Gluten-Free Raspberry Frosty Ice Cream
This Gluten-Free Raspberry Frosty Ice Cream is the perfect refreshing treat—naturally sweet, creamy, and bursting with bright berry flavor. Made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients, it’s quick to whip up in a blender and totally free of gluten, dairy (if you like), and refined sugars. Whether you serve it soft and swirly or scoopable after a chill in the freezer, it’s a dessert that’s as good-for-you as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Freeze Time (optional): 1–2 hours
Total Time: 5–10 minutes (soft serve) or up to 2 hours (for firmer texture)
Ingredients:
2 cups frozen raspberries
1 banana (ripe, sliced & frozen)
1/2 cup canned coconut milk (full fat for creaminess)
1–2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional: 1–2 tbsp dairy-free yogurt or cream cheese for extra creaminess
Instructions:
Prep Your Ingredients:
Make sure your raspberries and banana are frozen. This gives you that thick, frosty texture.
Blend:
In a high-speed blender or food processor, add all ingredients: frozen raspberries, banana, coconut milk, sweetener, vanilla, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Scrape down sides as needed.
Taste Test:
Adjust sweetness if necessary—some raspberries can be pretty tart!
Serve Immediately:
Enjoy as a soft-serve-style treat right away, or…
Freeze for Later:
Transfer to a container and freeze for 1–2 hours for a firmer, scoopable texture.
Toppings (Optional but Fun!):
- Shaved dark chocolate (GF)
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Crushed freeze-dried raspberries
- A drizzle of melted peanut butter or white chocolate
Tips for the Perfect Raspberry Frosty Ice Cream
- Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and creaminess. Underripe bananas can make it less smooth and more tart.
- Full-fat canned coconut milk creates the richest texture, but you can sub with almond or oat milk for a lighter version.
- Blend in pulses if using a food processor; this helps avoid overheating and keeps the texture thick and creamy.
- Taste as you go—especially with sweetener. Raspberries can be tart, so adjust to your liking.
- Freeze bananas and raspberries overnight for best consistency.
- For a firmer scoop, freeze the blended mixture for 1–2 hours, then let sit at room temp for a few minutes before scooping.
Delicious Variations
- Berry Blend: Mix raspberries with strawberries or blueberries for a mixed berry frosty.
- Chocolate Raspberry: Add 1–2 tablespoons of cocoa powder or a handful of mini chocolate chips before blending.
- Tropical Twist: Swap banana for frozen mango or pineapple for a fruity island vibe.
- Creamy Cheesecake Flavor: Blend in 2 tablespoons of dairy-free cream cheese or Greek yogurt (if not dairy-free).
- Protein Boost: Add 1 scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder.
- Nutty Delight: Swirl in almond or peanut butter after blending for a ripple of flavor.
❓ FAQ&A
Q: Is this ice cream dairy-free?
A: Yes! As long as you use canned coconut milk and dairy-free optional ingredients, it’s completely dairy-free.
Q: Can I use fresh raspberries instead of frozen?
A: You can, but it’s best to freeze them first. Using frozen fruit helps create that thick, frosty texture without needing an ice cream maker.
Q: What if I don’t have bananas?
A: Try frozen mango or avocado for creaminess, though flavor and sweetness will change. You may need to add extra sweetener.
Q: Can I store leftovers?
A: Yes! Store in an airtight container in the freezer. Let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping to soften.
Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Definitely! It’s naturally sweetened, fruity, and fun—perfect for kids and adults alike.
Nutrition Estimate (per serving, based on 4 servings)
(Note: May vary depending on brand and substitutions)
Calories: ~120
Carbohydrates: 21g
Sugars: 12g (natural)
Fat: 5g
Protein: 1g
Fiber: 4g
Gluten-Free: ✅
Dairy-Free: ✅ (if using coconut milk and no dairy add-ins)
Vegan: ✅ (if using maple syrup instead of honey)