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If you liked my 3-Ingredient Healthy Watermelon Gummies, then you’re going to LOVE these strawberry lemonade electrolyte gummies! Fresh strawberries and lemon, sweetened with honey, set with gelatin, and finished with a pinch of high-mineral sea salt (or an electrolyte packet!) for an actual hydrating, nourishing gummy. They’re sweet, tart, chewy, and genuinely will leave you feeling amazing from the inside out! ✨

These aren’t just a fun snack, they’re a functional one too. The grass-fed gelatin provides collagen to support glowing skin, healthy hair, and gut health. The fresh strawberries are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. The lemon juice is bright and alkalizing. And the mineral sea salt or electrolyte packet? That’s what sets these apart from every other healthy gummy out there. Real electrolytes to keep you hydrated and energized all day long! These are the gummies I grab after a workout, before a long day in the sun, or honestly… whenever my toddler asks for “candy” (he doesn’t know the difference, ha!). & if you’re looking for healthier ways to hydrate, pair these gummies with my homemade lemon-lime gatorade!

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Lemonade Electrolyte Gummies

  • They taste like actual strawberry lemonade. Sweet, bright, perfectly tart – these gummies capture every bit of the classic summer drink flavor in chewy, poppable form. Kids go absolutely crazy for them, and honestly so do I!
  • Packed with real health benefits. Collagen from the gelatin, vitamin C from the strawberries and lemon, antioxidants, and real electrolytes from the mineral salt or electrolyte packet. These aren’t just a treat, they’re genuinely good for you.
  • Easy to make and great for the whole family. Blend, strain, heat, pour, chill. That’s it. They take about 15 minutes of active work (NO baking, obviously) and keep in the fridge all week for a healthy snack that’s ready whenever you need one.
hand holding strawberry lemonade electrolyte gummies.

What Are the Health Benefits?

Grass-Fed Gelatin: Gelatin is the star ingredient in these gummies and where most of the nutritional magic happens. I use and love the Further Foods Grass-Fed Gelatin on Amazon. It’s naturally rich in collagen-supporting amino acids (particularly glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline) that support healthy skin elasticity, gut lining integrity, joint health, and hair and nail strength. Gelatin also supports digestion by helping to heal and seal the gut lining — which is why these gummies are one of my favorite gut-healthy snacks.

Fresh Strawberries: Strawberries are one of the best sources of vitamin C, which is essential for collagen synthesis, meaning they make the gelatin’s collagen benefits even more effective! They’re also rich in antioxidants, fiber (strained out in this recipe), and polyphenols that support heart health and reduce inflammation.

Fresh Lemon: Lemon is alkalizing, liver-supportive, and packed with vitamin C. The bright acidity also naturally preserves the gummies and gives them that irresistible strawberry lemonade flavor.

High-Mineral Sea Salt or Electrolyte Packet: This is the secret ingredient that takes these from a healthy snack to a truly functional, hydrating treat. High-mineral sea salt (I love Baja Gold Mineral Sea Salt) contains over 90 trace minerals including sodium, magnesium, and potassium – the electrolyte trifecta that supports cellular hydration, energy levels, and overall wellbeing. Alternatively, use your favorite electrolyte packet for a convenient, flavor-customizable option!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, stems removed – Fresh, ripe, in-season strawberries give the best flavor and the most vibrant pink color. The juicier the berry, the better!
  • 2 whole lemons, peeled – Remove as much of the white pith as possible, it’s very bitter and will affect the flavor of the gummies. You want mainly the fruit and juice.
  • ¼ cup – ½ cup honey – Start with ¼ cup and taste before adding more. The sweetness level depends on how tart your lemons are and how sweet you like your gummies. Raw honey adds the most nutritional benefit, but any honey works.
  • ¼ cup unflavored gelatin powder – Use a good quality grass-fed gelatin powder for the most nutritional benefit. I love Great Lakes or Vital Proteins. Don’t substitute with agar agar, it will change the texture significantly.
  • 1 teaspoon high-mineral sea salt, or 1 electrolyte packet – This is what makes these gummies genuinely hydrating and sets them apart from a regular fruit gummy. Redmond’s Real Salt is my go-to for the mineral content. Alternatively, add your favorite unflavored or lemon/strawberry electrolyte packet!

