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As the sun dips below the horizon on a warm summer evening, there’s nothing quite like curling up under a blanket with a bowl of homemade ice cream, a great movie, and the company of friends and family. Forget the commercial ice creams packed with additives and artificial flavors; it's time to indulge in something truly special.

These 10 easy, healthy ice cream recipes are made with love and natural ingredients, perfect for savoring on a cozy night in or sharing with loved ones. Whether you're lounging on the couch or enjoying a sunset on your porch, these homemade treats will add a touch of sweetness to your summer evenings. 

Enjoy these delicious, healthy ice cream flavors, without refined sugars! They perfectly fit a healthy lifestyle, so you can indulge without any guilt!

How Much Ice Cream You Can Make with These Recipes

Why Using an Ice Cream Maker is Recommended

(But You Can Make It Without One!)

While these recipes are designed with an ice cream maker in mind for the best texture and consistency, you can still enjoy delicious homemade ice cream without one. Here’s why an ice cream maker is recommended and how you can make the recipes without one if needed:

Why an Ice Cream Maker is Recommended:

1. Creamier Texture: An ice cream maker churns the mixture while it freezes, incorporating air into the ice cream to create a light and creamy texture. This process helps prevent large ice crystals from forming, resulting in smoother and more enjoyable ice cream.

2. Consistent Results: Using an ice cream maker ensures a consistent texture throughout the batch. It allows you to precisely control the freezing process, which can be challenging to achieve manually.

3. Quicker Preparation: An ice cream maker can churn your mixture into ice cream in 15 to 30 minutes, significantly faster than manual methods. This means you get to enjoy your homemade ice cream sooner!

Making Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker:

If you don’t have an ice cream maker, don’t worry—you can still enjoy these delicious recipes by making them in the following ways:

1. Blender or Food Processor Method:

• Prepare the mixture as instructed and blend until smooth and creamy.
• Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and place it in the freezer.
• Stir the mixture every 30 minutes with a fork to break up ice crystals and ensure a smoother texture. Continue this process until the ice cream is firm and has the desired consistency. This usually takes about 2 to 3 hours.

2. No-Churn Method:

• Prepare the mixture and blend until smooth.
• Pour the mixture into a shallow freezer-safe dish to allow for quicker freezing and easier stirring.
• Place it in the freezer, and after 45 minutes, stir vigorously with a fork to prevent ice crystals from forming. Repeat this stirring every 30 minutes until the ice cream is fully frozen and has a creamy texture.

3. Frozen Banana Method:

• For a quicker no-churn option, simply blend frozen banana slices with your flavorings (like cocoa powder). The natural creaminess of the bananas makes a delicious base for a quick frozen treat.
• Freeze the blended mixture for a short time and enjoy it as soft-serve or allow it to freeze more solidly for a firmer texture.

While an ice cream maker provides the best results, these alternative methods can still produce tasty and satisfying homemade ice creams. Experiment with these techniques and enjoy your healthy, homemade treats regardless of the equipment you have on hand! Try the following 10 healthy recipes yourself!

10 Healthy and Delicious Ice Cream Recipes 

1. Healthy Chocolate Banana Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 4 frozen bananas (sliced)
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
• Optional: 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness
• Optional: a pinch of sea salt for added flavor

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bananas: Slice the bananas and freeze them for at least 2 hours until they are completely frozen.

2. Blend the Ingredients: Place the frozen bananas in a high-powered blender or food processor. Add the cocoa powder and almond milk. Blend until smooth and creamy. This may take some time, so stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the blender.

3. Add Optional Ingredients: Taste the mixture and add honey or maple syrup if you prefer extra sweetness. A pinch of sea salt can also enhance the flavors. Blend briefly to incorporate these ingredients.

4. Prepare the Ice Cream Maker: Ensure that the bowl of your ice cream maker is thoroughly frozen (follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper preparation). Turn on the ice cream maker and pour the banana mixture into the bowl.

5. Churn: Let the ice cream maker run until the mixture reaches a soft-serve texture. This typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on your ice cream maker.

6. Freeze the Ice Cream: For a firmer texture, scoop the ice cream out of the machine into a freezer-safe container and freeze for about 1 hour to firm up further.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to scoop. Serve in bowls or glasses and enjoy your homemade healthy chocolate banana ice cream!

2. Healthy Vanilla Greek Yogurt Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) coconut sugar

Instructions:

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and coconut sugar. Stir until all the ingredients are well blended and smooth.

2. Prepare the Ice Cream Maker: Ensure that the bowl of your ice cream maker is thoroughly frozen (follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper preparation). Turn on the ice cream maker and pour the yogurt mixture into the bowl.

3. Churn: Let the ice cream maker run until the mixture reaches a soft-serve texture. This typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on your ice cream maker.

4. Freeze the Ice Cream: For a firmer texture, scoop the ice cream out of the machine into a freezer-safe container and freeze for about 1 hour to firm up further.

5. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to scoop. Serve in bowls or glasses and enjoy your homemade vanilla ice cream!

3. Maple Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) almond milk
• 1/2 cup (125 grams) natural peanut butter
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
• Optional: a pinch of sea salt for added flavor

Instructions:

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the almond milk, peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt if using. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

2. Prepare the Ice Cream Maker: Ensure that the bowl of your ice cream maker is thoroughly frozen (follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper preparation). Turn on the ice cream maker and pour the peanut butter mixture into the bowl.

3. Churn: Let the ice cream maker run until the mixture reaches a soft-serve texture. This typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on your ice cream maker.

4. Freeze the Ice Cream: For a firmer texture, scoop the ice cream out of the machine into a freezer-safe container and freeze for about 1 hour to firm up further.

5. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to scoop. Serve in bowls or glasses and enjoy your homemade maple peanut butter ice cream!

4. Healthy Blueberry Frozen Yogurt

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) Greek yogurt
• 2 cups (300 grams) frozen blueberries
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey or maple syrup
• Optional: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) lemon juice for added freshness

Instructions:

1. Blend the Ingredients: In a high-powered blender or food processor, combine the Greek yogurt, frozen blueberries, honey or maple syrup, and lemon juice if using. Blend until smooth and creamy. This may take some time, so stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the blender.

2. Prepare the Ice Cream Maker: Ensure that the bowl of your ice cream maker is thoroughly frozen (follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper preparation). Turn on the ice cream maker and pour the blueberry yogurt mixture into the bowl.

3. Churn: Let the ice cream maker run until the mixture reaches a soft-serve texture. This typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on your ice cream maker.

4. Freeze the Frozen Yogurt: For a firmer texture, scoop the frozen yogurt out of the machine into a freezer-safe container and freeze for about 1 hour to firm up further.

5. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the frozen yogurt from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to scoop. Serve in bowls or glasses and enjoy your homemade healthy blueberry ice cream!

5. Healthy Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream with Cookie Dough

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) healthy cookie dough chunks (see below for a simple recipe)

For the Healthy Cookie Dough Chunks:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) almond flour
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) almond butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) maple syrup or honey
• 1/4 cup (40 grams) mini dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough Chunks:

   • In a bowl, mix the almond flour, almond butter, maple syrup (or honey), and mini dark chocolate chips until well combined.
   • Form small cookie dough chunks and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
   • Freeze the chunks for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

2. Mix the Ice Cream Base:

   • In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

3. Prepare the Ice Cream Maker:

   • Ensure that the bowl of your ice cream maker is thoroughly frozen (follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper preparation). Turn on the ice cream maker and pour the yogurt mixture into the bowl.

4. Churn:

   • Let the ice cream maker run until the mixture reaches a soft-serve texture. This typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on your ice cream maker.

5. Add Cookie Dough Chunks:

   • During the last 5 minutes of churning, add the frozen cookie dough chunks to the ice cream maker. This allows them to be evenly distributed throughout the ice cream.

6. Freeze the Ice Cream:

   • For a firmer texture, scoop the ice cream out of the machine into a freezer-safe container and freeze for about 1 hour to firm up further.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to scoop. Serve in bowls or glasses and enjoy your homemade healthy cookie dough ice cream!

6. Chocolate Chip Protein Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) protein powder (chocolate flavor or unflavored)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup (80 grams) dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Mix the Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, protein powder, and honey or maple syrup. Stir until smooth and well combined.

2. Prepare the Ice Cream Maker:

   • Ensure that the bowl of your ice cream maker is thoroughly frozen (follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper preparation). Turn on the ice cream maker and pour the yogurt mixture into the bowl.

3. Churn:

   • Let the ice cream maker run until the mixture reaches a soft-serve texture. This typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on your ice cream maker.

4. Add Chocolate Chips:

   • During the last 5 minutes of churning, add the dark chocolate chips to the ice cream maker. This allows them to be evenly distributed throughout the ice cream.

5. Freeze the Ice Cream:

   • For a firmer texture, scoop the ice cream out of the machine into a freezer-safe container and freeze for about 1 hour to firm up further.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to scoop. Serve in bowls or glasses and enjoy your homemade chocolate chip protein ice cream!

7. Caramel Banana Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 4 frozen bananas (sliced)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) almond milk
• 1/2 cup (80 grams) date caramel (see below for recipe)

For the Date Caramel:

• 1 cup (150 grams) pitted dates
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Date Caramel:

   • Place the pitted dates (dates that have had their pits or seeds removed) and water in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a bit more water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach a caramel-like consistency.
   • Transfer the date caramel to a container and set aside.

2. Prepare the Bananas:

   • Slice the bananas and freeze them for at least 2 hours until they are completely frozen.

3. Blend the Ingredients:

   • In a high-powered blender or food processor, combine the frozen bananas, almond milk, and date caramel. Blend until smooth and creamy. This may take some time, so stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the blender.

