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Chocolate Nice Cream – ice cream healthy enough for breakfast? That’s right! This dairy free treat is packed with protein and healthy ingredients, zero sugar, and made in your food processor!
Ice cream that’s healthy enough for breakfast? You got it! Sometimes, toast or cereal just won’t do. Sometimes, I crave something a little more fun. This Chocolate Nice Cream Breakfast Parfait is loaded with nutritious ingredients, packed with protein and fiber, cool and creamy, and just what you need to start your day off on the right foot. And you definitely don’t need an ice cream maker for this healthy treat! It’s all made with the ease of your food processor. Ready to dig in?
What is Chocolate Nice Cream?
If you haven’t heard of nice cream, it’s time to learn. You will not be disappointed! This vegan ice cream is made from frozen bananas. That’s it, just bananas. You can add all sorts of flavors, but the base is just frozen bananas whirred around in your food processor until smooth. The texture is like soft serve and it’s divine! In this chocolate version, I’ve added cocoa powder, peanut butter and protein powder for some added oomph.
Why Protein Powder?
I have been working out a lot lately. In fact, I’ve even hired a personal trainer and have been working with him twice a week as well as hitting up some group classes on other days. I’ve always been active, but I’ve lifted more weights in the last 4 weeks than I probably have in the last 10 years. Protein is important for muscle recovery. I work out in the mornings and don’t like to eat a lot beforehand. So, I’ve been eating something light and then coming home afterwards and indulging in this little treat. Sure, you could add some protein powder to a smoothie – and while that’s delicious too – this chocolate nice cream feels like a much deserved reward for working so hard.
Who is Sunwarrior?
Sunwarrior is a health-conscious company making protein powders and supplements with the best all natural plant based foods. Their products are always free of GMO’s, gluten, soy, yeast, added sugar, artifical colors, flavors and preservatives.
In this Chocolate Nice Cream Breakfast Parfait recipe I used Sunwarriors’s Classic Plus in Chocolate. In addition to all the goodness mentioned above, this particular blend is also certified organic, raw, sprouted and fermented. It’s made from quinoa, brown rice, peas, amaranth and chia. How’s that for an impressive nutrient profile?
This protein powder is super fine and blends easily and completely. No gritty texture. Besides the chocolate flavor, you can find it in vanilla and natural, as well.
Versatile for Any Time of Day
Not only does this Chocolate Nice Cream Breakfast Parfait make the perfect breakfast or post-workout meal, but it also makes an incredibly delicious dessert that no one would guess is healthy. You can skip the protein powder if you are making it for dessert, or any other time you don’t necessarily need the added protein. Now, having said that, you certainly don’t need to be a working out all the time to enjoy a little protein powder now and then. We don’t all eat perfect diets all the time, so there are many times you might need a protein boost. You know your body best, so listen to it, and always consult a health care professional if you have any concerns.
Of course, my kids won’t let me eat this in peace…they want some too! So, I’ve been doubling the recipe below without the protein powder, scooping some out for them and then adding the protein powder in and processing again for me.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to try some Chocolate Nice Cream for breakfast? You can eat it all by itself if you choose, but since I’ve been using it as my main breakfast, I loaded it up parfait style with fresh banana slices, blueberries, rolled oats and some mini chocolate chips just because.
Chocolate Nice Cream Breakfast Parfait
If you give this recipe a try, please leave me a comment below with your feedback. I’d love to see your amazing pictures too – find me on Instagram and/ or Twitter and be sure to tag @veggie_inspired and #veggieinspired so I don’t miss it. Sunwarrior is also on Instagram, so if you add the protein powder to the Chocolate Nice Cream, tag @sunwarriortribe as well!
- 1 cups frozen banana slices
- 1 tbsp peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter for nut-free)
- 1 scoops protein powder (I used Sunwarrior Classic Plus in Chocolate) (optional)
- 2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp creamy non-dairy milk (optional for thinning a bit) (I used full fat coconut milk. Cashew or almond would be great too)
- Chocolate Nice Cream
- Sliced fresh bananas
- Mini chocolate chips (I like these)
- Raw rolled oats (certified gluten free if necessary)
- Fresh blueberries
- Place frozen bananas, peanut butter, protein powder, cocoa powder, vanilla and non-dairy milk in a food processor and process until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary.
- Use it immediately or place in a bowl in the freezer* for 15-20 minutes to harden up just a bit. (I like it best like soft serve, so I eat it right away)
- Layer the chocolate nice cream with fresh banana slices, raw rolled oats, chocolate chips and blueberries (or whatever else your heart desires).
*You can keep the chocolate nice cream in the freezer, but it does get pretty hard. You will probably need to thaw it out a bit and stir before eating.
~Nutrition facts calculated for the Chocolate N'Ice Cream alone, not with any additional toppings.
