Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Simplicity at Its Best: With just five ingredients, this recipe requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor.
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Indulgent Yet Guilt-Free: This nice cream offers all the creamy goodness of traditional ice cream but without added sugars or dairy.
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Flavor Explosion: The sweet cherries, rich chocolate chunks, and a hint of vanilla create a perfect balance of flavors.
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Versatile Delight: Customize with other fruits like strawberries or tropical fruits, or add nut butter for an extra creamy texture.
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Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a sunny afternoon or a cozy night in, this treat satisfies your sweet tooth without the guilt.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Base:
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Frozen Cherries – Adds natural sweetness and vibrant flavor. (Substitution: Frozen strawberries for a strawberry version.)
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Frozen Bananas (not super ripe) – Provides creaminess and serves as the base. (Substitution: Ripe bananas for extra sweetness.)
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Unsweetened Coconut Milk – Adds a rich, creamy texture without dairy. (Substitution: Any non-dairy milk of choice.)
For the Flavor:
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Dark Chocolate – Gives a rich, chocolaty taste with a delightful texture. (Substitution: Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar.)
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Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor profile. (Pure vanilla extract is recommended.)
Directions
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Add Ingredients: Place the frozen cherries, coconut milk, vanilla extract, and frozen banana slices into a blender or food processor. Set aside ⅓ cup of cherries for later.
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Blend Smoothly: Blend the mixture and stir every 20 seconds until it becomes smooth and creamy. This may take a few minutes, so be patient!
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Incorporate Reserve Cherries: Once the mixture is smooth, add the reserved cherries and pulse briefly to keep them chunky.
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Mix in Chocolate: Add the dark chocolate chunks and pulse until just combined. Avoid over-blending to maintain texture.
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Chill and Serve: Scoop the nice cream into small cups and place in the freezer for about 15 minutes to enhance texture. Enjoy!
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Optional: Top with extra chocolate chunks or fresh cherries for an added indulgent touch.
Servings and timing
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Freezing Time: 15 minutes (optional)
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Servings: 3 small servings
Variations
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Berry Bliss: Swap frozen cherries with frozen strawberries for a tangy twist.
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Nutty Indulgence: Stir in a scoop of almond or peanut butter for added richness and flavor.
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Choco-Mint Magic: Add peppermint extract for a cool, minty flavor that complements the cherries and chocolate.
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Tropical Twist: Use frozen pineapple instead of cherries for a tropical nice cream.
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Protein Boost: Add vegan protein powder for an extra nutrient punch.
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Spicy Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising kick.
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Creamy Coconut Dream: Use coconut cream for an extra luxurious texture.
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Decadent Layering: Layer nice cream with granola or crushed nuts for extra crunch.
storage/reheating
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Fridge: Store leftover nice cream in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It may lose some creaminess.
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Freezer: For longer storage, keep the nice cream in the freezer for up to a week. Seal it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
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Thawing: If it becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before scooping.
FAQs
What type of cherries should I use for Cherry Garcia Nice Cream?
Frozen cherries work best for this recipe, as they provide natural sweetness and vibrant flavor. You can substitute them with frozen strawberries for a strawberry version.
How can I store leftovers of Cherry Garcia Nice Cream?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. Let it thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes for easier scooping.
Can I freeze this nice cream? If so, how?
Yes! Scoop the nice cream into a well-sealed container and freeze for up to a week. Let it thaw for 15-20 minutes before serving for a creamy texture.
What if my nice cream turns out too soft?
If the mixture is too soft, add more frozen bananas to the blend to thicken it. This will help you achieve that creamy, ice cream-like texture.
Are there any dietary considerations for Cherry Garcia Nice Cream?
Yes, this treat is vegan and dairy-free, making it suitable for those with dairy allergies or following a plant-based diet. Just check that your chocolate is dairy-free.
Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?
Absolutely! You can replace cherries with strawberries, raspberries, or any other fruit you prefer. The recipe is quite adaptable.
How can I make this nice cream even creamier?
If you want an even creamier consistency, consider adding coconut cream or mixing in a bit of almond butter or nut butter of your choice.
How should I serve Cherry Garcia Nice Cream?
Serve it in small bowls or cups, and feel free to top with extra chocolate chunks, fresh cherries, or granola for added texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the base (cherries, bananas, and coconut milk) ahead of time and store it in the freezer. Just blend in the chocolate and cherries when ready to serve.
How long does it take to make Cherry Garcia Nice Cream?
The prep time is around 10 minutes, and freezing the nice cream for a few minutes enhances the texture. In total, it’s ready in about 25 minutes.
Conclusion
Cherry Garcia Nice Cream is the perfect dessert for anyone craving something sweet, creamy, and vegan-friendly. With its rich flavor from cherries and dark chocolate, it offers a refreshing and guilt-free indulgence. Whether you’re cooling off on a hot day or treating yourself to a healthy dessert, this nice cream is bound to become your go-to treat. Plus, with endless variations to try, there’s no limit to how you can make it your own!
Cherry Garcia Nice Cream (Vegan)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: undefined
Description
Cherry Garcia Nice Cream is a creamy, dairy-free dessert made from frozen cherries, bananas, and dark chocolate. It’s a refreshing, guilt-free treat that’s perfect for hot summer days or anytime you crave something sweet and indulgent.
Ingredients
Frozen cherries (for base and reserve)
Frozen bananas (not overly ripe)
Unsweetened coconut milk (or non-dairy milk of choice)
Dark chocolate (chopped or chocolate chips)
Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add frozen cherries, coconut milk, vanilla extract, and frozen banana slices to a blender or food processor. Set aside ⅓ cup of cherries for later.
- Blend the mixture, stirring every 20 seconds, until smooth and creamy (this may take a few minutes).
- Add the reserved cherries and pulse briefly to keep them chunky.
- Mix in chocolate chunks and pulse until just combined.
- Scoop the nice cream into small cups and freeze for about 15 minutes to enhance texture.
- Optionally, top with extra chocolate chunks or fresh cherries and serve immediately.
Notes
Berry Bliss: Swap cherries for frozen strawberries for a tangy twist.
Nutty Indulgence: Add almond or peanut butter for added richness.
Choco-Mint Magic: Add peppermint extract for a cool flavor.
Tropical Twist: Replace cherries with frozen pineapple for a tropical version.
Protein Boost: Add vegan protein powder for extra nutrition.
Spicy Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising kick.
Creamy Coconut Dream: Use coconut cream for a richer texture.
Decadent Layering: Layer with granola or crushed nuts for crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending and Freezing
- Cuisine: Vegan, Dairy-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 small serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
