Banana Pudding Ice Cream

### Instructions for Making Banana Pudding Ice Cream

#### 1. **Mash the Bananas**
Peel the bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the bananas until they’re smooth, but with a few small chunks left for texture. Set aside.

#### 2. **Combine the Wet Ingredients**
In a separate bowl, combine the **heavy cream**, **whole milk**, and **sweetened condensed milk**. Stir until smooth and well combined. The sweetened condensed milk adds extra creaminess and sweetness to the ice cream base.

#### 3. **Add the Banana Flavor**
Mix the mashed bananas into the milk and cream mixture. Stir in the **vanilla extract** and, if you like, the **ground cinnamon**. The cinnamon adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor, complementing the bananas beautifully.

#### 4. **Chill the Mixture**
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1-2 hours, or until it’s thoroughly chilled. This helps the ice cream base freeze more easily and improves the texture of the finished product.

#### 5. **Prepare the Ice Cream Base**
Once chilled, you can either churn the mixture in an ice cream maker or freeze it without one. If using an ice cream maker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn the ice cream until it reaches a thick, creamy consistency.

If you don’t have an ice cream maker, simply pour the chilled banana mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe container. Cover it with plastic wrap and freeze for about 4-6 hours, or until it reaches the desired consistency. Every hour, use a fork to scrape the mixture and break up any ice crystals. This will create a smoother texture.

#### 6. **Fold in the Vanilla Wafers and Optional Toppings**
Once the ice cream is nearly set, gently fold in the **crushed vanilla wafer cookies** and **mini marshmallows** (if using). The cookies will provide the signature crunch that makes banana pudding so irresistible, while the marshmallows add a touch of extra sweetness and creaminess.

#### 7. **Final Freeze**
After adding the wafers, return the ice cream to the freezer and allow it to set for another 1-2 hours to fully harden.

#### 8. **Serve and Enjoy**
Once the ice cream is fully set, scoop it into bowls or cones and enjoy the creamy, banana-flavored goodness. For an extra touch, you can top your ice cream with more crushed **vanilla wafers** or a drizzle of **caramel sauce** for an indulgent treat.

### Tips for Perfect Banana Pudding Ice Cream

– **Use Ripe Bananas**: The flavor of the bananas is key to this ice cream, so be sure to use very ripe bananas. They should be speckled with brown spots, which indicates they’re at their sweetest and most flavorful.
– **Add More Texture**: If you love the texture of banana pudding, consider adding extra **vanilla wafer cookies** or even small chunks of banana to the ice cream. Just make sure to add them after churning, so they don’t get too soggy.
– **Make it Extra Creamy**: For an even creamier ice cream, you can add a tablespoon of **cornstarch** to the milk mixture, or you could substitute the whole milk with **half-and-half** for a richer consistency.
– **No Ice Cream Maker? No Problem!** You don’t need an ice cream maker to make this dessert. The trick is to freeze the mixture in a shallow dish and stir it every hour to break up ice crystals. This will help you achieve a creamy texture without an ice cream machine.

### Why You’ll Love Banana Pudding Ice Cream

– **Creamy, Delicious Banana Flavor**: The perfect blend of sweet, ripe bananas and rich creaminess makes this ice cream irresistible.
– **Nostalgic Twist on a Classic**: If you love traditional banana pudding, you’ll appreciate the familiar flavors in this frozen version. It’s a new way to enjoy an old favorite!
– **Easy to Make**: This no-churn or easy-churn recipe is perfect for beginners, and the result is an indulgent, homemade ice cream that rivals store-bought versions.
– **Customizable**: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins, such as nuts, caramel swirls, or extra banana slices, to make it your own.

### Final Thoughts

**Banana Pudding Ice Cream** is the perfect way to enjoy the comforting flavors of banana pudding in a refreshing, frozen form. With its creamy texture, sweet banana flavor, and crunchy bits of vanilla wafer cookies, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a simple treat to enjoy at home.

This easy-to-make ice cream combines the best of both worlds — the nostalgia of banana pudding and the cool, satisfying nature of ice cream. So, next time you’re craving a comforting dessert, give this **Banana Pudding Ice Cream** a try and indulge in a sweet, frozen twist on a classic favorite!