GF/DF/SF/EF banana-coconut 'ice cream' pops
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GF/DF/SF/EF banana-coconut 'ice cream' pops
Wow, this was easy:
Two ripe bananas (ours were going over to the dark side if we didn't eat 'em soon)
Enough coconut milk to blend, and a splash more (So Delicious unsweetened flavor).
Shredded coconut (optional)
Blend... then freeze! We froze it overnight in an ice-pop form I found in the impulse-purchase area of a local store that's full of such clever things. The individual ice pops are pretty small, which was about right; this is rich. Similar items are available from Tupperware, and lots of online retailers (Amazon has dozens). You could also freeze it in an ice cream maker, or in any Tupperware container you happen to have. It would be delicious scooped into bowls, too.
Because our bananas were so ripe, this was plenty sweet. If your household's sweet tooth is dialed up to max, you could either use a sweetened flavor of coconut milk, or add a date or two (or, of course, any sweetener you use).
As far as quantities - once blended, the consistency was pretty thick, like batter. I believe no harm would be done if it were a little thinner. I think I'll do it without the shredded coconut next time, so there's nothing to distract from the creaminess. (Or you could de-mold them and sprinkle the shredded coconut on top!)
Two ripe bananas (ours were going over to the dark side if we didn't eat 'em soon)
Enough coconut milk to blend, and a splash more (So Delicious unsweetened flavor).
Shredded coconut (optional)
Blend... then freeze! We froze it overnight in an ice-pop form I found in the impulse-purchase area of a local store that's full of such clever things. The individual ice pops are pretty small, which was about right; this is rich. Similar items are available from Tupperware, and lots of online retailers (Amazon has dozens). You could also freeze it in an ice cream maker, or in any Tupperware container you happen to have. It would be delicious scooped into bowls, too.
Because our bananas were so ripe, this was plenty sweet. If your household's sweet tooth is dialed up to max, you could either use a sweetened flavor of coconut milk, or add a date or two (or, of course, any sweetener you use).
As far as quantities - once blended, the consistency was pretty thick, like batter. I believe no harm would be done if it were a little thinner. I think I'll do it without the shredded coconut next time, so there's nothing to distract from the creaminess. (Or you could de-mold them and sprinkle the shredded coconut on top!)
Mary Beth - I had read about the creaminess, but it's even more amazing than I'd expected! I'm normally all about liking food as it is, and not missing what it isn't, but I must say, creamy frozen treat is pretty exciting for us DF folks ;)
Garina,
If you can't find a good/safe coconut milk, I think you can honestly make this with just bananas (and maybe a little water to make the blending easier). They're really the star of the show.
Garina,
If you can't find a good/safe coconut milk, I think you can honestly make this with just bananas (and maybe a little water to make the blending easier). They're really the star of the show.
Sara,
I finely got around to trying this today. I had 5 bananas that were getting too ripe so I took one and put it in the food processor till blended and added 1+ tsp of cocoa and 1 heaping spoonful of peanut butter. Blended all that and put it in a container in the freezer. I was too eager to try it so I only waited about an hour and even tho it wasn't fully frozen it was so good! Creamy, thick and rich! I took the remaining bananas, a little dark chocolate almond milk, cocoa and peanut butter and blended it and put it in containers in the freezer. I am so excited that I'll be able to have something when DH and DD have their ice cream. Thanks for sharing this wonderful idea for a treat!
Katie
I finely got around to trying this today. I had 5 bananas that were getting too ripe so I took one and put it in the food processor till blended and added 1+ tsp of cocoa and 1 heaping spoonful of peanut butter. Blended all that and put it in a container in the freezer. I was too eager to try it so I only waited about an hour and even tho it wasn't fully frozen it was so good! Creamy, thick and rich! I took the remaining bananas, a little dark chocolate almond milk, cocoa and peanut butter and blended it and put it in containers in the freezer. I am so excited that I'll be able to have something when DH and DD have their ice cream. Thanks for sharing this wonderful idea for a treat!
Katie
Katie,
What great ideas/innovations you've already tried! I was amazed at how easy it was to make a successful substitute for ice cream. My husband commented this evening that all of the coconut-milk based products we've tried seem to hold up in our freezer better than dairy versions.
You can throw overripe bananas in the freezer, and figure out what to do with them later. If you plan to use them pretty soon, you don't have to peel/wrap them, but if you think they might be in 'cold storage' for a while, you'll want to peel, wrap/bag, and label with a date.
I think I'll add almond butter next time I try this.
It's so encouraging to have a smash success with a recipe that works for health as well as tastebuds. Thanks right back at ya for sharing your adaptations
Sara
What great ideas/innovations you've already tried! I was amazed at how easy it was to make a successful substitute for ice cream. My husband commented this evening that all of the coconut-milk based products we've tried seem to hold up in our freezer better than dairy versions.
You can throw overripe bananas in the freezer, and figure out what to do with them later. If you plan to use them pretty soon, you don't have to peel/wrap them, but if you think they might be in 'cold storage' for a while, you'll want to peel, wrap/bag, and label with a date.
I think I'll add almond butter next time I try this.
It's so encouraging to have a smash success with a recipe that works for health as well as tastebuds. Thanks right back at ya for sharing your adaptations
Sara