If you have a sweet tooth and love creamy, dreamy desserts, you are going to fall head over heels for this Vegan Banoffee Ice Cream Recipe. This luscious treat marries the rich flavors of caramelized bananas and velvety coconut custard with the irresistible indulgence of salted caramel sauce—all without any dairy. Each spoonful bursts with the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess that makes banoffee so beloved, but in a refreshing, icy form that’s pure plant-based magic. Whether you’re serving it on a warm day or looking for a show-stopping vegan dessert to impress friends, this recipe truly hits the spot every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Vegan Banoffee Ice Cream Recipe uses a handful of ingredients that are simple but essential, each bringing a unique flavor or texture to the final creation. From the natural sweetness and creaminess of ripe bananas and coconut products to the decadent, salted caramel for that indulgent finish, these ingredients come together beautifully without any fuss.
- 4 medium ripe bananas: The star fruit providing natural sweetness and a creamy texture when blended.
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil or vegan butter: Helps caramelize the bananas to enhance their flavor and richness.
- 11.25 oz sweetened condensed coconut milk: Adds creamy sweetness and a silky mouthfeel, perfect for vegan ice cream.
- 14 oz coconut custard: Acts as a luscious base, bringing velvety smoothness and coconut flavor; can be store-bought or homemade.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Gives a warm, aromatic note that ties all the flavors together elegantly.
- 7 oz salted caramel sauce: The indulgent finishing touch that delivers the iconic banoffee caramel kick with a hint of sea salt.
How to Make Vegan Banoffee Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Bananas
Start by peeling and slicing your bananas into coins. Heat your cooking oil or vegan butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the banana slices along with about a tablespoon of sweetened condensed coconut milk. Cook them gently, tossing continuously for 3 to 4 minutes until they become golden and lightly caramelized. This step intensifies the bananas’ natural sweetness and creates that signature banoffee flavor foundation.
Step 2: Blend the Base
Once your bananas are perfectly caramelized, transfer them to a blender. Add the remaining sweetened condensed coconut milk, coconut custard, and vanilla extract. Blend everything together for about a minute until the mixture is silky smooth and creamy. This blend becomes the luscious ice cream base, ready to be churned into your dreamy dessert.
Step 3: Churn the Ice Cream
Pour the blended mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to your machine’s instructions. Typically, this takes around 30 to 40 minutes. The churning process incorporates air, giving the ice cream a light yet creamy texture that is a pure delight to scoop and enjoy.
Step 4: Swirl in Salted Caramel
Once your ice cream has reached a soft-serve consistency, turn off the machine. Gently fold in about two-thirds of the salted caramel sauce, ensuring it swirls beautifully throughout the mixture without fully blending in. This keeps pockets of rich, gooey caramel throughout the ice cream.
Step 5: Freeze to Set
Transfer the ice cream into a loaf pan lined with parchment paper for easy removal later. Drizzle the remaining salted caramel sauce on top in a generous swirl, then cover and freeze the ice cream for at least 2 hours to firm up to the perfect scoopable texture.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Take the ice cream out of the freezer about 15 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly for easier scooping. Then dig in and savor every luscious bite of your homemade Vegan Banoffee Ice Cream Recipe.
How to Serve Vegan Banoffee Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your serving, top your Vegan Banoffee Ice Cream with a sprinkle of crunchy crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts. A few fresh banana slices or a light drizzle of extra salted caramel sauce can add that wow factor. Even a dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder can add a warm spice note that melts perfectly into the sweet creaminess.
Side Dishes
Pair this ice cream with vegan shortbread cookies or crisp cinnamon-dusted baked apples for a complete dessert experience. The warm, fruity sides contrast beautifully with the cold, creamy ice cream, making every bite a flavorful adventure. You can also serve it alongside some fresh berries for a refreshing twist.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve your Vegan Banoffee Ice Cream Recipe in individual glass jars layered with crushed graham crackers and caramel sauce for a deconstructed banoffee parfait. Another fun idea is to use waffle cones or homemade vegan crepes to create banoffee ice cream sandwiches. The possibilities to get creative with presentation are endless and add excitement to your sharing moments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, no worries! Simply cover the ice cream pan tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and place it back in the freezer. Stored properly, it stays fresh and delicious for up to two weeks, allowing you to enjoy your Vegan Banoffee Ice Cream Recipe whenever a craving strikes.
Freezing
This ice cream freezes exceptionally well. Ensure you use an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming and to keep the texture smooth. When ready to enjoy, let it sit out at room temperature for about 15 minutes so it softens to the perfect consistency.
Reheating
Since this is ice cream, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Instead, focus on simply thawing it slightly before scooping. This little step makes it easier to serve without melting the creamy texture that makes this Vegan Banoffee Ice Cream Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I make this Vegan Banoffee Ice Cream Recipe without an ice cream maker?
Absolutely! While an ice cream maker helps achieve a smoother texture, you can freeze the blended mixture in a shallow container and stir it every 30 minutes until firm to reduce ice crystals and create a creamy consistency.
What can I substitute for coconut custard if I can’t find it?
You can make a quick homemade coconut custard by blending coconut milk with a natural thickener like corn starch and a little sweetener, gently heating it until thickened, or simply replace it with a rich coconut cream for creaminess.
Is sweetened condensed coconut milk necessary?
It’s key to achieving the perfect sweetness and creamy texture in this recipe, but if unavailable, you might use a mix of coconut cream and maple syrup or another plant-based sweetened condensed milk alternative.
Can I use regular caramel sauce instead of salted caramel?
You can, but the salted caramel adds a wonderful balance of sweet and salty that really enhances the banoffee flavor. If you only have regular caramel, adding a pinch of sea salt can replicate this effect nicely.
How ripe should the bananas be?
Use bananas that are well-ripened with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor. Overripe bananas also blend smoothly, contributing to the creamy texture of this Vegan Banoffee Ice Cream Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up this Vegan Banoffee Ice Cream Recipe is like inviting a little sunshine into your day. It’s creamy, sweet, and bursting with luscious caramelized banana and salted caramel flavors that feel like a decadent hug. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such a stunning plant-based dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds. Happy scooping!
Print
Vegan Banoffee Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Banoffee Ice Cream is a luscious, dairy-free treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with rich coconut-based ingredients and salted caramel sauce. Perfect for a creamy, plant-based dessert, it offers the beloved flavors of banoffee pie transformed into a smooth, refreshing ice cream that can be enjoyed all year round.
Ingredients
Banana Base
- 4 medium ripe bananas
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil of choice (or vegan butter)
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed coconut milk (from the 11.25 oz portion)
Ice Cream Mixture
- 11.25 oz Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk (e.g., Nature’s Charm)
- 14 oz Coconut Custard (store-bought like Nature’s Charm or homemade)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Salted Caramel Sauce
- 7 oz Salted Caramel Sauce (e.g., Nature’s Charm)
Instructions
- Prepare Bananas: Peel the bananas and slice them into coin-shaped pieces for even cooking.
- Caramelize Bananas: Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the banana slices along with about one tablespoon of sweetened condensed coconut milk. Cook for 3-4 minutes, tossing continuously until bananas are lightly caramelized without burning.
- Blend Mixture: Combine the caramelized bananas, the remaining sweetened condensed coconut milk, coconut custard, and vanilla extract in a blender. Blend for about one minute until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Churn Ice Cream: Pour the blended mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually for 30-40 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Incorporate Salted Caramel: Turn off the ice cream maker and gently fold in about two-thirds of the salted caramel sauce to infuse the ice cream with rich, caramel flavor.
- Freeze Ice Cream: Transfer the churned ice cream into a loaf pan lined with parchment paper. Swirl the remaining salted caramel sauce over the top for added taste and decoration. Cover the pan and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Serve: Remove the ice cream from the freezer about 15 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly for optimal texture. Scoop and enjoy your vegan banoffee ice cream!
Notes
- Using ripe bananas ensures natural sweetness and smooth texture.
- You can substitute the cooking oil with vegan butter for a richer taste.
- If a store-bought coconut custard is unavailable, homemade coconut custard can be used as a substitute.
- The salted caramel sauce adds a nice balance to the sweetness; you may adjust the amount to your preference.
- For easier scooping, let the ice cream thaw slightly before serving.
- This recipe requires an ice cream maker; alternatively, you can freeze the mixture and stir every 30 minutes to reduce ice crystals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Vegan
