Summer is so officially here in Seattle. It is NICE here. Like nicer than I can remember just about ever. We all joke (although it’s not funny) that it isn’t Summer here until July 5th, and frankly June usually is so blech and gray. But not this year. This year, we are the poster children for Global warming.
As far as my Iphone says, it it nothing but hot sunny days for as far as we can see (which, of course, is 10 days out)- and we will take it! We grilled all weekend and I made homemade marshmallows for Pia from Beet sugar that we toasted into a gooey oblivion. That was the first time that Pia had had a marshmallow in a year and half. She was SO excited!!! And they were awesome. Pete even went down and got the girls special fancy marshmallow toasting sticks
One of the other highlights of a wonderful weekend was this incredible ice cream cake the girls helped me make. A month ago, Coco got to help choose the flavor for this ice cream and they both agreed on these pops, so Pia got to choose what she wanted to have, and she said she wanted an ice cream dessert with banana and chocolate. I am pretty sure that I did her one better!
This has a no-bake crunchy chocolate cookie-esque crust, a thick layer of silken chocolate banana ice cream, and then sweet banana, a drizzle of chocolate and crunchy toasted almonds. A little of everything good which make up the best!
Recipe: Chocolate Banana Ice Cream Cake- Vegan & Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Chocolate Banana Ice Cream:
- 2 cans coconut cream
- 1 cup sugar (I used beet sugar)
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup smashed banana
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- ½ cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- Crust:
- 2 cups toasted cashews
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups medjool dates, pitted
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 bananas, cut into slices
- 4 ounces vegan chocolate chips
- ½ cup toasted slivered almonds
Instructions
- For the Crust:
- In the bowl of a food processor, combine all of the crust ingredients. Pulse until you have a well combined crust that presses easily together with your fingers.
- Line a 10 inch springform pan with wax or parchment paper. Press the crust evenly into the bottom of the springform pan. Place in the freezer.
- For the Ice Cream:
- In a medium sauce pan over medium heat combine the cream, sugar, cocoa powder, smashed banana, vanilla and kosher salt. Whisk over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until the sugar has dissolved and the cocoa is completely mixed into the coconut cream.
- In a small Tupperware or mason jar, combine the cold coconut milk and corn starch and shake really well.
- Pour the cornstarch combination into the sauce pan while stirring over medium heat. Continue to cook and stir over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Take the mixture off of the stove top and pour it into a bowl.
- Let it cool until it is room temperature and then refrigerate for at least an hour.
- Pour into a prepared ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturers directions (this will usually take about 15-20 minutes). It will be soft serve consistency.
- Pour the ice cream over the top of the frozen crust and spread it out evenly with an offset spatula. Place in the freezer and freeze at least 4 hours.
- Remove the cake from the freezer and place the freshly sliced bananas on the top in concentric circles.
- Melt the chocolate in the microwave for about 30 seconds and stir until smooth. Drizzle the chocolate over the top of the bananas and then sprinkle with the toasted slivered almonds. Slice and serve or put it in the freezer until ready to serve. You can store this in the freezer for weeks.
Preparation time: 30 minute(s) plus freezing time!
Cooking time: 10 minute(s)
Number of servings (yield): 12
This is such a show-stopping dessert. I love a good ice cream cake in summer!
Yummy! And looks even yummier! (is that a word?) But it rhymes with Summer! Happy Summer!
I am ALL about the ice cream cake in the summer, love it Heather!
Summer is officially here too! It’s supposed to hit 97 here on Friday. YIKES!! I need to cool off with this ice cream cake…clearly!!
Looks divine! How much cornstarch?
Thanks Beth!!! It was 3 TBS- I fixed the typo.
This cake is so beautiful and I really want to have one bite. I think banana and chocolate will be a great taste and it looks so delicious 🙂
That looks so nice and cool and good!
Chocolate and banana is my passion. This looks amazing!
Great vegan gluten free option!
Looks amazing…I need this on the hot summer day!
Think I’ll make this for our July 4th party!!!
It looks gorgeous can’t wait to try…happy feasting!
my daughter loved it so will try it once in every month 🙂
This cake looks like a piece of Heaven and I’m sure it tastes great too. The fact that it’s gluten free is a huge advantage too.
Um! So delicious! It looks crunchy and soft and cool at the same time! I can even feel banana and chocolate taste on my tongue right now! I cannot wait to try it myself. I have gluten allergy so this cake is perfect for me. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful recipe!
Weeell, I think i found the perfect birthday cake for my bff! 🙂
great Lydia!
In the food processor or blender, add 2 frozen bananas, 1/4 cup coconut cream, cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. I’m excited to announce a month of healthy recipes for Pureharvest*, starting with this gorgeous Chocolate Banana “Nice Cream” Cake.