Instructions

  1. Add the fresh strawberries and peeled lemons to a high-speed blender and blend until completely smooth.
  2. Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer and into a medium saucepan, pressing with a spoon to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids.
  3. Add the honey and unflavored gelatin powder to the strained juice in the saucepan. Stir well to begin incorporating the gelatin into the liquid.
  4. Place the saucepan over low heat and warm for just about 2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the mixture is warm and the gelatin has fully dissolved. Do NOT bring to a simmer or a boil – too much heat will break down the gelatin and prevent the gummies from setting properly.
  5. Remove from heat. Stir in the high-mineral sea salt or electrolyte packet until fully dissolved.
  6. Carefully pour or ladle the mixture into gummy molds. A squeeze bottle makes this step much easier and less messy! Transfer the molds to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the gummies are completely firm and set.
  7. Pop the gummies out of the molds and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
three strawberry lemonade electrolyte gummies stacked on a table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes! Frozen strawberries work well in this recipe, just thaw them completely before blending. Keep in mind that frozen strawberries can be slightly less sweet than fresh, so you may want to add a bit more honey to compensate. The color and flavor will be very similar to fresh!

Can I use lemon juice instead of whole lemons?

You can use ½ cup of fresh lemon juice as a substitute for the 2 whole peeled lemons. If using bottled lemon juice, I recommend using 100% pure lemon juice with no additives. Keep in mind that whole peeled lemons add a slightly thicker, more full-bodied texture to the gummies that you won’t get from juice alone.

What gummy molds do you recommend?

Any silicone gummy mold works! I love small bear-shaped molds for a fun, candy-store feel, but heart shapes, star shapes, or even a simple ice cube tray all work perfectly. Silicone molds make it much easier to pop the gummies out once set. A squeeze bottle or small measuring cup with a pour spout makes filling the molds neat and easy!

Why are my gummies not setting?

This is almost always caused by overheating the gelatin mixture. If the liquid comes to a simmer or boil, the gelatin proteins break down and lose their ability to set. Keep the heat on low and remove from heat as soon as the gelatin is fully dissolved, the mixture should feel warm, not hot. If your gummies aren’t setting, try again with a lower heat setting and shorter warming time.

Made this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @samdoesherbest or TikTok @samdoesherbest — I repost my favorites! And if you loved it, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below. It means the world and helps other readers find this recipe!

strawberry lemonade electrolyte gummies in a small bowl.
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Strawberry Lemonade Electrolyte Gummies

These strawberry lemonade electrolyte gummies are a fun, functional snack made with just 5 simple ingredients! Packed with collagen-boosting gelatin, vitamin C from fresh fruit, and real electrolytes for hydration. These gummies are as nourishing as they are delicious!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 60 gummies (approx.)

Equipment

  • 1 blender
  • 1 medium saucepan
  • 2 gummy molds

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries stems removed
  • 2 whole lemons peeled, remove as much white pith as possible (or 1/4 cup lemon juice)
  • 1/4 – 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup unflavored gelatin powder
  • 1 teaspoon high-mineral sea salt or 1 electrolyte packet

Instructions

  • Blend strawberries and peeled lemons until smooth.
  • Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a medium saucepan. Discard solids.
  • Add honey and gelatin powder to the strained juice. Stir to combine.
  • Warm over low heat for about 2 minutes, stirring, until gelatin fully dissolves. Do NOT boil!
  • Remove from heat and stir in sea salt or electrolyte packet.
  • Pour into gummy molds and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until set.
  • Pop out of molds and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Notes

