Homemade Low-Fat Date And Banana Vegan Ice Cream Recipe

Last Updated on January 12, 2025 by Cherie

Whip up this creamy homemade low-fat date and banana vegan ice cream. Naturally sweet, healthy, and dairy-free, it’s the perfect guilt-free treat for any season!

Over the festive season, dates are a staple in many homes, often displayed prominently in supermarkets. I found a pack of dates in my fridge with a surprisingly long use-by date—March 2025! After enjoying a few as a snack, I decided to use their caramel-like sweetness to create a healthy, low-fat ice cream. Paired with bananas for creaminess, this recipe is ideal for those looking to indulge without compromising on health goals, which let’s face it, we’re all a little more conscious about this side of the New Year.

In this article, we’ll explain why dates are a Christmas favourite, their long shelf life, and their health benefits. You’ll also find two easy recipes—one with almond milk for a low-fat option and another with coconut milk for extra creaminess. We’ll also share a keto-friendly date and banana-inspired recipe for those looking to maintain a low-carb diet.

If you’d like to go straight to our recipes, click on either of the links below or read along to find out more.

Why Are Dates Popular at Christmas?

Dates have been associated with Christmas for centuries, thanks to their role in traditional festive desserts like fruitcake and sticky toffee pudding. Historically, dried fruits like dates were imported from the Middle East during winter, when fresh fruit was scarce. Their luxurious sweetness and rich flavour made them a festive favourite.

Another reason for their popularity is their incredible shelf life. Dates are naturally preserved due to their low moisture content, which prevents bacterial growth. When stored in airtight packaging, they can last for months or even years, making them a practical choice for holiday treats and pantry staples.

The Health Benefits of Dates

Dates aren’t just a delicious sweetener – they’re also packed with nutrients that make them an incredible superfood. Here’s a list of their benefits.

Nutritional Highlights:

• Rich in Fibre: Promotes digestive health and prevents constipation.
• Natural Energy Source: High in natural sugars like glucose and fructose for an instant energy boost.
• Packed with micronutrients: Provides potassium, magnesium, iron, and vitamin B6.
• Antioxidants: Contain flavonoids and phenolic compounds to combat inflammation and support cell health.
• Heart Health: Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, while magnesium supports heart and muscle function.

By using dates in recipes, you’re not just adding sweetness but also boosting your intake of essential nutrients.

===>Click here to find out more about the health benefits of Dates.

Why Dates and Bananas Work So Well Together

Dates and bananas come together in this creamy, homemade low-fat vegan ice cream that’s naturally sweet and delicious.

Their natural sweetness eliminates the need for added sugar, while their combined textures create a luscious, creamy base perfect for ice cream.

Bananas contribute a rich, velvety consistency, while dates add a caramel-like depth of flavour.

Together, they form a guilt-free, naturally sweet dessert that’s both tasty, satiating and nutritious.

Homemade Low-Fat Date and Banana Vegan Ice Cream Recipe (No-Churn)

Here’s our recipe and method for you to create this delicious low-fat, vegan ice cream;

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 4 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
• 10 Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 200ml unsweetened almond milk

Method:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Slice the bananas and freeze them overnight. Soak the dates in warm water for 10 minutes to soften.
2. Blend: In a high-powered blender, combine the frozen bananas, softened dates, vanilla extract, and almond milk. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Freeze Again: Pour the mixture into an airtight container and freeze for 2-3 hours for a firmer texture.
4. Serve: Scoop into bowls and enjoy as is or with a topping of crushed nuts, chopped dates or coconut flakes.

Nutritional Values (Per Serving):

• Calories: 180 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Carbohydrates: 40g | Fibre: 5g | Sugars: 30g

Creamy Coconut Milk Variation (Still Dairy-Free!)

If you prefer a creamier texture with a hint of tropical richness, try this coconut milk variation.

Like the original recipe, it’s completely dairy-free and vegan, but the coconut milk adds extra indulgence while keeping it low-fat and naturally sweet.

Homemade Low-Fat Date and Banana Ice Cream with Coconut Milk (No Churn)

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 4 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
• 10 Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 200ml full-fat coconut milk

Method:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Follow the same steps—freeze bananas and soften dates.
2. Blend: Combine bananas, dates, vanilla extract, and coconut milk in a blender. Blend until silky smooth.
3. Freeze Again: Transfer the mixture to a container and freeze for 2-3 hours.
4. Serve: Garnish with chopped nuts or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an indulgent twist.

Nutritional Values (Per Serving):

• Calories: 220 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fibre: 4g | Sugars: 28g

Note: Both these recipes are for a no-churn method to make ice cream, however, if you’d like to use an ice cream maker for ease and extra creaminess, then head on over to our article – How to Make Homemade Ice Cream Using Ice Cream Makers – for more hints and tips.

Reader Question: Can I Make a Keto-Friendly Version of Date and Banana Ice Cream?

This is a common question from readers, and the short answer is: not with dates and bananas as the base ingredients. While delicious and nutritious, both dates and bananas are too high in natural sugars and carbohydrates for a true keto diet.

But don’t worry! You can still enjoy a keto-friendly version inspired by the creamy, caramel-like flavours of dates and bananas.

Here’s how:

• Replace dates with a few drops of natural caramel extract or a tiny bit of blackstrap molasses for flavour.
• Swap bananas for keto-friendly banana extract to achieve that signature taste.
• Use a base of full-fat coconut milk and unsweetened almond milk, sweetened with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.

For a full keto-friendly recipe, check out this variation:

Recipe and Method:

• 1 can (400ml) full-fat coconut milk
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2–3 tbsp powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Natural caramel and banana extracts (to taste)

Blend, churn, and freeze as per the method in the main recipe. It’s just as creamy but with only 2–4g of net carbs per serving!

The Final Scoop

Homemade low-fat date and banana vegan ice cream is a simple, healthy, and delicious dessert that makes the most of natural sweeteners. Whether you opt for the almond milk version to keep it low-fat or the coconut milk version for extra creaminess, this recipe is a surefire way to indulge without guilt. Packed with nutrients from dates and bananas, it’s a dessert that’s both good for your taste buds and your body.

Now it’s your turn to give this recipe a try! Which version will you make—low-fat or creamy? Share your thoughts and any creative toppings you add in the comments below. Looking for more healthy dessert ideas? Let us know what you’d like to see next!

We hope that you have enjoyed our article – Homemade Low-Fat Date And Banana Vegan Ice Cream Recipe – and that we have inspired you to give this healthful recipe a go. If you have any questions, please drop us a comment below and we will be happy to get back to you.

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