Name: Raw Ice Cream Sandwiches (Vegan, Paleo)
Prep time: 50 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 3/4 cup raw almonds ((or other nuts of choice)); 5 soft Medjool dates (, soaked in water for 10 minutes); 3 Tablespoons raw cacao powder; 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract; pinch of salt; 2 frozen bananas; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; water (, as needed for blending)

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These aren’t your average ice cream sandwiches.

They feature sweet vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two chocolate cookies, but these particular sandwiches are grain-free and dairy-free, and are sweetened with only fruit!

Like most raw desserts, they’re also incredibly quick and easy to prepare, with no need to turn on the oven. All you need is a food processor, or mini food chopper! I hope you and your family enjoy them as a healthy alternative to traditional ice cream sandwiches this summer.

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Raw Ice Cream Sandwiches (Vegan, Paleo)
makes 4 sandwiches

Adapted from Sweet Gratitude

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cookies:

3/4 cup raw almonds (or other nuts of choice)
5 soft Medjool dates, soaked in water for 10 minutes
3 Tablespoons raw cacao powder
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt

For the Ice Cream:

2 frozen bananas
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
water, as needed for blending

Directions:

Combine the almonds, cocoa powder and salt in the food processor (I used this mini food chopper) and process until a fine powder is created. Add in the dates and vanilla extract, and process again until a uniform, sticky dough is formed. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides to help with even processing.

*Note: What I love most about raw desserts is that you can taste the batter as you go! If you want a sweeter cookie, or more chocolate flavor, feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes.

Transfer the cookie dough to a pan lined with parchment paper, and use your hands (wet hands can help prevent sticking) to shape the dough into a rectangle shape, about 1/4-inch thick. Place the dough in the freezer to set for 20 minutes, then use a large knife to cut the dough into 8 rectangular cookies. Return the cookies to the freezer while you prepare the ice cream.

To make the ice cream, you’ll need to use the same food processor again. For easiest processing, cut the frozen bananas into chunks before blending, then combine them with the vanilla extract and 1-2 tablespoons of water in the food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, like ice cream! (Add more water, if needed, to achieve this texture.)

Remove the chocolate cookies from the freezer, and place a large spoonful of ice cream on to four of the sandwich sides. Use the other four cookies to create sandwiches, then press the cookies together to even-out the ice cream middles. Place in the freezer to allow the ice cream to solidify, about 20-30 minutes, then serve!

Store the remaining ice cream sandwiches in a sealed container in the freezer.

Raw Ice Cream Sandwiches (Vegan, Paleo)

5 from 8 votes

Healthy ice cream sandwiches sweetened with fruit!

prep50 mins total50 mins

Servings:4

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Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cookies:

3/4 cup raw almonds (or other nuts of choice)
5 soft Medjool dates , soaked in water for 10 minutes
3 Tablespoons raw cacao powder
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt

For the Ice Cream:

2 frozen bananas
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
water , as needed for blending

Instructions

Combine the almonds, cocoa powder and salt in the food processor (I used this mini food chopper) and process until a fine powder is created. Add in the dates and vanilla extract, and process again until a uniform, sticky dough is formed. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides to help with even processing.
Transfer the cookie dough to a pan lined with parchment paper, and use your hands (wet hands can help prevent sticking) to shape the dough into a rectangle shape, about 1/4-inch thick. Place the dough in the freezer to set for 20 minutes, then use a large knife to cut the dough into 8 rectangular cookies. Return to the freezer while you prepare the ice cream.
To make the ice cream, you'll need to use the same food processor again. For easiest processing, cut the frozen bananas into chunks before blending, then combine them with the vanilla extract and 1-2 tablespoons of water in the food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, like ice cream! (Add more water, if needed, to achieve this texture.)
Remove the chocolate cookies from the freezer, and place a large spoonful of ice cream on to four of the sandwich sides. Use the other four cookies to create sandwiches, and press the cookies together to even-out the ice cream middles. Place in the freezer to allow the ice cream to solidify, about 20-30 minutes, then serve! Store the sandwiches in a sealed container in the freezer.

Nutrition

Author: Megan Gilmore

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: banana, dairy free, no bake, paleo, vegan

Calories per ice cream sandwich: 310, Fat: 14g, Carbohydrates: 44g, Fiber: 8g, Protein: 7g

Hope you enjoy them!

Substitution Notes:

I have a feeling any type of nut will work with this recipe, so feel free to use pecans, walnuts, etc. if you prefer. You may also be able to use sunflower seeds instead of nuts, but they tend to be more bitter and may affect the overall flavor of the cookies.
The dates are what hold these cookies together, so other sweeteners may or may not work. Please leave a comment below if you have any successful experiments!
Try using Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream or Chocolate Ice Cream as a filling, if you prefer!

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Reader Feedback: Are you a fan of ice cream sandwiches? Any other flavor combos you love?