Peanut Butter, Maple Syrup ‘Nice’ Cream

Peanut Butter and Maple Syrup ‘Nice’ Cream is a delightful frozen dessert that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and the sweetness of maple syrup in a creamy, dairy-free ice cream alternative. It’s a popular choice for those who are looking for a healthier and vegan-friendly dessert option. Let’s dive into its history, components, preparation steps, and time needed to make it:

History:
‘Nice’ Cream is a term often used to describe a healthier version of traditional ice cream. It gained popularity in recent years as a vegan and dairy-free alternative. The combination of peanut butter and maple syrup in ‘Nice’ Cream is a delicious twist on this trend, offering a balance of sweet and nutty flavors.

Components:
To make Peanut Butter and Maple Syrup ‘Nice’ Cream, you will need the following components:

• Ripe bananas: The base of ‘Nice’ Cream is frozen ripe bananas, which provide creaminess and natural sweetness.
• Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter adds a rich nutty flavor to the dessert.
• Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup enhances the sweetness and adds a delightful maple note.
• Optional add-ins: You can customize your ‘Nice’ Cream by adding ingredients like vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, or even chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.

Preparation Steps:

1. Peel ripe bananas and slice them into coins. It’s important that the bananas are ripe as they provide natural sweetness to the ‘Nice’ Cream.
2. Place the banana slices on a tray or plate lined with parchment paper and freeze them for at least 2-3 hours or until they are completely frozen. This step is crucial for achieving a creamy texture.
3. Once the bananas are frozen, place them in a high-powered blender or food processor.
4. Add the peanut butter and maple syrup to the blender with the frozen bananas.
5. Optional: If you want to enhance the flavor, you can add a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
6. Blend all the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor a few times to ensure everything is well mixed.
7. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or flavor according to your preference by adding more maple syrup or peanut butter if needed.
8. Once the ‘Nice’ Cream is smooth and well combined, you can serve it immediately for a soft-serve texture or transfer it to a container and freeze for a few hours for a firmer ice cream-like consistency.

Time Needed:
The time required to prepare Peanut Butter and Maple Syrup ‘Nice’ Cream depends on the freezing time of the bananas and the blending process. Freezing the bananas takes about 2-3 hours, and the blending process usually takes 5-7 minutes. So, in total, you can expect to spend approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours from start to finish.

This delightful dessert is not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream, making it a perfect choice for a sweet treat that satisfies your cravings. Enjoy your homemade Peanut Butter and Maple Syrup ‘Nice’ Cream!

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Peanut Butter and Maple Syrup ‘Nice’ Cream:

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximately 1/2 cup):

• Calories: 220-250 kcal
• Total Fat: 8-10 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 1-2 grams
  • Trans Fat: 0 grams
• Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
• Sodium: 0-50 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 4-5 grams
  • Sugars: 20-25 grams (mainly from natural sugars in bananas and maple syrup)
• Protein: 4-5 grams
• Vitamin A: 0%
• Vitamin C: 10-15%
• Calcium: 2-4%
• Iron: 2-3%

Please note that these nutrition facts can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used in the recipe, as well as any optional add-ins.

Health Information:

1. Low in Saturated Fat: Peanut Butter and Maple Syrup ‘Nice’ Cream is relatively low in saturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health. The majority of fats come from the healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in peanut butter.

2. No Cholesterol: This dessert is cholesterol-free, making it a heart-healthy choice.

3. Good Source of Fiber: The ‘Nice’ Cream contains a decent amount of dietary fiber, primarily from bananas. Fiber aids in digestion and can help you feel full and satisfied.

4. Natural Sugars: The sugars in this dessert come from ripe bananas and maple syrup, both of which provide natural sweetness without the need for added refined sugars. However, it’s essential to consume it in moderation if you’re watching your sugar intake.

5. Vitamins and Minerals: Peanut Butter and Maple Syrup ‘Nice’ Cream provides essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C (from the bananas) and small amounts of calcium and iron.

6. Vegan-Friendly: This dessert is entirely plant-based and suitable for vegans and individuals following a dairy-free diet.

7. Allergen Information: It’s important to note that this recipe contains peanuts, so it may not be suitable for those with peanut allergies. However, you can use alternative nut or seed butters for a similar taste without peanuts.

While Peanut Butter and Maple Syrup ‘Nice’ Cream can be a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream due to its use of natural ingredients, it’s still essential to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet, especially if you are monitoring your calorie or sugar intake.