Fit as a Mama Bear

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • 4 Day Protein Challenge
  • Fitness
  • Shop
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • 4 Day Protein Challenge
    • Fitness
    • Shop
    • About Me
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Gluten Free Dairy Free Desserts

    3 Ingredient Whole30 Ice Cream

    Modified: Jun 3, 2025 · Published: Dec 11, 2017 by Shelby Stover · This post may contain affiliate links · 52 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    pinterest image with text: vegan banana and blackberry ice cream in a white bowl with more behind it
    pinterest image with text: vegan banana and blackberry ice cream in a white bowl with more behind it
    Pinterest image with text: blackberry banana nice cream in a lined dish with blackberries on top
    Pinterest iamage with text: two images of homemade vegan ice cream one in a bowl the other in a lined baking tin
    Pinterest image with text: blackberry banana nice cream in a lined dish with blackberries on top
    pinterest image with text: vegan banana and blackberry ice cream in a white bowl with more behind it

    Super refreshing you won't believe this whole30 ice cream is made with just three ingredients. Creamy, rich, and bursting with blackberries, this healthy ice cream whips up in a pinch!

    Use this vegan dessert to cool down in the summer, indulge a craving, or curl up in the warmth with a burst of flavor.

    whole30 banana and blackberry ice cream in a white bowl with more behind it

    As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I love that this whole30 ice cream is made with just three simple ingredients- and no ice cream maker!

    It makes a healthy dessert swap for regular ice cream and is a big hit with kids.

    Plus, with its blackberry flavor it's the perfect way to cool down in the summer.

    You'll love this ice cream mixture because:

    • Allergy-friendly (dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, paleo, vegan, whole30)
    • Easy to make (you don't even need an ice cream maker)
    • Light & refreshing

    Ingredients You'll Need

    A lot of whole30 ice cream recipes use coconut milk or coconut cream as the base. And though coconut milk definitely works, it tends to result in a harder ice cream that "flakes" when frozen.

    This healthy ice cream recipe goes a different route!

    Frozen bananas: this is what gives the whole30 ice cream its creamy base. You must use frozen bananas otherwise you'll just have a smoothie 😉

    Fresh blackberries: you can use fresh or frozen blackberries but the fresh ones give a wonderful flavor burst and are easier on your blender.

    Vanilla: adding a hint of flavor to the ice cream. You don't need this but it's worth it. Pro tip: Madagascar vanilla gives the best flavor!

    Step By Step Photos

    Frozen bananas in a steel bowl with blackberries and vanilla beside it
    Measure out the ingredients.
    Frozen blackberries and bananas blended in a food processor
    Add ingredients to a high-powered processor.
    Vegan banana ice cream in a lined baking tin
    Portion into a lined loaf pan.
    : vegan banana and blackberry ice cream in a white bowl with more behind it
    Scoop and enjoy.

    Freezing Bananas

    To make your life easier, make sure to peel the bananas prior to freezing them. The riper the bananas are when you pop them into the freezer, the sweeter this delicious dessert will be!

    Depending on your food processor (I use a Vitamix which is extremely powerful), you may want to chop the bananas before popping them in.

    This can be done before freezing or frozen as bananas don't freeze solid.

    Regardless, this ice cream mixture is a great way to use up the bananas on the counter!

     

    How To Serve It

    This whole30 ice cream is silky, creamy, and overall a delicious dessert.

    It can be enjoyed as soft-serve ice cream or a more traditional hard texture.

    If you're looking for the ultra fluffy, soft serve version, serve immediately or chill for a brief period of time (30 minutes).

    If you're looking to place this ice cream in a cone or like your ice cream more firm, place in the freezer t set for one hour instead.

    Two options, both delicious.

     

    Topping The Ice Cream

    Like smoothies, topping your ice cream is the best part! 

    This particular banana ice cream is already refreshing and light. Thus, the best toppings are crunchy or fruit-based in nature and not all-out indulgence (not like this chocolate peanut butter ice cream) 

    • fresh fruit
    • drizzled almond butter
    • chopped nuts (pecans are perfect!)
    • toasted coconut
    • cacao nibs

    Important Teaching Tips & Substitutions

    You can easily sub in frozen blackberries for the fresh.