  • Do NOT bring the gelatin mixture to a simmer or boil, this will prevent the gummies from setting.
  • A squeeze bottle makes filling the molds much easier and less messy.
  • Use a grass-fed gelatin powder for the most collagen and nutritional benefit.
  • Taste the mixture before pouring into molds and adjust honey to your preferred sweetness level.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gummy | Calories: 35kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Sugar: 6g

I’ve been making a version of no-bake cookies my whole life, but this healthier twist is my new fave! They’re super easy to make, beginner-friendly, and come together in basically no time at all. Keep a batch in the fridge all week for an easy healthy snack, or in the freezer for whenever that chocolate-peanut butter craving hits. If you love easy no-bake treats, you’ll also love my Healthy Peanut Butter Cup Bars and Healthy Almond Joy Bars!

Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Cookies

  • Just 5 ingredients! Peanut butter, coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, cocoa powder, and rolled oats. No refined sugar, no butter, no dairy, no flour. Just healthier ingredients that come together into something genuinely delicious.
  • No oven required. These cookies are made entirely on the stovetop and set in the fridge — perfect for hot summer days when you want something sweet but absolutely cannot bring yourself to turn on the oven.
  • Healthy, gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free. Naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, made with gluten-free rolled oats, and completely free of dairy!
no bake cookies with a bite taken out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of peanut butter?

Any creamy nut or seed butter works as a 1:1 swap! Almond butter gives a slightly milder, nuttier flavor. Cashew butter is lovely and subtly sweet. Sunflower seed butter keeps these completely nut-free and is a great option for school-safe snacks. Just make sure whichever butter you use is natural and unsweetened for the best results and flavor.

How can I make these gluten-free?

They’re very easy to make completely gluten-free! Simply use certified gluten-free rolled oats in place of regular oats. I buy these gluten-free rolled oats in bulk on Amazon! All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so that one swap is all you need. Look for oats labeled “certified gluten-free” to ensure there’s no cross-contamination during processing.

What can I use instead of coconut oil?

If you don’t have coconut oil or prefer not to use it, vegan butter (like Miyoko’s or Earth Balance) works as a great dairy-free substitute and will give the cookies a richer, more buttery flavor. Regular unsalted butter also works if you’re not keeping this dairy-free. The texture may vary very slightly depending on which fat you use, but all three options will produce a delicious cookie.

overhead image of no bake cookies on a table with mini chocolate chips and sea salt on top.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Work quickly when scooping. Once the mixture comes off the heat, it starts to firm up fast. Have your parchment-lined plate or sheet ready to go before you start cooking, and scoop the cookies as soon as the mixture is ready. If it starts to harden in the pan before you’ve finished scooping, pop it back over very low heat and stir until it loosens up again.
  • Don’t skip the fridge time. These cookies need the chill time to set up firm and hold their shape. 30 minutes is the minimum – if you’re in a warmer kitchen, give them a full hour. They’re also delicious eaten straight from the freezer if you love a firmer, fudgier cookie!
  • Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies. A 2-tablespoon cookie scoop makes it easy to portion the cookies quickly and evenly so they all set at the same rate. Slightly flatten each cookie with the back of the spoon right after scooping for a more traditional cookie shape.

Made this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @samdoesherbest or TikTok @samdoesherbest – I repost my favorites! And if you loved it, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and written review below. It means the world and helps other readers find this recipe!

no bake cookies piled on top of each other on a table.
No ratings yet

5-Ingredient No-Bake Cookies

These no-bake cookies are a healthier twist on the classic cookie! Made with just 5 wholesome ingredients, naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, and completely gluten-free and dairy-free. They're the easiest, most satisfying treat and there's NO baking required!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 16 cookies

Equipment

  • 1 medium saucepan
  • 1 cookie sheet

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter unsweetened
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats

Instructions

  • Add the peanut butter, coconut oil, and honey or maple syrup to a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir continuously until melted and completely smooth.
  • Stir in the cocoa powder and rolled oats until fully combined. Cook and stir for another 2–3 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and quickly scoop 2-tablespoon portions onto a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet.
  • Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm. Enjoy or store in an airtight container!

