There are many people who love to indulge in cold, sweet treats, especially during the warmer months. There are many variations of “nice cream,” which is what people call healthier ice cream typically made with bananas as the base. When blended, frozen bananas create a smooth and creamy base, so there is no need for churning this raw vegan creation. Using bananas also means that you do not have to add sweeteners, such as agave nectar or pure maple syrup. Plus, the cherries in this recipe provide natural sugars in addition to a subtly tart flavor.

If you are one of those people that likes kitchen toys, consider investing in a cherry pitter. It is exactly what it sounds like: a tool that pits cherries and leaves you with the whole fruit. No need to cut around the pits or bite the cherries in order to remove the pits with your teeth. It’s truly an incredible creation and there is no better time to use it than during the summer when cherries are in season. The cherry pitter also makes freezing whole cherries that much easier.

Now, there are two ways to enjoy this ice cream. You can blend the ingredients together in a food processor and enjoy it immediately after blending into a smooth consistency. It is more like soft serve in that state. If you prefer scoops of ice cream, spoon the blended mixture into a freezer-safe container and place in the freezer for two to three hours. Remove from the freezer and then scoop the ice cream with an ice cream scooper. Just don’t leave the ice cream in the freezer for longer than two to three hours, or else it becomes a little too hard to enjoy.