    However, you may need to pause and scrape down the sides a bit more depending on what machine you're using! Regardless, you still don't need an ice cream maker!

    To make it easier on your blender, chop the frozen bananas into chunks before using them. Likewise, make sure the bananas are completely frozen before using them. Failure to do this will result in smoothie-like consistency and not ice cream.

    Do not add liquid (maple syrup or any milk) to make the process faster. This will ruin the consistency. Be patient, scraped down the sides frequently, and keep going. Depending on your machine it can take anywhere from 3-10 minutes of scraping and blending.

     

     blackberry banana nice cream in a lined dish with blackberries on top

    Smoothies To Supercharge Your Energy

    Ready to take your energy to a whole new level? I’ve gathered 15 of the best, superfood-based smoothie recipes perfect for busy moms who need a boost.

    These recipes are:

    • Dairy and gluten-free
    • Superfood packed (think cacao, turmeric, etc)
    • Made from whole foods for a natural energy boost

    In a day in which you’re super busy, stay fueled on the go with these recipes! Grab your copy of Superfood Smoothies now for just $4.

    I’M READY FOR SMOOTHIES

    Frequently Asked Questions About Whole30 Ice Cream

    What Is Nice Cream?

    Nice cream is a vegan, soft-serve dessert made from frozen bananas (or mangos) that resemble ice cream. Bananas become very creamy and ice cream-like when blended frozen. The trick is not to add too much liquid or it will be more like an indulgent smoothie.

    Can you have ice cream on whole30?

    Only if the ice cream is made from real, whole food ingredients and contains no processed sugars (not even maple syrup or honey). Instead, make whole30 ice cream by using fruits or dates as sweeteners.

    How do you store whole30 ice cream?

    This ice cream can be stored in a container in the freezer. However, it will freeze pretty solid. You'll need to let it sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature before you can scoop it again.

    Other Healthy Recipes You'll Love

    • Fudgy protein brownies
    • Fizzy watermelon slushie
    • Dairy-free gluten-free brownies
    • Protein truffles
    • Chocolate peanut butter ice cream
    • Frozen banana bites
    • Overnight cookie dough protein oats
    • Triple berry paleo crumble
    • Chocolate fudge protein balls
    • High protein cookies
    • Healthy dessert recipes
    • High protein snack recipes
    Featured image with text: vegan banana and blackberry ice cream in a white bowl with more behind it

    3 Ingredient Banana Blackberry Ice Cream

    Shelby Stover
    Healthy and refreshing this vegan banana ice cream recipe is the perfect dessert! This whole30 ice cream is easy to make, creamy and rich.
    5 from 48 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 0 minutes mins
    30 minutes mins
    Total Time 40 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 109 kcal

    Equipment

    • High powered blender

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 bananas frozen and sliced
    • 10 blackberries
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

    Instructions
     

    • In a powerful blender or processor add in the chopped bananas. Addin the blackberries and vanilla. Processuntil combined.
    • You will need to use a tamper to ensure it blends evenly or a silicone spatula to scrape the sides.
    • This can take anywhere from 5-15 minutes.
    • Enjoy immediately as soft-serv ice cream (or place into a lined dish and freeze for thirty minutes.). Or, place in the freezer for 4-5 hours for a firmer ice cream consistency.

    Notes

    • You can easily sub in frozen blackberries for the fresh.
    • However, you may need to pause and scrape down the sides a bit more depending on what machine you're using!
    • To make it easier on your blender, chop the frozen bananas into chunks before using them. Likewise, make sure the bananas are completely frozen before using them.
    • Failure to do this will result in smoothie-like consistency and not ice cream.
    • Do not add liquid to make the process faster. This will ruin the consistency. Be patient, scape down the sides frequently, and keep going. Depending on your machine it can take anywhere from 3-10 minutes of scraping and blending.
    • Top with drizzled almond butter if you're feeling extra indulgent!
    • Makes 1.5-2 cups
    Disclaimer:

    Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"

    Nutrition

    Calories: 109kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 431mgFiber: 3gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 86IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword blackberries, homemade ice cream, no churn ice cream
    Have You Tried This Recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment below. Mention @fitasamamabear or tag #fitasamamabear!
    If you're looking for a cool, healthy, and quick treat this homemade banana blackberry nice cream is perfect! Skip the regular ice cream and opt for homemade instead.
    With a soft serve-like consistency it's ideal for kids who want a bowl of ice cream and moms who want to keep sugar indulgences to a minimum. It's quick, simple, and healthy!
     
     

    More Gluten Free Dairy Free Desserts

    • Black berry popsicle sticks with black berries spread around them.
      Dairy-Free Blackberry Popsicles
    • A bowl of cherry crisp with a scoop of ice cream.
      Gluten-Free Cherry Crisp
    • Peanut butter chocolate date bark on top of a wooden board.
      Date Bark Recipe [Dairy-Free]
    • Chocolate cookie being dipped into a bowl of homemade protein cookie butter.
      Homemade Protein Cookie Butter

    Comments

    1. linda spiker says

      December 12, 2017 at 3:40 pm

      I am loving the nice cream trend! Such a great option for those wanting to avoid the sugar!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        December 12, 2017 at 6:41 pm

        Yes!! And it's still creamy and delicious! This kind of ice cream is all my daughter knows 😀

        Reply
    2. Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says

      December 12, 2017 at 6:36 pm

      5 stars
      So yummy! My youngest would LOVE this! Blackberries are her favorite, she has memories of picking them every summer where we used to live.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        December 12, 2017 at 6:42 pm

        Aw that's cute! My daughter loves this ice cream. Mainly because bananas and berries are pretty much her favorite thing of life haha and she gets "treats" like this for special occasions so she gets all excited.

        Reply
    3. Renee says

      December 12, 2017 at 8:45 pm

      Nice cream is my absolute favorite!! I haven't tried blackberry though!! Yummy!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        December 13, 2017 at 2:17 am

        Mmm I love blackberries! They're oddly refreshing!

        Reply
    4. Cristine says

      December 13, 2017 at 12:01 am

      Such a great idea. The consistency is like ice cream but without all the sugar and extra calories. People can have something that satisfies the craving without over doing it

      Reply
    5. thatssodarling says

      December 12, 2017 at 8:58 pm

      Going to have to try this with the kiddos, looks yummy.
      -Ashley

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        December 13, 2017 at 2:18 am

        My 2yo definitely loves it as her "treat" 😀

        Reply
    6. Carol Little R.H. says

      December 13, 2017 at 4:11 pm

      5 stars
      I'm excited about this one! My niece is now 'dairy free' and loves desserts.
      Can't wait to make this for her!!! Thank you!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        December 13, 2017 at 5:10 pm

        Ohh I have so many yummy things coming for you then!!

        Reply
    7. Joleen Pete says

      December 13, 2017 at 8:32 pm

      YUM! This looks and sounds like a terrific and healthy treat. I am anxious to try it. Pinning to try!!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        December 14, 2017 at 1:52 am

        It's really refreshing- not overly sweet but delicious!

        Reply
    8. Amy Poulton - Page Traveller says

      December 13, 2017 at 8:41 pm

      This looks delicious! Great recipe for trying to be good over Christmas. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        December 14, 2017 at 2:01 am

        Anytime! It definitely gives your body a break from all the heavy meals!

        Reply
    9. Nicole Helgason says

      December 13, 2017 at 8:42 pm

      I have both in my freezer! Need to try this it looks delicious.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        December 14, 2017 at 2:02 am

        Isn't it awesome when you already have the ingredients?!