Notes

  • Work quickly when scooping – the mixture firms up fast once off the heat!
  • Use certified gluten-free oats to keep this recipe completely gluten-free.
  • Any nut or seed butter works as a peanut butter substitute.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • These are also delicious eaten straight from the freezer!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 115kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g
1
close up image a piece of frozen yogurt bark with fresh strawberries on top.
Easy & Healthy Frozen Yogurt Bark
This frozen yogurt bark is a creamy, colorful summer treat made with vanilla Greek yogurt, swirled with fruit jam, and loaded with fresh berries, and crunchy nuts! It takes just 10 minutes to prep, NO baking, and tastes like ice cream. An easy, healthy frozen yogurt bark recipe that's as beautiful as it is delicious!
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healthy almond joys bars, one cut in half to show the inside.
5-Ingredient Healthy Almond Joy Bars
These Healthy Almond Joy bars are a 5-ingredient, no-bake copycat of the classic candy bar – chewy coconut filling, crunchy whole almonds, and a smooth chocolate shell. They're gluten-free, dairy-free, naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, and come together in under 45 minutes with NO baking required! f you're looking for a healthy Almond Joy recipe that actually tastes like the real thing but is made with healthier ingredients, this is it!
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This nice cream is a 1-ingredient, dairy-free frozen treat made entirely from blended frozen bananas – no ice cream maker, no heavy cream, and no added sugar required! It blends up in just 90 seconds into the silkiest, creamiest soft serve you've ever tasted, and with 5 different flavor variations (cookies & cream, vanilla bean, chocolate, strawberry, and peanut butter), there's a flavor for everyone. If you're looking for an easy, healthy nice cream recipe that actually tastes like the real thing, this is it!
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This 3-ingredient cottage cheese ice cream is creamy, naturally sweet, and packed with 15 grams of protein per serving. No ice cream maker needed — just a blender and your freezer. It's the easiest, healthiest way to satisfy an ice cream craving!
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Protein Chocolate Mousse (30g+ protein!)
This cottage cheese chocolate mousse is a creamy, high-protein dessert made with just 4 simple ingredients! Each serving has over 30 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and healthy treat. Blended until smooth and chilled to perfection, this easy chocolate mousse is just as rich and delicious as the classic version!
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close up image of a bite taken out of a healthy peanut butter cup bars.
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These healthy peanut butter bars are a no-bake, 4-ingredient treat that tastes exactly like a giant peanut butter cup! With a thick, fudgy peanut butter base and a smooth chocolate-peanut butter layer on top – they're gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, and come together in just 10 minutes. If you're looking for an easy healthy peanut butter bar recipe that's as delicious as it is healthy, this is it!
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a piece of protein cookie dough bark with flaky salt on top.
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This 5-ingredient protein cookie dough bark recipe is a quick and healthy snack that’s gluten-free and high in protein! It's easy to customize with different flavors and can easily be made vegan or low-carb. Store this protein cookie dough bark in the freezer for a quick, guilt-free snack anytime!
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overhead image of chocolate chip cottage cheese cookie dough in a dish with a spoon.
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This cottage cheese cookie dough recipe is a high-protein, no-bake treat made with just six wholesome ingredients! Blending cottage cheese with maple syrup and vanilla creates a creamy base, which is then combined with almond flour, vanilla protein powder, and chocolate chips for a delicious, edible cookie dough. It's an easy, healthy snack that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while keeping your health on track!
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Cottage Cheese Brownie Batter
This cottage cheese brownie batter is a high-protein, no-bake treat that tastes just like the real thing – rich, fudgy, and deeply chocolatey but made with wholesome ingredients! Ready in just 5 minutes with 6 simple ingredients, it's the easiest healthy dessert you'll ever make. If you're looking for a healthier way to satisfy your chocolate cravings, this is the recipe you've been waiting for!
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2-Ingredient Protein Ice Cream (35g protein!)
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High-Protein S’mores Dip
This high protein s’mores dip is a quick and easy 4-ingredient recipe with over 30 grams of protein per serving! Made with Greek yogurt, chocolate protein powder, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips – it’s a healthier way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Perfect as a post-workout snack, party dip, or high protein dessert!
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a bite taken out of a collagen cookie dough protein bar
Collagen Cookie Dough Protein Bars
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These 4-ingredient peanut butter cornflake bars are the ultimate no-bake treat – crunchy, chocolatey, and ready in minutes! Made with simple pantry staples, they’re naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and even vegan. These peanut butter cornflake bars are delicious as an easy sweet snack or holiday treat!
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Chewy coconut filling, crunchy whole almonds, and a smooth chocolate shell — these healthy Almond Joy bars are the homemade version of your favorite candy bar, and are soooo much better than anything you’d find at the store! Made with just 5 simple ingredients, completely no-bake, gluten-free, and dairy-free, they’re just as delicious as the real thing, but NO corn syrup or refined sugar. I make a batch every couple of weeks and keep them in the fridge for whenever a chocolate craving strikes – which, if I’m being honest, is daily.

