On Saturday night, I made a batch of banana soft serve for friends. I watched as their eyes widened in amazement as a few cups of brown, frosty banana chunks turned into a pale yellow, super creamy bowl of deliciousness. I listened to them “ooooh” and “aaaah” as they took their first bite of the sweet, refreshing dessert. And of course, to their repeated exclamations of “you’re sure that’s only banana?” I responded, “yes. Yes, it is.”
Banana soft serve is my number one summer dessert. I’ve written about it here (the original post), here (variations), and here (a new version with matcha green tea powder). Every single time I write about it, someone asks me if I have a version one can make without bananas. Until now, I haven’t quite known what to say. This week, I got to experimenting with a banana-less soft serve, and I think I have a good start–this creamy, subtle peach, green tea, and avocado soft serve.
OK, I’ll be honest. This isn’t quite as perfect a replication of soft serve texture as the banana version. But it’s not bad–not bad at all–thanks to the creamy avocado. I’d say it’s someplace in between an ice cream and a thick, fluffy smoothie.
I love the way peach and green tea work together here; that was inspired by one of my favorite summertime iced teas. This ice cream is only subtly sweet, so if you like things on the sweeter side, I’d say you should definitely add the maple syrup that’s offered in the recipe. But if you’re looking for something refreshing with just a hint of sweetness, I think you’ll love this. Banana soft serve is quite sweet indeed, so this is a very nice contrast!
For me, the Vitamix worked better than the food processor for this recipe, but you can definitely go either way. My next project is going to be a mango version — yum!
If you’re digging this recipe or my matcha banana soft serve, check out my blueberry ginger ice cream from last summer–it was a big hit, and is still one of my top favorites, ever.
I’ll be back here with a special product review tomorrow (accompanied by a classic vegan lunchtime recipe). Till soon,
xo
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Dont be upset but, Isnt this just a smoothie? :/
This looks delicious- and so good for you! Love the antioxidants and vitamins you’ll get with this sweet treat. Sharing this with our patients.
This is such a unique combo Gena. Sounds delish! I’ve got a box of local peaches ripening at this very moment so I’ll have to give this a try. The mango version sounds yummy too!!
Great idea! I make “soft serve” often with just pumpkin puree, almond milk, and a little stevia. I mix and freeze the pumpkin/almond milk for a few hours, then blend it in a blender when its frozen and it turns out very ice-cream like!
I’m so excited about this! I have the most bizarre allergy to bananas ๐ and have been tortured by all the delicious banana-based soft serve and smoothie recipes. I’m very excited for this! Thanks ๐
I hope you love it! Mango is coming soon ๐
Mmmm this sounds very nice & refreshing! I’m quite interested in a mango soft serve – that sounds delicious =)
Sounds amazing! What a brilliant flavor combo!
This is such an interesting flavor combination, Gena! Thanks for sharing. One of my favorite ways to do soft serve is to blend a ripe, unfrozen banana with frozen fruit of any kind. I’ve done mixed berries, mango and pineapple, cherries, and peaches, and every variation always hits the spot.
How about using the avocado frozen to get a thicker, creamier texture?
It freezers well, and has a more neutral taste that way.
E
welp. gonna be on this stat. i’m not a huge banana fan but i do love soft serve..and stone fruits….and matcha. ok. got it. on my way to summer cool down nirvana ๐
This looks like pea baby food, but it sounds delicious! Haha. A mango version sounds great too. I used to use frozen mango in all my green smoothies. (Used to, because I actually haven’t made one in forever! Or soft serve! Boo!)
Oh man. Baby food. It’s so true.
Gena – this looks great!!
Another banana-free version that is delicious and super-smooth, is to freeze really ripe Mango chunks. And blend like you would the banana, with a touch of coconut milk … amazing! (if you like mangos ๐
Sounds like heaven, Nata! Great tip.
I love soft serve, especially the healthier refreshing ones like this. x
The recipe looks easy to follow which is a benefit for someone like me ha. It looks a little like Pea soup but tastes so much nicer.
LOVE that you added matcha powder! It is one of my favorite flavors ๐
This looks fabulous! I need to buy some matcha green tea powder & whip this up.
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All thanks to my friend Kathy!
I made a smoothie from Kathy’s cookbook that used these ingredients- it was delicious!!
Gena, this is a beautiful recipe! I adore matcha, thanks to Kathy from HHL!:) I also love avocado based ice creams:) Peaches are one of the most staple crops here in SC, so this recipe is a must-make for me before summer ends. Thanks for the great recipe! ๐
Kathy has singlehandedly turned us all into Matcha lovers! And rightly so — it’s such a great flavor.
Yum, this looks wonderful. I’ve never tried using avocado in soft serve, but must now. Thanks!