Craving a sweet and healthy treat that tastes like a cozy apple pie? This Frozen Apple Pie “Nice Cream” is a delightful and easy-to-make healthy apple dessert idea perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up this creamy, spiced apple goodness.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Frozen Bananas: Essential for creaminess. Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor.
- Apple: Any sweet-tart apple works well.
- Plant-Based Milk: Almond milk or oat milk are great choices.
- Maple Syrup: Adjust to your sweetness preference. You can use agave nectar too.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are key for that apple pie taste.
Ingredients:
- 3 frozen ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup plant-based milk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Blend Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Tools Needed: High-speed blender or food processor
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
First, ensure your bananas are thoroughly frozen and sliced. Peel, core, and chop your fresh apple into smaller pieces so it blends easily. Measure out your plant-based milk, maple syrup, and spices.
2. Blend the Nice Cream Base
Add the frozen banana slices, chopped apple, plant-based milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg to your high-speed blender or food processor. Start blending on low, gradually increasing the speed.
3. Achieve Creamy Consistency
You’ll need to pause and scrape down the sides of the blender with a spatula several times. Continue blending until the mixture is completely smooth and has a thick, soft-serve ice cream consistency. Be patient; it might take a few minutes to get it perfectly creamy.
4. Serve Immediately
Spoon the Frozen Apple Pie “Nice Cream” into bowls. If you like, sprinkle with optional chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor. Enjoy your delicious healthy apple dessert idea right away!
Variation Ideas:
- Caramel Apple: Swirl in a tablespoon of dairy-free caramel sauce before serving.
- Gingerbread Spice: Add a pinch of ground ginger and cloves for a festive twist.
- Oatmeal Crumble: Top with a sprinkle of toasted oats and a touch more cinnamon.
- Extra Apple Chunks: Fold in a few small, finely diced fresh apple pieces after blending for texture.
Storage Instructions:
This Frozen Apple Pie “Nice Cream” is best enjoyed immediately for the freshest taste and texture. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. However, it will harden significantly, so you’ll need to let it thaw for 15-20 minutes at room temperature or re-blend it with a splash of plant-based milk to regain a creamy consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use fresh bananas instead of frozen?
No, using frozen bananas is essential for achieving the thick, creamy “nice cream” texture.
What kind of apple is best for this recipe?
Sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji work wonderfully in this healthy apple dessert idea.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While best fresh, you can prepare it and freeze it, but you’ll need to re-blend it or let it soften before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Frozen Apple Pie “Nice Cream” is naturally gluten-free.
How can I make this sweeter?
You can increase the amount of maple syrup to your liking, or add a Medjool date to the blender for natural sweetness.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes, you can blend in a scoop of your favorite vanilla or unflavored plant-based protein powder for an added boost.
