Cuisinart Banana Ice Cream Recipe

Making my Cuisinart Banana Ice Cream Recipe brings me so much joy every time. Banana ice cream is creamy, sweet, and tastes just like fresh bananas — but colder and better!

I use my Cuisinart ice cream maker because it makes everything simple. The clear lid lets me watch my ice cream freeze and I can toss in nuts or chocolate chips without stopping the machine.

You don’t need to buy store ice cream when you can make this tasty treat at home. It’s easy, fun, and you know exactly what’s in it.

Give this recipe a try and see how simple it is to use your Cuisinart for homemade ice cream. Need help choosing one? Take a look at my guide for the Cuisinart Protein Ice Cream Recipe too!

Why You Love This Cuisinart Banana Ice Cream

This Cuisinart Banana Ice Cream Recipe is a total winner, and here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

1. Super Creamy: The Cuisinart machine churns it to a perfect, smooth texture.
2. Easy to Make: No fancy skills needed—just mix and freeze!
3. Banana Bliss: Ripe bananas give it a natural sweetness that’s hard to resist.
4. Kid-Friendly: Kids go crazy for this sweet, fruity treat.
5. Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or a swirl of caramel for extra fun.

I can’t get enough of this ice cream because it’s so simple and tastes like a dream. The Cuisinart ice cream maker does all the hard work, turning basic ingredients into a creamy dessert in no time.

Cuisinart Banana Ice Cream Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this yummy Cuisinart Banana Ice Cream Recipe. I’ll break down each ingredient so you know exactly why it’s there and how to pick the best ones.

• Ripe Bananas (3 large, about 1½ cups mashed): Bananas are the star of this recipe! Use ripe ones with brown spots—they’re sweeter and softer, perfect for blending into a creamy base. Peel and mash them until smooth before adding to the mix. Fresh bananas give the ice cream a natural, fruity flavor.
• Heavy Cream (2 cups): Heavy cream makes the ice cream rich and smooth. Look for heavy whipping cream at the store with at least 36% fat for the creamiest texture. Keep it cold until you’re ready to use it to help the ice cream set well.
• Whole Milk (1 cup): Whole milk adds a lighter touch to balance the heavy cream. It helps make the ice cream scoopable and not too heavy. Use full-fat milk for the best results, as low-fat milk can make it icy.
• Granulated Sugar (¾ cup): Sugar sweetens the ice cream and helps it stay soft in the freezer. Regular white sugar works great because it dissolves easily. Stir it well to make sure it mixes evenly with the other ingredients.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla adds a warm, cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with bananas. Use pure vanilla extract, not the imitation kind, for a better taste. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it!
• Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Lemon juice keeps the bananas from turning brown and adds a tiny zing to brighten the flavor. Freshly squeezed is best, but bottled works fine too. Just don’t skip it—it makes a difference!

Helpful Swaps

If you’re missing something or want to mix things up, here are some easy swaps for the Cuisinart Banana Ice Cream Recipe:

• No Heavy Cream? Use half-and-half instead, but it might be a bit less rich.
• Out of Whole Milk? Try 2% milk, though the texture could be slightly icier.
• Sugar Swap: Swap granulated sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness. Use ½ cup since they’re sweeter.
• No Lemon Juice? Try lime juice or a pinch of citric acid to keep the bananas fresh.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and coconut milk instead of whole milk for a vegan version.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this Cuisinart Banana Ice Cream Recipe, you’ll need a few simple tools. Don’t worry—they’re all easy to find in most kitchens!

1. Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker: This is the star of the show! It churns the mixture into creamy ice cream. Make sure the freezer bowl is frozen solid (16–24 hours in the freezer) before you start.
2. Blender or Food Processor: To mash the bananas into a smooth puree. A fork works too if you don’t mind a few lumps.
3. Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl to mix all the ingredients together.
4. Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure out the cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla accurately.
5. Spatula: To scrape the mixture into the ice cream maker and later into a container.
6. Airtight Container: For storing the ice cream in the freezer after churning.
7. Whisk or Spoon: To stir the ingredients until the sugar dissolves.

How to Make Cuisinart Banana Ice Cream

Now, let’s get to the fun part—making your Cuisinart Banana Ice Cream Recipe! I’ve broken this down into simple steps so even beginners can follow along. Trust me, I’ve made this tons of times, and it’s so easy!

Step 1 | Freeze the Bowl

Put the Cuisinart freezer bowl in the freezer for 16–24 hours. I keep mine in the freezer all the time so it’s ready to go. Shake it to make sure you don’t hear liquid sloshing—that means it’s frozen solid.

