Banana Pudding Ice Cream

4 servings Prep: 20 m Cook: PT0M Total: 24 h 20 m Beginner
Banana Pudding Ice Cream
Banana pudding became a beloved Southern dessert that Louisiana cooks elevated with local touches. The layered dessert with vanilla wafers, custard, and fresh bananas represented comfort food at its finest, often served at church gatherings and family reunions throughout the South. Louisiana’s version often included a touch of rum or bourbon, and the abundance of bananas from nearby plantations made this dessert both accessible and special for celebrations.

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups vanilla protein shake or whole milk
  • 1/4 tsp xanthan gum
  • 1/2 tbsp sugar + 1 tbsp monk fruit/erythritol
  • 1 large ripe banana, mashed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup vanilla wafer crumbs (for mix-in)
  • 1/4 cup banana chips, crushed (for mix-in)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Mix sweetener blend and xanthan gum in pint container.
  2. Blend protein shake (or milk) with vanilla extract, cream cheese, and mashed banana until smooth.
  3. Freeze for 24 hours minimum until completely solid.
  4. Process on LITE ICE CREAM setting. If needed, add 1-2 tbsp liquid and re-spin.
  5. Mix-in wafer crumbs and banana chips during final processing.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my ice cream too icy instead of creamy?

A: Make sure you're using the full-fat protein shake or whole milk - the fat content is important for creaminess. The xanthan gum helps prevent ice crystals, so don't skip it. Also ensure your mixture is completely frozen solid before processing.

Q: Can I make this without an ice cream maker?

A: This recipe is designed for the Ninja Creami or similar ice cream processor. Traditional churning methods would require different ratios of ingredients, particularly more fat and sugar for proper texture.

Tips and Techniques

Crush those banana chips just before adding - they’ll stay nice and crispy and give you that authentic banana pudding texture!

Ingredient Substitutions

  • vanilla protein shake: whole milk or half-and-half
  • monk fruit/erythritol: additional sugar
  • banana chips: additional vanilla wafer crumbs

Equipment Needed

  • Ninja Creami or similar ice cream processor
  • Blender
  • Pint-sized freezer-safe container

Historical Context

Banana pudding became a beloved Southern dessert that Louisiana cooks elevated with local touches. The layered dessert with vanilla wafers, custard, and fresh bananas represented comfort food at its finest, often served at church gatherings and family reunions throughout the South. Louisiana’s version often included a touch of rum or bourbon, and the abundance of bananas from nearby plantations made this dessert both accessible and special for celebrations.