This 1-Ingredient Ice Cream Recipe Changes Everything

Every dieter has bemoaned the fact that the things that taste the best are the worst for us. Take ice cream: so rich and creamy and sweet. But also: so high in calories, and sugar, and fat. Not to mention, it's nearly impossible to stop at just one bowl. But wait. What if we told you that you could enjoy a dreamy dish of custardy, frosty goodness — except, it would have the same nutritional value of something wholesome, like a banana? 

Actually, it is a banana we're talking about. That's right; with the right kitchen equipment and little patience, you can transform this ordinary speckled yellow fruit, laying neglected at the bottom of your lunch bag because you ate the chips instead, into a true indulgence. Without adding any other ingredients. No, this is not a prank.

We'd like to introduce you to "nice cream" (via Kitchn). Yup, this changes everything.

You don't get simpler than a banana "nice cream" recipe. Take your uneaten bananas and slice them up. Then freeze them. Once frozen, blend on high for a few minutes (keep blending past the crumbly, gooey, and oatmeal phases), until you get that soft-serve consistency. You can eat your treat ASAP, or freeze it again for a more ice cream-like dessert. But that's it!

Although...toppings would be nice. Like chocolate or peanut butter magic shell, cookie dough and brownie bites, maybe a splash of homemade strawberry sauce? These decadent suggestions from Spoon University are just the tip of the (n)ice (cream) berg. And, they're all vegan! If you get a little bored of the banana base — because let's admit it, this is about to become your new after-dinner treat every single night — you can mix things up without adding significant calories by tossing in some unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolatey kick, or some flavored stevia drops if you're craving something specific, like coconut or English toffee.  

Or, some nights, when you've had a not-so-nice day, you might want to whip out the sprinkles, hot fudge, whipped cream, and chopped nuts. But at least you'll be starting with a less fattening, non-dairy base.