Vegan Banana Coconut Ice Cream Food

VEGAN BANANA-COCONUT ICE CREAM (SOY-FREE)

Steps:

• Place all ingredients except shredded coconut and carob chips in blender or food processor. Puree, scraping sides occasionally, until uniform.
• If you used frozen bananas, pour the mixture directly into the frozen cannister of a 1-quart ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's directions.
• If you used room-temperature bananas, chill the mixture in your refrigerator for at least a few hours before pouring into the frozen cannister.
• If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the mixture and then puree it again in your food processor, but it won't be as creamy.
• If using shredded coconut and/or carob/chocolate chips, add them to the ice cream maker in the last 5-10 minutes.
• Enjoy, and store leftovers in the freezer.

VEGAN BANANA ICE CREAM

Steps:

• If using fresh bananas, peel, then arrange in a single layer on a large plate or parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Freeze until firm, at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
• Purée frozen bananas in a food processor, scraping bowl as needed, until creamy, 6-8 minutes. Divide ice cream among serving bowls, or freeze in an airtight container at least 2 hours before scooping and serving.
• Do Ahead
• Bananas can be frozen up to 3 months ahead.

VEGAN ROASTED BANANA ICE CREAM

Steps:

• To make the cashew milk, place the cashews in a large bowl and add water to cover by a couple of inches. Soak cashews overnight.
• In the morning, drain the cashews and place them in a blender with about 1 3/4 cups (375 grams) fresh water. Blend until smooth. If you use a Vitamix, there will be no need to strain - the milk will be perfectly smooth; for other blenders, check the consistency and, if necessary, strain the cashew milk through a fine-mesh strainer. Cashew milk will keep well, covered and refrigerated, for up to 4 days.
• To roast the bananas, heat the oven to 400 degrees with a rack in the middle. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss the bananas, 2 tablespoons/27 grams coconut oil, brown sugar and pinch of salt. Spread on prepared baking sheet and bake until caramelized, about 15 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool completely.
• Put 1/4 cup water into a small saucepan over medium to low heat. Add sugar and cook, stirring frequently, until sugar has dissolved. Add cocoa butter, remaining 4 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons/63 grams coconut oil and remaining salt. Stir until melted.
• Pour the sugar mixture into in a food processor (or use a tall 2-quart container and an immersion blender), and add the coconut milk and 1 cup/212 grams cashew milk. Blend until smooth. Add roasted bananas and blend again to combine until very smooth. Cover and refrigerate the ice cream base until chilled, 1 to 2 hours.
• Freeze in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions. In the last minute of churning, add toasted walnuts, if desired, and churn until incorporated. Transfer the ice cream to a storage container and freeze up to 7 days. Alternatively, you can serve it immediately. It will be the consistency of soft-serve.