProtein: 9g

These nutritional calculations might not be accurate. Please speak with a licensed nutritionist to assist you.

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