Acai Nice Cream

Introduction

This Acai Nice Cream blends frozen bananas with acai powder for a creamy, dairy-free alternative to traditional ice cream. Made with natural ingredients, it gets its smooth, rich texture from coconut cream and its vibrant purple hue from acai berry powder.

The recipe requires about 15 minutes of active preparation, followed by an 8-hour freezing period. Each serving contains 220 calories and 38g of carbohydrates, offering a lighter yet satisfyingly sweet and creamy treat compared to conventional ice cream.

Layering pistachios and dark chocolate chips between the acai-banana mixture adds both textural contrast and visual appeal. While perfect for warm weather, its freezer-friendly nature (lasting up to two weeks when stored properly) makes it a great year-round dessert. With six servings, it's ideal for family treats or small gatherings.

This recipe is also highly flexible—acai powder can be swapped for fresh or frozen acai berries (using 1/4 cup instead of 2 tablespoons of powder), and the sweetness level can be adjusted based on the ripeness of the bananas.

Ingredients

7 ripe Bananas, sliced and frozen
2 tablespoons Maple Syrup (optional)
1/2 cup Coconut Cream
2 tablespoons Acai Berry Powder
2 tablespoons chopped Pistachios
2 tablespoons Dark Chocolate Chips

Instructions

Prepare Base: Add 7 frozen sliced bananas, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1/2 cup coconut cream, and 2 tablespoons acai berry powder to a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
Create First Layer: Transfer half of the blended mixture into a sealable container. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of chopped pistachios and 1 tablespoon of dark chocolate chips evenly over the top.
Add Second Layer: Pour the remaining nice cream mixture into the container. Spread it evenly, then sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of chopped pistachios and 1 tablespoon of dark chocolate chips on top.
Freeze Thoroughly: Seal the container and place it in the freezer for at least 8 hours, or overnight, until fully frozen.
Serve Chilled: Remove the container from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly. Scoop the nice cream into bowls or jars using an ice cream scooper. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired, and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Banana preparation: Peel and slice bananas before freezing them on a tray for easier blending.
Acai powder substitution: If unavailable, substitute with 1-2 tablespoons of other berry powders like blueberry or mixed berry.
Fresh or frozen acai berries: You can substitute the 2 tablespoons of acai powder with about 1/4 cup of fresh or frozen acai berries.
Texture control: For softer nice cream, reduce freezing time to 4-6 hours.
Coconut cream separation: Use only the thick, white part of coconut cream for best results.
Sweetness adjustment: Taste before freezing and adjust maple syrup according to your preference and the ripeness of bananas.
Blending technique: Process in pulses initially, then blend continuously, scraping down sides as needed.
Storage: Can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
Banana ripeness: Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for max sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh instead of frozen bananas?

No, frozen bananas are essential for the proper texture and temperature of the nice cream.

How ripe should my bananas be before freezing?

Bananas should be fully ripe with brown spots for the best sweetness and consistency.

Can I make this recipe without coconut cream?

Yes, you can substitute with almond milk yogurt or cashew cream, though the texture may differ slightly.

Where can I find acai berry powder?

Acai powder is available at most health food stores, specialty grocers, or online retailers.

Is this recipe suitable for people with diabetes?

While it uses natural sweeteners, the recipe still contains sugars from bananas and maple syrup. So it is NOT suitable for people with disabilities.

Can I add protein powder to this recipe?

Yes, 1-2 tablespoons of unflavored or vanilla protein powder can be added during blending.

How can I make this recipe without nuts?

Simply omit the pistachios. :)

Why is my nice cream too solid when frozen?

This is common with frozen banana desserts. Allow it to thaw for 10-15 minutes before serving, or blend with a small amount of plant milk to achieve desired consistency.