Low Calorie Ice Cream

This low calorie ice cream clocks in at under 50 calories per serving and needs just 2 ingredients! No sugar and no dairy needed, it’s low in fat but full of flavor! 

Craving frozen desserts but on a diet? Don’t leave your cravings lingering and instead, make a batch of this homemade low cal ice cream.

Just like my protein ice cream and sugar free ice cream, you can make this in minutes and it is so much better than store bought!

Why you’ll love this recipe

• 50 calories a serving. This is a low cal dessert for a reason and with such low calories per scoop, have an extra one or two! 
• Just 2 ingredients. All you need is frozen bananas and cocoa powder. 
• No ice cream maker needed. Everything is blended together in a blender or food processor. 
• Dairy free. Without any cream or butter, this recipe is naturally dairy free! 

Can we just lament on how good the texture is? It is extra smooth and creamy, and it melts in your mouth. It’s pleasantly sweet and with a very subtle banana flavor, but can easily be masked with more cocoa powder. 

What I love about this low cal ice cream is just how many flavor options there are- Simple switch up the fruits used and you’ll have plenty of other ice cream flavors!

Ingredients needed

As mentioned earlier, this recipe needs just 2 ingredients to make. Obviously, this will increase if you add mix-ins or use different fruits, but as a baseline, here is what you’ll need:

• Bananas– Frozen and chopped bananas. 
• Cocoa powder– Unsweetened cocoa powder or dark cocoa powder. 

How to make low calorie ice cream

This recipe follows a simple 2-step process and honestly, the hard part is waiting for the ice cream to set but I promise you, the results will be worth it.

Step 1- Make the ice cream

In a high speed blender or food processor, add your chopped bananas and blend until thick and creamy. Add in the cocoa powder and blend once more.

Step 2- Let it freeze

Transfer the ice cream into a freezer friendly container or loaf pan. Place in the freezer for at least two hours, to firm up.

When ready to enjoy, remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before scooping and serving. 

Tips to make the best recipe

• If your ice cream is too chunky, add some unsweetened almond or coconut milk to get it moving.
• For a soft serve consistency, you don’t need to freeze it once it has been blended. 
• This low calorie ice cream isn’t overly sweet, relying on the bananas for sweetness. If you prefer a sweetener ice cream, add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar free maple syrup or chocolate syrup.

Flavor variations

While this ice cream tastes delicious on its own, here are some fun flavors for variety!

• Strawberry– Add 1/2 cup of frozen strawberries. Omit the cocoa powder if you don’t want any chocolate flavor. 
• Acai– Omit the cocoa powder and add 1 packet (1/2 cup) of frozen acai berry puree. 
• Cookie dough– Fold through 1/2 cup of crumbled healthy cookie dough into the blended ice cream.
• Peanut butter– 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter or powdered peanut butter. 
• Mint chocolate chip– Omit the cocoa powder and add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract and 1 tablespoon of sugar free chocolate chips.

Storing and serving low cal ice cream

• To store: Like any ice cream, this should always be stored in the freezer, covered. Be sure the container is freezer friendly to ensure it does not get freezer burns. The ice cream will keep well for up to 1 month.
• To serve: Let the ice cream thaw for 15 minutes before serving. 

More low calorie recipes to try

• Cereal
• Cookies
• Peanut butter
• Pancakes
• Candy

Frequently Asked Questions