If you’re already obsessed with my 6-Ingredient Healthy Snickers and 4-Ingredient Date Caramels, these Almond Joy bars are the next addition to your healthy candy collection. One bite and you’ll never reach for the store-bought version again!

Why You’ll Love These Healthy Almond Joy Bars

  • Just 5 ingredients! Shredded coconut, coconut oil, honey, chocolate chips, and almonds. No condensed milk, no corn syrup, no refined sugar – just simple, healthier ingredients that come together into something truly incredible.
  • No-bake and super easy. Food processor, loaf pan, freezer. That’s all the equipment you need. The most “difficult” part of this recipe is waiting for the chocolate to set – and trust me, the wait is so worth it.
  • Gluten-free and dairy-free. Naturally free of both gluten and dairy, making these bars accessible for almost everyone. Just use your favorite dairy-free chocolate chips and you’re all set.
  • Tastes just like the real thing – but WAY healthier. The chewy coconut filling, the crunch of the whole almonds, the snap of the chocolate shell – it’s all here!
  • Great for meal prep and gifting. Make a batch and keep them in the fridge all week for a ready-to-grab sweet treat. They also make the most impressive homemade gift – nobody needs to know how easy they were to make!
overhead image of healthy almond joy bars.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Don’t over-blend the coconut filling. This is the most important tip in the whole recipe. Pulse – don’t blend continuously – and stop as soon as the mixture sticks together when pressed. Over-blending will turn it into a greasy coconut paste that won’t hold its shape as a bar.
  • Press the coconut layer firmly into the pan. The more firmly you press the filling into an even layer, the cleaner and more uniform your bars will look once cut. Use the bottom of a flat measuring cup to really pack it in.
  • Freeze the coconut base before dipping. The filling needs to be completely firm and cold before you dip it in chocolate. If it’s too soft, the bars will fall apart in the chocolate. 20–30 minutes in the freezer is the minimum – longer is even better.
  • Use a fork for dipping. A fork gives you the most control when coating the bars in chocolate and lets the excess drip off cleanly. A dipping tool also works great if you have one.
  • Add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top. Completely optional, but highly recommended! A little flaky sea salt on top of the almonds takes these bars to an entirely different level.

Storage Instructions

In the fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. These bars are best served cold straight from the fridge – the coconut filling stays firm and the chocolate shell has the perfect snap.

In the freezer: These Almond Joy bars freeze beautifully! Store in an airtight container or zip-lock freezer bag for up to 2 months. Layer between sheets of parchment paper so they don’t stick together. Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before eating for the best texture, or enjoy them straight from the freezer if you like them extra firm and cold.

