Recipe: Layered Berry Vanilla Soft Serve

On a hot summer day, few things taste as good as ice cream. But dairy can be heavy and hard to digest—which is why I recommend swapping out traditional ice cream for one made with a banana base. Bananas offer a creamy consistency that satisfies any frozen treat craving, and they're chock full of nutrients (without any added sugars). Enjoy this treat for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert!

This recipe goes above and beyond by incorporating summer fruit and an extra serving of fun. Enjoy!

Serves 3

What You'll Need:

• 3-4 medium-large bananas
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup frozen or fresh strawberries
• 1/2 cup frozen or fresh blackberries

What to Do:

1. Peel and chop the bananas, one at a time.
2. Place each banana in its own zip-lock bag, making three bags total. Place in the freezer and freeze overnight.
3. Remove bananas from the freezer and let them thaw for 15 minutes.
4. With a food processor or powerful blender, add the banana pieces from one bag. Blend with vanilla extract and 1/3 cup water until smooth and thick. 
5. Scoop an equal amount into the bottom of three individual serving dishes. 
6. Rinse the blender or food processor container before blending the next layer. 
7. Next, add another bag of frozen banana pieces, along with strawberries, to the blender or food processor. If they are fresh, do not add additional water. If they are frozen, add 1/4 cup water. Blend until smooth. 
8. Distribute evenly among the three serving dishes to complete the second layer. 
9. Rinse the food processor or blender.
10. For the last layer, add the blueberries and blackberries to the blender or food processor. If the blueberries are frozen, add 1/4 cup water. If not, don't add the water. Blend until smooth.
11. Distribute evenly among the three serving dishes to top off the final layer. 
12. Serve immediately.