Strawberry Banana Frozen Treat-Sugar Free

You scream, I scream, we all scream “Woo-Hoo” for ice cream! But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s really look at this beautiful recipe and see it is an actual healthier version of ice cream that does not compromise any flavor; just enhances natural flavors of fresh strawberries, milk and bananas for a cool and refreshing summer treat. This is not really an “ice cream” but a frozen treat.

Strawberries are in abundance now and bananas are available year round. These two fruits make a beautiful marriage of flavor. Add in some smooth milk and sweet vanilla, and you have a healthy “ice cream” treat that is not only fun for you to make with children but also fun to eat! Low in calories and low in sugar, only natural sugars, this is also full of nutrients like potassium, Vitamin C, and calcium.

Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and K as well as providing a good dose of fiber, folic acid (needed by pregnant women), manganese (essential for bone health)and potassium (aids with muscle cramps). They also contain significant amounts of phytonutrients and flavanoids which makes strawberries bright red. Strawberries contain high levels of antioxidants known as polyphenols (fight off the bad stuff), they are fat-free, cholesterol free and sodium free. And did I say delicious!

This recipe is remarkably easy to make. You first peel and slice your bananas.

Then you place them in a freezer proof container and place in the freezer for about an hour. Then you remove them and place them in a food processor and process until smooth.

Then, add in the vanilla and your choice of milk. I used 2% milk, but you may use whole, coconut or almond depending on your dietary choice. Then add in 1 cup of the chopped strawberries and blend until smooth.

Add in the remaining strawberries and pulse for a few seconds to incorporate. This will give you the nice strawberry chunks in your treat that are a sweet surprise! Place in a freezer proof container, cover and freeze until solid like ice cream.

I just let it set overnight. When ready to eat, take out and place on the counter for about half an hour to soften a bit.

See all of those strawberry pieces? Yum! When ready, scoop and enjoy!

So, next time you or your little ones are craving a cool and refreshing treat, try this recipe, it is a definite “ice cream” pleaser! But as always, Enjoy!

To make this recipe vegan and dairy free substitute the regular milk with almond milk

Strawberry Banana Frozen Treat

Ingredients: Makes a bit over a pint

2 bananas, sliced and frozen
11/8 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk (to make a vegan version, substitute with either almond or coconut milk)
2 cups strawberries, chopped & divided

Directions:

1. Peel and chop the bananas, freeze for about an hour in a covered freezer proof container
2. Add bananas to food processor and blend until smooth.
3. Add in vanilla and milk and blend again.
4. Add in 1 cup strawberries and blend until smooth. Add in the additional chopped strawberries and mix through.

Transfer to a container and freeze overnight for an ice-cream-like texture!

Toppings To Add As You Please: