Name: Banana Caramel Ice Cream Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas; 1 cup heavy cream; 14 oz sweetened condensed milk; 1/2 cup caramel sauce; 1 tsp vanilla extract; A pinch of salt

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This Banana Caramel Ice Cream is a creamy, luscious treat made from ripe bananas blended with rich caramel and sweetened condensed milk. It’s smooth, naturally sweet, and perfect for anyone who loves the combination of fruity and caramel flavors in a frozen dessert.

Banana Caramel Ice Cream Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly simple yet yields a luxurious ice cream that tastes like it took hours to make. The natural sweetness of the bananas pairs perfectly with the rich caramel sauce, and the sweetened condensed milk creates a creamy, velvety texture without needing an egg custard base. Plus, using an ice cream maker makes the process easy and fun. It’s a great way to enjoy a homemade dessert that feels indulgent but isn’t complicated.

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas
1 cup heavy cream
14 oz sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Start by mashing the ripe bananas in a mixing bowl until smooth.
In another bowl, mix together the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well combined.
Gently fold the mashed bananas into this creamy mixture until everything is fully blended.
Pour the luscious mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Transfer the mixture into a container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
When ready, scoop out and enjoy your delightful homemade banana caramel ice cream!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 to 6 servings. Preparation takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes, plus about 20-30 minutes for churning in the ice cream maker, and at least 4 hours for freezing.

Variations

I like to experiment with this recipe by adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for some crunch. Swirling in extra caramel sauce before freezing creates a rich ribbon of flavor. For a chocolate twist, mixing in mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate can be delightful. You could also swap out the caramel sauce for dulce de leche for a slightly different caramel flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It stays best for up to 2 weeks. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping. I never recommend reheating ice cream, but if it hardens too much, just allow it to thaw naturally.

FAQs

Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?

I’ve tried this by freezing the mixture in a shallow container and stirring every 30 minutes until frozen. It works, but the texture won’t be as smooth as with an ice cream maker.

Can I use frozen bananas instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen bananas work well and can even help speed up the chilling process. Just thaw them a bit before mashing.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

I’ve swapped heavy cream with coconut cream and used a dairy-free caramel sauce, and it turned out tasty, though the flavor will have a slight coconut note.

How long can I store this ice cream in the freezer?

I find it best when eaten within two weeks. After that, it can develop ice crystals and lose some creaminess.

Can I add other fruits to this recipe?

Absolutely! I like adding berries or diced mango for a fruity twist, just be sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly.

Conclusion

I find this Banana Caramel Ice Cream recipe to be a wonderful way to enjoy a homemade frozen treat that’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to make. It combines the natural sweetness of bananas with rich caramel and a smooth texture that’s hard to beat. Whether it’s for a summer day or a cozy dessert night, this recipe always satisfies my craving for something sweet and refreshing.