Easy Homemade Ice Cream Recipes: Bananas and Beyond

Creating a delicious and digestible homemade ice cream doesn't have to be complicated. Let's explore some simple and delightful recipes that can cater to your taste buds without weighing you down.

Simple Banana Ice Cream

If you're a fan of bananas, this is your perfect recipe. It's a breeze to make and leaves you with a fresh and creamy dessert option that's not too heavy.

Take two or more ripe bananas and peel them. Cut the bananas into slices about 1 inch thick. Place them in a Ziploc bag. Freeze the banana slices for a day or two. Once frozen, put the banana slices in a food processor and whiz them for about 5 minutes. Watch how the consistency changes; it will end up completely velvety and smooth. You might need to add a few drops of water.

Voilà! Fresh banana ice cream. This is one of the easiest desserts you could ever make. Serve it with pomegranate syrup, berries, or whipped cream for a touch of extra flavor.

Strawberry Ice Cream

If you prefer strawberries, this recipe is a delightful way to enjoy them in a creamy form.

Blend a punnet of strawberries with sugar and a little lemon juice. Add whipped double cream to the mixture and process it in an ice cream maker.

Brown Bread Ice Cream

While the idea of brown bread ice cream might sound strange at first, the results are surprisingly delicious and light. This recipe is a great alternative for those who want a unique and creamy dessert.

Ingredients

75g brown breadcrumbs (ideally from a wholemeal bloom 60g brown sugar 3 large eggs 1 tbsp whiskey 270ml double cream 75g icing sugar

Steps

Mix the breadcrumbs and brown sugar together. Spread the mixture evenly out on a baking tray. Preheat the grill and grill the breadcrumb mixture for 8 minutes or until dark and caramelised. Set aside to cool. Once cool, break the caramelised breadcrumbs into small bite-sized pieces. Whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks with the whiskey and fold this mixture into the whipped egg whites. In a separate bowl, whisk the cream and icing sugar together until fluffy. Using a metal spoon, fold the whisked cream and caramelised breadcrumbs into the egg mixture carefully to avoid knocking the air out of the whipped eggs. Transfer the mixture into a freezer-proof container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.

You can swap the brown bread for ginger cake or change the whiskey to Amaretto for a different flavor profile. Remember, you need to use a 37.5 or stronger alcohol to prevent the ice cream from setting solid and ensure there are no ice crystals. This recipe will also be loved by kids as the alcohol content is diluted by the other ingredients.

Conclusion

Ice cream is not just for fancy restaurants; it's a simple and fun dessert that you can make at home. Whether you prefer the simplicity of banana ice cream or the unique taste of brown bread ice cream, there's a recipe here for everyone. Give these recipes a try and enjoy a delicious and refreshing treat on a hot day or a cozy night in.