Step 2 | Mash the Bananas

Peel your 3 ripe bananas and mash them in a blender, food processor, or with a fork. You want about 1½ cups of smooth banana puree. I love how the sweet banana smell fills the kitchen!

Step 3 | Mix the Base

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, ¾ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Keep stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.

Step 4 | Chill the Mixture

Pop the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes to get it nice and cold. This helps it freeze faster in the machine.

Step 5 | Set Up the Cuisinart

Take the frozen bowl out of the freezer and place it on the Cuisinart base. Add the mixing paddle and lock the lid in place. Turn the machine on by flipping the On/Off switch.

Step 6 | Churn the Ice Cream

Pour the chilled mixture through the ingredient spout while the machine is running. Let it churn for 15–20 minutes. You’ll see it thicken up and look like soft-serve ice cream. I always sneak a peek through the clear lid—it’s so cool to watch!

Step 7 | Check the Texture

When it’s thick and creamy, it’s done! If you want firmer ice cream, scoop it into an airtight container and freeze for 2–3 hours.

Step 8 | Serve or Store

Scoop it right away for soft-serve texture or freeze it for a scoopable treat. I love eating a small bowl while it’s still soft—it’s so creamy!

Recipe Tips for Success

Here are some quick tips to make your Cuisinart Banana Ice Cream Recipe turn out perfect every time:

• Use Ripe Bananas: Brown, spotty bananas are sweeter and blend better.
• Freeze the Bowl Well: A fully frozen bowl (no sloshing sounds) makes creamier ice cream.
• Don’t Overfill: Stick to 1½ quarts or less to avoid spills in the machine.
• Taste the Mix: Before churning, taste the mixture and adjust sugar if needed.
• Clean the Bowl: Wash and dry the freezer bowl after use to keep it in great shape.
• Add Mix-Ins: Toss in chocolate chips or nuts through the spout in the last 5 minutes of churning.

Cuisinart Banana Ice Cream Serving Suggestions

This Cuisinart Banana Ice Cream Recipe is so versatile, you can serve it in tons of fun ways! Here are some ideas to make it extra special:

1. Classic Bowl: Scoop into a bowl and top with whipped cream and a cherry.
2. Banana Split: Add a scoop with chocolate and strawberry ice cream, drizzle with chocolate sauce, and add sprinkles.
3. Waffle Cone: Serve in a crunchy waffle cone for a classic ice cream shop vibe.
4. Smoothie Bowl: Blend with milk and top with granola and fresh fruit for a fun breakfast.
5. Dessert Topping: Add a scoop on top of warm brownies or banana bread.

How to Store Cuisinart Banana Ice Cream

Storing your Cuisinart Banana Ice Cream Recipe is easy, but you need to do it right to keep it creamy and fresh. Scoop the finished ice cream into an airtight, freezer-safe container.

Don’t store it in the freezer bowl—it can stick and damage the bowl. Press a piece of plastic wrap on the surface before sealing the lid to prevent ice crystals.

Store it in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. For the best texture, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping. I always make a big batch because it’s so good, but it never lasts long in my house!

Cuisinart Banana Ice Cream Recipe FAQs

1. Can I make this without a Cuisinart ice cream maker?

Yes, you can! Blend the ingredients, pour them into a freezer-safe container, and freeze for 4–6 hours. Stir every 30 minutes with a fork to break up ice crystals. It won’t be as creamy as using a Cuisinart, but it still tastes great. The Cuisinart machine makes it smoother and faster, so I love using it for the best results.

2. Can I use frozen bananas?

Absolutely! Frozen bananas work well, especially if you have extras lying around. Thaw them slightly before mashing to make blending easier. They’re just as sweet and give the same great flavor. I sometimes freeze overripe bananas just for this recipe—it’s a great way to save them!

3. Can I add other flavors?

Yes! Try mixing in ½ cup of peanut butter or chocolate chips during the last 5 minutes of churning. You can also swirl in caramel sauce after churning for a fun twist. I love adding chocolate chips—it’s like a banana-chocolate party in every bite!

4. Why is my ice cream too soft?

If it’s too soft, the freezer bowl might not be cold enough, or the mixture wasn’t chilled before churning. Freeze the bowl for at least 16 hours and chill the mixture for 30 minutes. You can also freeze the ice cream for 2–3 hours after churning for a firmer texture.

5. How long does it take to churn?

Churning takes about 15–20 minutes in the Cuisinart ice cream maker. The mixture will look thick and creamy, like soft-serve, when it’s done. If you want it firmer, pop it in the freezer for a couple of hours. I love watching it transform in the machine!

Did you make this Cuisinart Banana Ice Cream Recipe? Please leave a ⭐ rating and review!