Mouth-Watering Banana and Passion Fruit Ice Cream – A Refreshing Thai Dessert Recipe

Banana and Passion Fruit Ice Cream Recipe – Refreshing Thai Dessert

Yield: 4

This plant-based Banana and Passion Fruit ice cream is an irresistible Thai-inspired dessert that’s as refreshing as it is nourishing. Bursting with tropical flavours and natural sweetness, it’s a cooling treat perfect for warm days, blending wholesome fruit with creamy texture.

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Ingredients

• 4 bananas
• 5 tbsp fresh coconut water
• 2 passion fruits
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1–2 tbsp agave syrup
• 2 tbsp grated coconut, for garnish

Instructions

1. Slice the bananas, place them in an airtight container, and freeze overnight (or longer). Also, place the serving dish and bowls in the freezer.
2. In a blender, blend the frozen bananas with the coconut water until smooth.
3. Cut the passion fruits in half, scoop out the pulp, and add it to the banana mixture along with the lime juice and agave syrup. Blend briefly to combine.
4. Optionally, churn the mixture in a gelato or ice cream machine for a creamier texture. Otherwise, pour into the chilled dish, sprinkle with grated coconut, and serve immediately.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 396Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 64mgCarbohydrates: 96gFiber: 16gSugar: 64gProtein: 4g

Banana, Passion Fruit and Thai Desserts: Origins, Nutrients and Fun Facts

Banana and passion fruit ice cream is a refreshing, plant-based Thai-inspired dessert that perfectly captures the tropical essence of Southeast Asia. When you think of Thailand, your mind may immediately drift to golden beaches, bustling street markets, and vibrant flavours. Thai cuisine is renowned for its bold balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavours – and desserts play a crucial role in showcasing these contrasts. Among the tropical fruits that feature heavily are bananas and passion fruit, both staples in Southeast Asian kitchens and central to many refreshing desserts.

The Origins of Thai Desserts

Thai desserts, known locally as khanom, have a long history influenced by neighbouring countries, trade, and local agricultural abundance. Coconut milk, sticky rice, palm sugar, and tropical fruits are the building blocks of most sweet dishes. Many recipes from Thailand reflect its hot climate, featuring refreshing textures, crushed ice, or naturally cooling ingredients.

👉 You can read more about traditional Thai desserts and their cultural significance on the official Tourism Authority of Thailand site.

Ice cream in Thailand has its own story. Unlike traditional dairy-heavy versions in Europe, many Thai-style frozen treats use coconut milk as a creamy base, making them naturally dairy-free and suitable for a plant-based diet. Street vendors often sell scoops of coconut or fruit-based ice creams, served in cups, bread rolls, or even coconut shells. This approach makes recipes such as Banana and passion fruit ice cream not only delicious but also deeply rooted in Thai culinary tradition.

Nutritional Benefits of Banana and Passion Fruit Ice Cream

Bananas are one of the most widely consumed fruits worldwide, and for good reason. They are rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and supports muscle function – particularly beneficial for athletes and those with active lifestyles. Bananas also provide natural energy through their carbohydrates and serve as a source of vitamin B6, which supports metabolism and the production of red blood cells.

👉 The British Nutrition Foundation provides a detailed breakdown of the nutritional benefits of bananas.

Passion fruit, though smaller in size, packs an impressive nutritional punch. It is high in dietary fibre, which aids digestion, and is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and polyphenols that boost immunity and protect cells from damage. Its vibrant taste and aroma also make it a perfect complement to the natural sweetness of bananas in desserts.

👉 Learn more about passion fruit nutrition and health benefits from Healthline.

Together, bananas and passion fruit create a dessert that is not only indulgent but also nourishing. Their combination of vitamins, minerals, and natural sweetness makes them an excellent alternative to processed sugary treats. When turned into Banana and passion fruit ice cream, these fruits provide a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies both your sweet tooth and your body’s nutritional needs.

If you’re looking for more fruity frozen treats, try my refreshing raspberry sorbet recipe or our creamy chocolate ice cream recipe — both make excellent companions to Banana and passion fruit ice cream.

Fun Facts About Bananas, Passion Fruit and Thai Desserts

• Thailand is one of the world’s top producers of bananas, with varieties that range from small, sweet finger bananas to larger plantains used in cooking.

• Passion fruit is known in Thailand as sawasdee fruit in some regions, reflecting its welcome introduction to local agriculture.

• Traditional Thai desserts often combine fruit with coconut milk and sticky rice, but ice cream has become increasingly popular as a modern fusion, especially in street markets.

• Street vendors now experiment with modern flavours, and Banana and passion fruit ice cream has become a favourite among travellers seeking something fruity, cooling, and plant-based.

• A common Thai custom is to offer beautifully prepared desserts during religious festivals, symbolising prosperity and hospitality.

👉 If you’d like to explore the cultural side, check out this BBC Travel article on Thai desserts.

Why Thai-Inspired Ice Creams Stand Out

What makes Thai-inspired ice creams so appealing is their lightness and refreshing qualities. Unlike heavy cream-based Western recipes, the focus is on letting the fruit shine. Coconut milk and plant-based alternatives ensure creaminess without overpowering the natural tropical flavours. The light, tropical flavour of Banana and passion fruit ice cream is what makes it stand out from heavier, dairy-rich desserts.

Conclusion

Bananas and passion fruit are more than just tropical delights – they are nutritional powerhouses with deep connections to Thai cuisine. Whether you enjoy them fresh, in smoothies, or as part of a refreshing plant-based ice cream, these fruits bring a taste of Thailand into your kitchen. By making Banana and passion fruit ice cream at home, you can enjoy a dessert that is refreshing, nutritious, and inspired by authentic Thai flavours.