Note: These bars will soften and the chocolate may get a little melty at room temperature, so always store them cold. Do not leave out on the counter for extended periods!

healthy almond joys bars, one cut in half to show the inside.
5 from 1 vote

5-Ingredient Healthy Almond Joy Bars

These healthy Almond Joy bars are a 5-ingredient, no-bake copycat of the classic candy bar – chewy coconut filling, crunchy whole almonds, and a smooth chocolate shell. They're gluten-free, dairy-free, naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, and come together in under 45 minutes with NO baking required! f you're looking for a healthy Almond Joy recipe that actually tastes like the real thing but is made with healthier ingredients, this is it!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Equipment

  • 1 food processor
  • 1 9×4-inch loaf pan
  • 1 small bowl

Ingredients

For the coconut filling:

  • 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

For the chocolate layer:

  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil

For topping:

  • 1/2 cup whole almonds

Instructions

  • Line a 9×4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
  • Add all of the coconut filling ingredients in a food processor and pulse until the coconut is finely chopped, and the mixture sticks when pressed together (be very careful not to blend the mixture too much!).
  • Transfer the coconut mixture to your prepared loaf pan and press it into an even layer. Transfer it to the freezer for about 20-30 minutes.
  • While the coconut filling is in the freezer, prepare the chocolate layer by melting the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in either the microwave or over a double boiler until completely smooth.
  • Remove the coconut bars from the freezer, and cut them into 12 squares. Dip each square into melted chocolate, then transfer them to a plate line with parchment paper. While the chocolate is still wet, place one or two almonds on top of each bar.
  • Once all bars are coated in chocolate and topped with almonds, transfer them back to the freezer to set for about 10 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened.Either enjoy the almond joy bars right away, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 17g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 11g

Meet your new favorite summer dessert: nice cream! One ingredient, a blender, and about 90 seconds of blending is all that stands between you and the creamiest, most refreshing frozen treat you’ve ever made at home. No ice cream maker. No heavy cream. No added sugar. Just frozen bananas – blended until they magically transform into the silkiest, smoothest soft serve you’ve ever tasted. If you haven’t tried this yet, prepare to be completely amazed!

I’ve been making nice cream for yearsss, and the fact that it’s this easy AND delicious still gets me every single time. It’s one of those recipes that sounds too good to be true, but I promise – the magic is real. And if you love easy, healthy frozen treats, you’ll also want to check out my 4-Ingredient Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Bites and Frozen Yogurt Bark!

What is Nice Cream?

Nice cream is essentially dairy-free banana ice cream made by blending frozen bananas into a creamy, smooth, soft-serve texture — no ice cream maker required. The name is a play on “ice cream,” because it’s a healthier, “nicer” version of the classic frozen treat. It’s often called nice cream because it’s a healthier alternative to regular ice cream since it’s free from artificial ingredients, preservatives and added sugar.

step by step photos of nice cream recipe.

How to Make This Nice Cream Recipe

The magic behind nice cream is actually food science: bananas have a high pectin content that, when frozen and blended, creates an incredibly creamy, custard-like texture that closely mimics real ice cream. As the last bits of banana smooth out, you’ll see the mixture shift from blended banana to creamy, soft-serve ice cream texture. It’s genuinely one of the coolest kitchen tricks out there, and once you know it, you’ll always keep frozen bananas in your freezer!

Making nice cream is genuinely one of the simplest things you can do in a kitchen. Here’s everything you need to know:

Step 1: Freeze your bananas. Peel ripe bananas, slice into 1-inch rounds (more on why this matters in Sam’s Tips!), and freeze in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet for at least 2 hours, or overnight. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag for easy storage. This step can be done days or even weeks ahead of time — which is why keeping a bag of frozen banana slices in your freezer at all times is a game-changer.