        Reply
    10. Bar says

      December 13, 2017 at 8:46 pm

      ummm wow! I really need to try this! Healthful ice cream, sign me up!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        December 14, 2017 at 2:02 am

        There's a crazy chocolate peanut butter one coming soon also so stay tuned 😉

        Reply
    11. Cori - Sweet Coralice says

      December 14, 2017 at 5:09 pm

      Oh how delicious! I haven't made a treat like this in ages. We had an ice cream machine and my kids would come up with all sorts of fruit combinations for it. This looks easy enough for a nice summertime treat, which here in Texas, is all the time, lol.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        December 15, 2017 at 5:13 pm

        Ugh jealous of your perma summer haha. I actually have an ice cream machine too! That said, I don't use it often. Making super healthy ice cream in the ice cream maker is actually somewhat difficult lol that, and I have ice cream addictions so it's all I'd eat 😀

        Reply
    12. jill conyers says

      December 15, 2017 at 9:34 am

      Nice cream is one of the best recipes ever! I've never tried making it with blackberries. Yum!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        December 15, 2017 at 5:15 pm

        Blackberries are sooo refreshing!

        Reply
    13. EM Fisher says

      July 14, 2021 at 9:16 pm

      How many cups of bananas would you start with? My bananas are frozen in chunks.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        July 16, 2021 at 6:37 pm

        Hey There! That's a tricky one. I'd probably start with 3 ish cups if they're in chunks! I LOVE that you freeze them too! I do this to make smoothies and whatnot later (though I freeze mine in halves, chunks is smart).

        Reply
    14. Janessa says

      April 18, 2022 at 4:51 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! I just so happened to have some ripe bananas hanging around my house when I found this recipe. I love fruity ice creams and this definitely hit the spot and is so easy! Next time I might try making it with blueberries.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        April 19, 2022 at 12:46 pm

        Mmm blueberries, strawberries... they're all so yummy!!

        Reply
    15. Donny says

      April 19, 2022 at 4:56 pm

      5 stars
      I always have frozen bananas and frozen fruit on hand - why has it taken me so long to try this? It is so good! Perfectly creamy and refreshing.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        April 20, 2022 at 7:37 am

        Haha it is literally a staple!

        Reply
    16. ChihYu says

      April 21, 2022 at 11:50 am

      5 stars
      Ah this ice cream is PERFECT! Smooth, creamy and fruity! Love all of the variations! So much delicious fun in a bowl!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        April 21, 2022 at 12:28 pm

        A great way to indulge without too much sugar!

        Reply
    17. Maggie says

      September 25, 2023 at 11:58 am

      5 stars
      Just three ingredients caught my eye for a frozen treat!!! My blender isn't the best for chopping up frozen food. I had to let everything get a little soft, then blended it. It froze nicely. And love the addition of vanilla.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        September 26, 2023 at 2:55 pm

        Ahh glad it still worked out for you!

        Reply
    18. Iris says

      September 25, 2023 at 1:13 pm

      5 stars
      Refreshing, fruity, and guilt-free treat on a hot day! I super love it!

      Reply
    19. Paula says

      September 25, 2023 at 3:50 pm

      5 stars
      This is so creamy and luscious, no one would ever know it's good for you unless you tell them!! I'll def be making this again!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        September 26, 2023 at 2:55 pm

        Right?! Best sneak attack ever.

        Reply
    20. Marlene says

      September 25, 2023 at 4:39 pm

      5 stars
      My family has an insatiable appetite for ice cream, even in the dead of winter. I have been looking for healthier homemade alternatives to the store-bought tubs and I think this is it! I made a big batch and it was a hit. I'll be stocking up on bananas next time they're on sale just so I can make more.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        September 26, 2023 at 2:55 pm

        Haha yours and mine both!

        Reply
    21. Maria says

      September 25, 2023 at 4:51 pm

      5 stars
      The flavor combination of banana and blackberry was so good! It hit the spot for my sweet tooth and the color was so pretty!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        September 26, 2023 at 2:55 pm

        It's a really refreshing one!

