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How to Turn Bananas into Ice Cream—and Get Kids to Eat Fruit Without a Fight”

Written by: Dr Kirsty Porter

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As a children’s dietitian,  I often meet parents who feel completely stuck when it comes to fruit—especially if their child is fussy eater or sensory eater. The good news? You don’t need to push or sneak it in. With the right approach, even the most cautious child can learn to explore new foods.

That’s why I love this simple, two-ingredient banana ice cream. It’s more than a recipe—it’s a stepping stone to helping your child feel confident and safe with food.

Banana ice cream is a brilliant “bridge food”:
 ✔️ It keeps the natural sweetness of fruit but changes the texture
 ✔️ It’s cold and smooth, ideal for kids who find fresh fruit textures challenging
 ✔️ It invites food play—peeling, slicing, freezing and blending all count

You simply freeze sliced ripe bananas, then blend until creamy. Add in the rest of the ingredients, and let your child pick their own “extras”: a tablespoon of peanut butter, yoghurt, or a few frozen berries.

Banana Chocolate Ice Cream

Perfect for a sunny day, this is a great alternative to shop bought ice cream as it has less fat, sugar and is cheaper! No added sugar due to the fruit. You can switch this up and add other fruit if you want such as strawberries.
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Ingredients
  

  • 4 Bananas Chopped & frozen
  • 2 tbsp Coco Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp Nut butter Optional
  • 2 tbsp Greek Yoghurt Optional

Instructions
 

  • Add all the ingredients into the food processor.
  • Blend until well mixed.
  • Pour out into a container/ice lolly moulds and place in freezer.
  • Freeze for at least 2 hours until set. Serve and enjoy!
    Chocolate Banana Ice Cream

Notes

Suitable for all aged over 8 months.
Can freeze for 3 months.
Allergies- nuts if using nut butter & diary if using yoghurt. 

Letting children get hands-on is key. For sensory seekers, it’s a chance to feel and explore; for avoiders, it gives a sense of control and reduces pressure.

This isn’t about tricking kids into eating healthy—it’s about building confidence at their pace. And banana ice cream can be a small but powerful tool in your toolkit.

Need more support?

If mealtimes feel stressful and you’re not sure where to start, I offer a bespoke 1:1 support package tailored to your child’s specific needs—whether it’s fussy eating, sensory feeding challenges, or extreme food refusal.

You can also join my free mailing list to receive weekly recipes, food play ideas, and expert strategies straight to your inbox. You don’t have to figure this out alone—I’m here to help.

Written by Dr Kirsty Porter, Children’s Dietitian

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