Step 2: Blend. Place the frozen banana pieces into a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend on high, scraping down the sides as needed. Add milk (any kind — dairy or non-dairy) one tablespoon at a time, only if needed to get things moving. Blend until completely silky and creamy — about 60–90 seconds total. Be patient and keep scraping! It will come together.

Step 3: Add your flavor variation. Once the base is smooth, add your chosen flavor add-ins (see the 5 flavors below!) and pulse or blend briefly to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness or intensity as you like.

Step 4: Serve or freeze. Serve immediately for a soft-serve consistency — it’s ready to eat right out of the blender! For a scoopable, more traditional ice cream texture, transfer to a freezer-safe container, smooth the top, cover, and freeze for 1–2 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping.

overhead image of nice cream scooped in a bowl with a spoon.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Slice the bananas into 1-inch rounds BEFORE freezing. This is the single most important tip for creamy nice cream. Smaller pieces give your blender or food processor more surface area to work with, which means a faster, smoother blend — and a creamier final result! Freezing whole bananas works, but you’ll spend twice as long blending and will likely need more milk, which can make the texture icier.
  • Use ripe bananas. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your nice cream will be. Look for bananas that are speckled with brown spots — that’s when the natural sugars are at their peak. If your bananas aren’t ripe, the banana ice cream won’t be sweet. Underripe bananas will give your nice cream a starchy, slightly bitter taste.
  • Be patient during blending. Nice cream takes a minute to come together. It will look crumbly and chunky at first — just keep scraping down the sides and blending. Within 60–90 seconds, it will suddenly transform into silky, smooth soft serve. Don’t add too much milk too soon, or you’ll end up with a smoothie instead of ice cream!
  • Add milk sparingly! Only add milk if absolutely needed to get the blender moving. Too much liquid will make your nice cream thin and icy rather than thick and creamy. Start with just 1 tablespoon at a time.
  • For scoopable ice cream, freeze for 1–2 hours. Straight from the blender, nice cream has a soft-serve consistency. If you want it firm enough to scoop into balls like traditional ice cream, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 1–2 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping.
  • Store smartly. Store nice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. If it freezes solid, let it thaw at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping or eating.
1 ingredient nice cream recipe in a food processor with an ice cream scoop.
5 from 1 vote

1-Ingredient Nice Cream Recipe (+5 flavors!)

This nice cream is a 1-ingredient, dairy-free frozen treat made entirely from blended frozen bananas – no ice cream maker, no heavy cream, and no added sugar required! It blends up in just 90 seconds into the silkiest, creamiest soft serve you've ever tasted, and with 5 different flavor variations (cookies & cream, vanilla bean, chocolate, strawberry, and peanut butter), there's a flavor for everyone. If you're looking for an easy, healthy nice cream recipe that actually tastes like the real thing, this is it!
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2 servings

Equipment

  • 1 food processor or high speed blender

Ingredients

Base:

  • 3-4 ripe bananas peeled and sliced into 1-inch rounds, then frozen
  • milk (any kind) as needed

Cookies & Cream add-ins:

  • 6-8 chocolate cookies I used Simple Mills Chocolate Sweet Thins
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Vanilla Bean add-ins:

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or seeds from half a vanilla pod

Chocolate add-ins:

  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or 2 pitted medjool dates
  • 2 tablespoons chocolate chips

Strawberry add-ins:

  • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries

Peanut Butter add-ins:

  • 3 tablespoons natural peanut butter
  • small pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Peel ripe bananas, slice into 1-inch rounds, and freeze in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet for at least 2 hours or overnight. Transfer to a zip-top bag once frozen.
  • Add frozen banana pieces to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend on high, scraping down the sides as needed. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time only if needed. Blend until completely silky and smooth – about 60–90 seconds.
  • Add your chosen flavor add-ins and pulse briefly to combine. Taste and adjust as desired.
  • Serve immediately for soft-serve, or transfer to a container and freeze for 1–2 hours for a scoopable texture. Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 2g | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 17g