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9 Nice Cream Recipes to Beat the Heat This Summer
Samira Vishwas | July 20, 2026 10:24 AM CST

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Pheobe Hausser, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey.

As temperatures soar, an ice cold scoop of ice cream is the perfect way to beat the heat. These dessert recipes, made with ingredients like banana, ricotta, fruit and natural sweeteners are a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream—all with the same delicious flavors we know and love. Try our super-simple Chocolate-Strawberry Nice Cream or our highly rated 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream for a healthy summer dessert you’ll want again and again.

01 of 09

Chocolate-Strawberry Nice Cream

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel

This dairy- and lactose-free nice cream uses just four simple ingredients to create a tasty dessert. The chocolate-strawberry combination is perfectly balanced with ripe banana for a dessert without added sugars. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt takes the flavor to the next level, but it’s delicious even without it.

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02 of 09

2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream

Credit: Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Kristen Schooley.
Credit: Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Kristen Schooley.

Whir up frozen bananas into an “ice cream” without the cream! Peanut butter adds a natural swirl of flavor for a sweet and satisfying dessert with no added sugar.

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03 of 09

3-Ingredient High-Protein Ice Cream

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Pheobe Hausser, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey.

This easy frozen dessert transforms ricotta cheese, berries and maple syrup into a creamy, scoopable protein-packed delight. It’s a simple way to make ice cream with just three ingredients and minimal prep.

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04 of 09

5-Ingredient Chocolate–Peanut Butter Nice Cream Sandwiches

Credit: Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman
Credit: Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman

“Nice cream” is a nondairy alternative to ice cream that uses frozen bananas whirled in a blender to achieve a creamy texture. Natural peanut butter helps keep the mixture soft and adds a nutty flavor to complement the chocolate. If the mixture becomes too loose to spread, pop it back in the freezer to let it firm up again before continuing.

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05 of 09

Lemon-Blueberry Nice Cream

Credit: Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco and Lexi Juhl
Credit: Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco and Lexi Juhl

Nice cream is for everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions. This dairy- and lactose-free, no-added-sugar version comes together as fast as the blades in your food processor can spin. It’s bright with blueberries and creamy from bananas, making it a simple and easy dessert with a good dose of dietary fiber. How much more can you ask from a delicious frozen summer dessert?

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06 of 09

Orange Creamsicle Nice Cream

Credit: Jen Causey
Credit: Jen Causey

This light and creamy orange creamsicle nice cream uses coconut cream instead of milk or heavy cream to achieve its silky texture. The subtle coconut flavor blends well with the bright acidity from fresh orange juice.

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07 of 09

Chocolate–Peanut Butter Protein Ice Cream

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

Chocolate protein powder adds staying power to this tasty protein ice cream. Maple syrup lends a touch of sweetness, while peanut butter powder provides nuttiness for a flavorful sweet treat. Toppings like cacao nibs and crushed peanuts provide a satisfying crunch.

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08 of 09

Tart Cherry Nice Cream

Credit: Andrea Mathis
Credit: Andrea Mathis

This easy vegan tart cherry nice cream—made from only a few simple ingredients—is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and also deliver a boost of melatonin that may help you get a more restful night’s sleep.

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09 of 09

Pink Lemonade Nice Cream

Sweet, tangy and so refreshing, this is a treat you could enjoy on repeat all summer long. The bananas make it ultra creamy, so it tastes like a cross between sorbet and ice cream. It’s perfect for dessert or a midafternoon snack on a hot day.

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