More Protein Packed Breakfast Recipes to Love:
Breakfast Tacos with Scrambled Tofu and Roasted Potatoes
Crunchy Quinoa Breakfast Cereal
Gluten Free Buckwheat Pancakes
Sharon Ellis says
08/13/2018 at 6:48 pmWow, this chocolate nice cream recipe is the best version of “nice” cream that I’ve tried so far, very rich and creamy in texture, great chocolate flavor. I’m doubling this recipe the next time, SO good!!
Jenn S. says
08/13/2018 at 8:34 pmThank you, Sharon! So happy to hear you loved it. Ice Cream for breakfast is never a bad thing, right?!
Becky Striepe says
08/25/2016 at 10:58 amI am down with any recipe that allows me to eat ice cream for breakfast!
Jenn S. says
08/25/2016 at 1:04 pmFor real! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day – better make it a good one!! 🙂
Hilary says
08/09/2016 at 8:07 pmLove this recipe! Do you know the dietary facts by chance?
Jenn S. says
08/09/2016 at 10:41 pmHi, Hilary. Thank you! I do not, but there are a number of free online sites where you can plug it in. My Fitness Pal is one that comes to mind off the top of my head.
Eva says
04/22/2016 at 1:51 pmOh my gosh, I had this for breakfast this morning and it was absolutely delicious.
What an ingenious way to start the day. Thank you so much Jenn for making our life a little sweeter (in a healthy way) 🙂
Jenn S. says
04/22/2016 at 2:29 pmThank you so much, Eva! I’m so happy to hear that you loved it. Ice cream for breakfast can’t be wrong, right? 🙂
Vegan Heaven says
04/18/2016 at 1:26 pmChocolate for breakfast? Totally count me in! 🙂 This looks so yummy, Jenn!
Jenn S. says
04/18/2016 at 2:19 pmThanks, Sina! Nothing better than dessert for breakfast!
choclette says
04/18/2016 at 5:34 amCan’t believe I’ve still not made nice cream. I’ve heard so many good things about it. I just never remember to put the bananas in the freezer! Really like the sound of this protein powder too, sprouting and fermenting really helps digestion.
Jenn S. says
04/18/2016 at 7:42 amOh, Choclette, you have to try it! You would love it! I purposely buy more bananas in a week than I know we will eat. Then when they get brown, I peel them, cut them up, and stick them in the freezer. I always have a huge bagful! And, yes, this protein powder is a good one for sure!
Becca Amuse Your Bouche says
04/17/2016 at 4:02 amWhat a brilliant idea! I need to make nice cream again, I tried once years ago but it didn’t look anywhere near this good!!
Jenn S. says
04/17/2016 at 6:16 amThanks, Becca! I love nice cream. It’s so easy and truly does taste like soft serve!
Sarah says
04/16/2016 at 6:37 amWelp, you’ve won me over! I love it when you find breakfasts that disguise themselves as desserts!
Jenn S. says
04/16/2016 at 7:21 amAny excuse for a sweet treat for breakfast is ok by me!! Thanks, Sarah!
Kate Ford says
04/16/2016 at 3:39 amWow, what a way to start the day!! This looks absolutely gorgeous, perfect for a weekend breakfast treat. Yum!
Jenn S. says
04/16/2016 at 7:21 amTotally! Thanks, Kate!
Mel says
04/15/2016 at 10:45 pmI could never say no to nice cream for breakfast and these parfaits look delicious.
Jenn S. says
04/16/2016 at 7:21 amThank you, Mel! Enjoy!
theveganistafoodie says
04/15/2016 at 11:56 amIce-cream for breakfast? Enough said 🙂
Jenn S. says
04/15/2016 at 7:21 pmTruth!
Donna says
04/14/2016 at 4:39 pmOh yum, yes please! My kids would be so excited if I popped some nice cream onto the table for breakfast 🙂 Actually, who am I kidding – I would too 🙂
Jenn S. says
04/14/2016 at 8:22 pmRight? I like to blame all the sweets I make on my kids too, but really they are for me. 🙂 Thanks, Donna!
Nicole Dawson says
04/14/2016 at 2:33 pmI don’t think this would even make it to the freezer! We do love ourselves some nice cream but I’m glad to get the “ok” to have it for breakfast.
Jenn S. says
04/14/2016 at 2:40 pmIt only made it to my freezer because I want to test out if would stay creamy or not. 🙂 Otherwise, we would have eaten it all right then and there! 🙂
Vanessa says
04/14/2016 at 4:24 amThis nice cream looks wonderful, Jenn! I love that it’s for breakfast too. Oh and I absolutely adore those turquoise spoons! Any chance you remember where you got them?
Jenn S. says
04/14/2016 at 7:42 amThanks, Vanessa! The spoons are from Target. They had shorter ones too…and a whole bunch of ice cream bowls and sundae “glasses”. Lots of cute stuff. I found them in the seasonal aisle of all the dishes.
