Easy Homemade Ice Cream (Printable Format)

Incredibly creamy banana ice cream made without a machine! Natural sweetness from ripe bananas and just 5 simple ingredients.

# What You'll Gather:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 3 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
02 - 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
03 - 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

→ Optional Mix-ins

06 - 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks
07 - 1/2 cup crushed cookies (vanilla wafers or graham crackers)
08 - 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.)
09 - 1/4 cup caramel or chocolate sauce for swirling

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Toss those ripe bananas into a blender or food processor and puree until completely smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and creamier your ice cream will be!
02 - Add the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt (if using) to the banana puree. Blend until everything is well combined and silky smooth.
03 - In a large bowl, whip that cold heavy cream with an electric mixer until you get stiff peaks - about 3-4 minutes. Make sure your cream is really cold for the best volume!
04 - Here's the magic moment! Gently fold the banana mixture into the whipped cream using a large spoon or spatula. Be gentle to keep all that lovely air you just whipped in.
05 - If you're adding chocolate chips, nuts, or cookie pieces, fold them in now. For sauces, drop spoonfuls over the mixture and gently swirl with a knife for that marbled effect.
06 - Pour the mixture into a 9×5 inch loaf pan or freezer-safe container. Smooth the top and cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Freeze for at least 4-6 hours until firm.
07 - Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly before scooping. Top with fresh banana slices, a drizzle of chocolate, or whatever makes your heart happy!

# Important Tips:

01 - No ice cream maker? No problem! This recipe uses the whipped cream method for incredibly creamy results.
02 - The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your ice cream will be - don't be afraid of those brown spots!
03 - For a healthier version, substitute the condensed milk with 1 cup Greek yogurt and 1/4 cup honey.
04 - Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals from forming.
05 - This ice cream keeps well in the freezer for up to a week - if it lasts that long!

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