This recipe offers a refreshing and healthy “nice” cream made with the tropical flavors of coconut and pineapple. “Nice” cream is a dairy-free and often vegan alternative to traditional ice cream, typically made by blending frozen bananas to create a creamy, soft-serve-like consistency. This version elevates the concept by incorporating frozen pineapple and coconut milk (or cream) for a tropical twist that is naturally sweet and incredibly satisfying. The frozen banana provides the creamy base, while the frozen pineapple adds a bright, tangy sweetness and a hint of tropical flavor. Coconut milk or cream contributes a rich, creamy texture and a distinct coconut taste that complements the pineapple beautifully. The combination results in a dessert that is naturally sweet, dairy-free, and packed with the flavors of the tropics. This “nice” cream is incredibly versatile and can be customized with additional ingredients such as lime juice for extra zing, a pinch of ginger for warmth, or even a swirl of toasted coconut flakes for added texture. The preparation is incredibly simple, requiring just a high-speed blender or food processor to blend the frozen fruits and coconut milk until a smooth and creamy consistency is achieved. No churning is required, making it a quick and easy treat to satisfy sweet cravings in a healthy way. This Creamy Coconut Pineapple “Nice” Cream is perfect as a light dessert, a refreshing snack on a warm day, or even a healthy breakfast option. Its vibrant tropical flavors and smooth, creamy texture make it a guilt-free indulgence that everyone can enjoy. The image shows three clear glass mason jars filled with a pale yellow, soft-serve-like frozen treat. The texture appears smooth and slightly whipped. The jars are sitting on a white countertop with grey veining, suggesting a kitchen setting. The background is blurred but shows white cabinets and a window with natural light.
The texture of this Creamy Coconut Pineapple “Nice” Cream is smooth, thick, and creamy, similar to soft-serve ice cream. It should be easily scoopable yet hold its shape.
The flavor profile is a vibrant blend of sweet and tangy pineapple and rich, tropical coconut. The frozen banana provides a subtle sweetness and creamy base without overpowering the other flavors.
Creamy Coconut Pineapple “Nice” Cream is a healthy and refreshing dairy-free dessert that combines the tropical flavors of coconut and pineapple in a smooth and creamy frozen treat made with a base of frozen banana.
The preparation involves freezing bananas and pineapple, then blending them with coconut milk (or cream) until a smooth, ice cream-like consistency is achieved.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, peeled, sliced, and frozen
- 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- ½ cup full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream (refrigerated overnight and scoop out the thick solid part)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional, for brightness)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional, for spice)
- ¼ cup toasted shredded coconut (optional, for garnish)
Equipment:
- High-speed blender or food processor
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Serving glasses or bowls
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fruit: Ensure the bananas and pineapple chunks are fully frozen. Freezing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first can prevent them from clumping together and make blending easier.
- Combine Ingredients in Blender: Add the frozen banana slices and frozen pineapple chunks to a high-speed blender or food processor. Pour in the coconut milk or cream and add the lime juice and grated ginger, if using.
- Blend Until Smooth: Begin blending on low speed, then gradually increase to high speed. You will likely need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor several times with a rubber spatula to ensure all the fruit is incorporated and the mixture is blending evenly. Continue blending until the mixture is completely smooth, thick, and creamy, resembling soft-serve ice cream. This may take a few minutes, depending on the power of your blender. Be patient and keep scraping down the sides as needed.
- Check Consistency: Once the “nice” cream reaches a smooth and creamy consistency, taste it and adjust sweetness or add more lime juice or ginger if desired. Blend briefly to incorporate any additions.
- Serve Immediately or Freeze: For a softer, soft-serve consistency, serve the Creamy Coconut Pineapple “Nice” Cream immediately. For a firmer consistency, transfer the blended mixture to an airtight container and freeze for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Be aware that freezing for longer periods will result in a harder consistency that may require some thawing before serving.
- Garnish (Optional): If desired, garnish the “nice” cream with toasted shredded coconut before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve chilled and enjoy this healthy and delicious tropical treat!
Tips and Variations:
- Coconut Cream for Extra Richness: Using the thick solid part of refrigerated full-fat coconut milk (coconut cream) will result in a richer and creamier “nice” cream.
- Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a sweeter “nice” cream, you can add a touch of maple syrup, agave nectar, or a few dates (pitted) to the blender.
- Other Fruits: Feel free to experiment with adding other frozen fruits like mango or a handful of berries for different flavor combinations.
- Texture: If your blender struggles with the frozen fruit, you can add a tablespoon or two of additional coconut milk to help it blend, but be careful not to add too much liquid, as it will result in a thinner consistency.
- Storage: Leftover “nice” cream can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer, but it will become quite firm. Allow it to thaw for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature before scooping, or re-blend it with a little extra liquid if needed to restore a smoother consistency.
Enjoy this simple and healthy Creamy Coconut Pineapple “Nice” Cream! It’s a guilt-free way to indulge in a tropical-flavored frozen dessert.