4. Prepare the Ice Cream Maker:

   • Ensure that the bowl of your ice cream maker is thoroughly frozen (follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper preparation). Turn on the ice cream maker and pour the banana mixture into the bowl.

5. Churn:

   • Let the ice cream maker run until the mixture reaches a soft-serve texture. This typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on your ice cream maker.

6. Freeze the Ice Cream:

   • For a firmer texture, scoop the ice cream out of the machine into a freezer-safe container and freeze for about 1 hour to firm up further.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to scoop. Serve in bowls or glasses and enjoy your homemade caramel banana ice cream!

8. Hazelnut Chocolate Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) almond milk
• 1/2 cup (125 grams) hazelnut butter
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey or maple syrup
• Optional: a pinch of sea salt for added flavor

Instructions:

1. Mix the Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, combine the almond milk, hazelnut butter, cocoa powder, honey or maple syrup, and sea salt if using. Whisk until smooth and well blended.

2. Prepare the Ice Cream Maker:

   • Ensure that the bowl of your ice cream maker is thoroughly frozen (follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper preparation). Turn on the ice cream maker and pour the mixture into the bowl.

3. Churn:

   • Let the ice cream maker run until the mixture reaches a soft-serve texture. This typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on your ice cream maker.

4. Freeze the Ice Cream:

   • For a firmer texture, scoop the ice cream out of the machine into a freezer-safe container and freeze for about 1 hour to firm up further.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to scoop. Serve in bowls or glasses and enjoy your homemade hazelnut chocolate ice cream!

9. Pistachio Date Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) almond milk
• 1/2 cup (70 grams) pureed pistachios (see below for method)
• 1/2 cup (80 grams) pureed dates (see below for method)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vanilla extract

For the Pureed Pistachios:

• 1/2 cup (70 grams) shelled pistachios
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) water

For the Pureed Dates:

• 1/2 cup (80 grams) pitted dates
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pistachio Puree:

   • Place the shelled pistachios and water in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. If needed, add more water a teaspoon at a time to achieve a smooth consistency. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Date Puree:

   • Place the pitted dates (dates that have had their pits or seeds removed)
   • and water in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a bit more water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach a creamy consistency. Set aside.

3. Mix the Ice Cream Base:

   • In a large bowl, combine the almond milk, pistachio puree, date puree, and vanilla extract. Stir until well blended and smooth.

4. Prepare the Ice Cream Maker:

   • Ensure that the bowl of your ice cream maker is thoroughly frozen (follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper preparation). Turn on the ice cream maker and pour the mixture into the bowl.

5. Churn:

   • Let the ice cream maker run until the mixture reaches a soft-serve texture. This typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on your ice cream maker.

6. Freeze the Ice Cream:

   • For a firmer texture, scoop the ice cream out of the machine into a freezer-safe container and freeze for about 1 hour to firm up further.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to scoop. Serve in bowls or glasses and enjoy your homemade pistachio date ice cream!

10. Honey Mango Tango Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) Greek yogurt
• 2 cups (300 grams) frozen mango chunks
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
• Optional: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lime juice for added freshness

Instructions:

1. Blend the Ingredients:

   • In a high-powered blender or food processor, combine the Greek yogurt, frozen mango chunks, honey, and lime juice if using. Blend until smooth and creamy. This may take some time, so stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the blender.

2. Prepare the Ice Cream Maker:

   • Ensure that the bowl of your ice cream maker is thoroughly frozen (follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper preparation). Turn on the ice cream maker and pour the mango yogurt mixture into the bowl.

3. Churn:

   • Let the ice cream maker run until the mixture reaches a soft-serve texture. This typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on your ice cream maker.

4. Freeze the Ice Cream:

   • For a firmer texture, scoop the ice cream out of the machine into a freezer-safe container and freeze for about 1 hour to firm up further.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to scoop. Serve in bowls or glasses and enjoy your homemade honey mango tango ice cream!

🛍️ Ice Cream Machine Recommendation

For the best homemade ice cream experience, consider using the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker. 

To ensure you achieve the best texture and consistency for these delightful recipes, I recommend using a reliable ice cream maker. This ice cream machine is highly rated for its ease of use and consistent results, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced home chefs. Its capacity allows you to make ample servings for family and friends. With this ice cream maker, you can effortlessly churn out creamy, smooth ice cream in just 30-40 minutes, ensuring that your homemade treats are always a hit. So, whether you're whipping up a batch of Healthy Chocolate Banana Ice Cream or indulging in some Honey Mango Tango Ice Cream, this ice cream maker will be your perfect kitchen companion for an icy sweet treat.

Tips for Serving and Storage:

• Minimize Waste: Ensure your ice cream machine is well-prepared and that ingredients are properly mixed to achieve the best texture.
• Storage: If you don’t consume all the ice cream at once, store it in a freezer-safe container. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to make scooping easier.

With these guidelines, you can easily plan and enjoy these delicious homemade ice creams, whether you're indulging alone or sharing with friends and family.

Conclusion