        Reply
    22. Natalie says

      January 10, 2024 at 1:32 pm

      Wow, I am simply impressed. Can't believe with these simple ingredients I've made an ice cream that tastes absolutely yum - not to mention the kids love it!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        January 15, 2024 at 7:29 am

        Glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    23. Chris says

      January 10, 2024 at 3:01 pm

      5 stars
      This is such an ideal dessert for anyone craving a healthier option.Very simple to make. Turned out creamy and delicious.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        January 15, 2024 at 7:30 am

        It's a wonderfully refreshing one1

        Reply
    24. Linda says

      January 10, 2024 at 4:15 pm

      5 stars
      Love that my family can enjoy ice cream with no sugar yet still enjoy it. The natural sweetness of the bananas and the blackberries was enough to suit our ice cream cravings.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        January 15, 2024 at 7:30 am

        Happy everyone enjoyed it!

        Reply
    25. Linda says

      January 10, 2024 at 4:21 pm

      5 stars
      We were craving for ice cream but we needed something without so much sugar. I made this for the family and they liked it. The natural sweetness of the bananas and the blackberries was enough to suit our ice cream cravings.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        January 15, 2024 at 7:30 am

        It's so easy to whip up in a pinch too!

        Reply
    26. Mitch says

      January 10, 2024 at 9:45 pm

      5 stars
      My children are now addicted to this (myself included lol)! The frozen bananas and fresh blackberries combo is genius, it's so creamy and so refreshing.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        January 15, 2024 at 7:30 am

        Haha always a win when you win over kids!

        Reply
    27. Ken says

      January 10, 2024 at 10:21 pm

      5 stars
      This is a yummy alternative to traditional ice cream. A perfect dessert to start the New Year off right.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        January 15, 2024 at 7:30 am

        Glad you like it!

        Reply
    5 from 48 votes (33 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Blond haired woman in a black sweater outside smiling at the camera

    Welcome!

    I'm Shelby, a Certified Strength & Nutrition Coach who has spent the last 10 years helping women feel more comfortable in their skin though home strength training and healthy food- no diets, no shortcuts

    More about me
    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Mastodon
    • Pinterest
    • X
    • YouTube

    Popular

    • Woman in the gym laying on a bench with a mini band around her knees.
      The Best 9 Lower Glute Exercises + Underbutt Workout
    • Pin image with text: close up shot of a woman in purple sports bra and black pants lifting her shirt to show a flat tummy
      How To Fix Diastasis Recti Years Later
    • Mason jar with caramel protein shake topped with coconut whipped cream, caramel sauce and chocolate chips two red straws in the smoothie and chocolate chips on a cutting board behind it
      Salted Caramel Protein Shake (Dairy-Free)
    • Pin image with text: multiple images of high protein snacks like protein smoothies, donuts, protein fluff and ice cream
      48 High Protein Snack Recipes [Sweet Snacks]

    Seasonal

    • White bowl with a dragon fruit smoothie bowl in it topped with bananas, strawberries, and coconut on a yellow linen with berries, dragon fruit, and spoons around it.
      Dragon Fruit Protein Smoothie Bowl
    • Papaya smoothie bowl topped with berries, banana and coconut in a blue bowl with a spoon and fresh fruit behind it.
      Papaya Smoothie Bowl (High Protein)
    • Ginger beer mocktail in a mason jar with fresh mint and lime on the jar and ingredients and another jar around it.
      Refreshing Ginger Beer Mocktail
    • Mini food processor with homemade pesto sauce in it.
      Pesto Recipe Without Pine Nuts [Dairy-Free]

    Fitness Tips

    • Woman laying on floor with one knee bent and other in a hamstring stretch.
      5 Best Hamstring Exercises for Runners
    • Woman in blue shorts and tank top running outside.
      Want to Run Better? These 11 Tips Change Everything
    • Woman performing a squat with a pink mini band around her legs.
      36 Mini Band Exercises + A Full Body Workout
    • Woman in piegon pose on a bench for a glute stretch.
      9 Best Glute Stretches

    Follow Me On Social:

    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Mastodon
    • Pinterest
    • X
    • YouTube

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    DISCLAIMERS As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.The content on Fit as a Mama Bear is provided for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented here. Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. No products mentioned are intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.










    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

    This worked exactly as written, thanks!
    My family loved this!
    Thank you for sharing this recipe

    Or write in your own words:

    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.