Vegan Banana Maca Nice Cream

If you’ve never tried home-made “ice cream” made purely from frozen banana, you won’t believe how good it is. And the malty flavor of maca root powder is a perfect add-in for this kind of treat. Vegan banana maca ice cream, or “nice cream” is yours to enjoy with just a few ingredients, plus some optional add-ins you can vary each time.

With a distinct flavor described alternatively as malty, caramel-like, and tasting of  butterscotch, maca root powder is a great add-in to sweet treats like this banana-based vegan nice cream.

For this recipe, you don’t need an ice cream machine, but you do need a food processor. It won’t work nearly as well in a blender. 

Can you make this recipe without maca? Sure, it will still be really good, if not as distinctive.

What is maca root? 

Maca is a root vegetable (alternatively referred to as a tuber) that’s a distant cousin of the radish family. A member of the species Lepidium meyenii, it has been grown in the mountains of Peru and Bolivia for millennia. Learn more about maca’s fascinating history.

Maca’s benefits have long been valued by indigenous cultures in its countries of origin. More recently, its use as a superfood has spread worldwide. Please be aware that other than the verifiable vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and multitude of other nutrients contained in maca, other reported benefits are largely anecdotal. 

Where to buy maca root powder

Look for maca root powder at your local natural foods store. If they don’t carry it, ask if they’ll special order if for you. Of course, you can also shop online; simply search for “where to buy maca root powder.”

Maca can also be purchased directly from distributors like The Maca Team. It’s best to choose Fair Trade, which helps to ensure that those harvesting and processing it are paid living wages and work under fair labor practices. Learn lots more in our Guide to Maca.

Ingredients for vegan banana maca nice cream

• Very ripe bananas (2 medium or large)
• Plant-based milk, such as oat, almond, cashew, etc. (you’ll need very little)
• Maca root powder (yellow or blond; you’ll need 2 teaspoons to 2 tablespoons)
• Vanilla extract

Optional add-ons for serving (choose any)

• Fresh fruit (berries of any kind, more banana)
• Chocolate chips or cacao nibs
• Chopped nuts
• Granola
• Grated coconut
• Mint leaves

Variations for this nice cream recipe

• Chocolate: Add 3 to 4 tablespoons organic chocolate syrup to make this ice cream chocolate-flavored, or 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder plus a little extra sweetening like a tablespoon or so of maple syrup, or a few drops of liquid stevia, if needed.
• Berry: Rather than serving berries on top, add the berries (frozen, preferably) before processing. About a half cup of strawberries or blueberries, or half of each, is about right.

Tip: Let it melt a little, and it becomes a smoothie bowl!

Explore more …

• 5 Easy Smoothies Made with Maca Root Powder
• 10 Easy Ways to Use Maca Root Powder in Food and Beverages
• Vegan Banana Ice Cream with Peanut Butter and a Hint of Chocolate

Continue to Content

Yield: 2 to 3

Vegan Banana Maca Nice Cream

Print

If you’ve never tried home-made “ice cream” made purely from frozen banana, you won’t believe how good it is. And the malty flavor of maca root powder is a perfect add-in for this kind of treat. 

Prep Time 15 minutes

Additional Time 12 hours

Total Time 12 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 medium or large very ripe bananas, peeled
• 2 tablespoons plant-based milk (oat, cashew, almond, etc.)
• 2 teaspoons to 2 tablespoons yellow (blond) maca root powder, to taste
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
! For serving, optional (use any that you’d like):
• Fresh fruit (berries are great, as is more banana, sliced)
• Chocolate chips or cacao nibs
• Chopped nuts
• Granola
• Grated coconut
• Mint leaves

Instructions

1. Cut the bananas into approximately ½-inch slices. Place in an airtight container and freeze for several hours, until frozen solid, preferably overnight.
2. In a food processor, combine the frozen bananas with the plant-based milk, maca, and optional vanilla.
3. Process until the bananas are broken down to bits, then stop the machine to scrape down. Process again until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, adding a bit more of the plant-based milk if needed.
4. Scrape the banana mixture back into a container and refreeze for at least a couple of hours, or until firm to the touch.
5. Scoop into individual bowls and serve with any of the options listed. Make sure to see the variations, below, and feel free to play with some of your own variations as well.

Notes

Variations 

Chocolate: Add 3 to 4 tablespoons organic chocolate syrup to make this ice cream chocolate-flavored, or 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder plus a little extra sweetening like a tablespoon or so of maple syrup, or a few drops of liquid stevia, if needed.

Berry: Rather than serving berries on top, add the berries (frozen, preferably) before processing. About a half cup of strawberries or blueberries, or half of each, is about right.

Tip: Let it melt a little, and it becomes a smoothie bowl.

See more delectable vegan desserts and sweets.