Hedi Hearts says
04/14/2016 at 2:53 amI saw this in Pinterest Jenny and literally bought the same chocolate flavour thanks to you! Had it for breakfast in my porridge today and tastes great. Thank you for wonderful recommendation xxx
Jenn S. says
04/14/2016 at 7:41 amWooHoo!! I’m so glad you liked it, Hedi! I’ve added it to oatmeal too. Yum!
Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite says
04/14/2016 at 2:09 amUmm, ice cream from breakfast?! Can I?! Yes please!! YUMMMMM.
Jenn S. says
04/14/2016 at 7:39 amYou can! You can! Thanks, girl!
Alisa Fleming says
04/13/2016 at 9:43 pmI love making a recipe just like this for breakfast – so nourishing and satisfying!
Jenn S. says
04/13/2016 at 10:21 pmThat’s awesome, Alisa! It feels like such an indulgent treat, but it’s healthy!:)
Manju | Cooking Curries says
04/13/2016 at 7:59 pmWow1 that looks like I can pass it off for breakfast too 🙂 Its like dessert for breakfast.
Jenn S. says
04/13/2016 at 9:36 pmYes, absolutely healthy enough for breakfast, Manju! Thanks!
The Vegan 8 says
04/13/2016 at 2:53 pmThis looks like such a wonderful chocolatey take on nice cream, love the nut butter in it! That would help camoflauge the banana flavor, lol! 😉 And awesome about the weights! I’ve been lifting weights for as long as I can remember…love, love the results they give way more than cardio!
Jenn S. says
04/13/2016 at 4:24 pmThanks, Brandi! You could add even more nut butter (and probably a little extra milk) to further disguise the banana. More vanilla would help too! 🙂 Weights rule! I’ve known it forever, but have been intimidated by all of them. Hoping after a few months with the trainer, I’ll be able to do it on my own!
Uma says
04/13/2016 at 11:35 amLoved your ingredients Jenn! That too for breakfast I will get in to this:) pictures awesome!
Jenn S. says
04/13/2016 at 2:13 pmThank you so much, Uma! Enjoy!
Linda says
04/13/2016 at 8:01 amOne look at those gorgeous pictures and my stomach started to growl. Sadly I don’t have any frozen bananas so I had to settle for one at room temperature. I’m going to buy ripe bananas today so I can make this tomorrow. YUM!
Jenn S. says
04/13/2016 at 2:12 pmYay! I hope you love it, Linda! I always keep bananas in the freezer for occasions such as this! 🙂
dixya says
04/13/2016 at 5:16 ami have tried their product before and really enjoyed it.ice cream for breakfast, count me in!
Jenn S. says
04/13/2016 at 7:20 amOh great, Dixya!! It blends so perfectly! You would never know it was in there. Thanks!
Kelly says
04/13/2016 at 12:17 amI haven’t heard of nice cream, but I’m all in. Kudos on the working out. You definitely deserve to eat this for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
Jenn S. says
04/13/2016 at 3:55 amKelly, you should definitely try it! It truly does taste like soft serve ice cream – so so good!! Thanks!
Cadry says
04/12/2016 at 10:06 pmThat’s awesome that you’ve been lifting weights so rigorously! It’s been way too long since I’ve made nice cream. Yours sounds fabulous, especially parfait-style!
Jenn S. says
04/13/2016 at 3:54 amThanks, Cadry! I’ve been loving working with a trainer. I know I wouldn’t do a lot of this stuff on my own, so its just the push I needed! Now go make some nice cream! 🙂
Aimee / Wallflower Kitchen says
04/12/2016 at 12:04 pmI really wish I could eat nice cream :'( I’m allergic to raw bananas and it breaks my heart every time I see a delicious raw banana dessert like this! Anyway, it sounds amazing!
Jenn S. says
04/12/2016 at 1:24 pmOh, man, Aimee…that’s rough! I’m so sorry. Tell you what – I’ll eat an extra portion and you can live vicariously through me. 🙂
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit says
04/12/2016 at 10:56 amThe thought of this beauty would definitely motivate me though a workout! I love adding protein powder to nicecream too because it makes it so much more creamy and…substantial. Idk how to describe it, it just has more body I guess…wait are we talking about hair? haha 😀 You know what I mean! Love it <3
Jenn S. says
04/12/2016 at 1:23 pmLOL! Yes, I totally know what you mean. This one stayed creamy even after freezing (and thawing a little bit) which I haven’t had luck doing with just plain nice cream. It’s a win!
Becky says
04/12/2016 at 9:07 amIce cream for breakfast sounds like my kind of breakfast!
Jenn S. says
04/12/2016 at 1:22 pmWho could say no?!
Strength and Sunshine says
04/12/2016 at 5:50 amChocolate and ice cream for breakfast <3 100% good to me!
Jenn S. says
04/12/2016 at 7:32 amRight? What could be wrong about ice cream for breakfast? 🙂 Thanks, Rebecca!