You Won’t Believe This Vegan Ice Cream Is From the 1940s (And You Don’t Need a Machine!)

If someone from the 1940s handed you a bowl of ice cream made with bananas and zero dairy, you’d probably think they time-traveled. But turns out, this kind of recipe was a wartime staple.

No fancy machines. No electric churners. Just good ol’ freezing, mashing, and patience.

History

Back in the 1940s, America saw heavy rationing during World War II.

Sugar, dairy, and eggs were hard to get. So home cooks got creative. Frozen mashed fruit, especially bananas, became a cheap and cheerful stand-in for creamy desserts.

This recipe takes inspiration from those years when resourcefulness ruled the kitchen. And honestly? It still holds up.

Equipment

You don’t need anything high-tech. Here’s all you need:

• Fork or potato masher
• Mixing bowl (I love this mixing bowl set)
• Freezer-safe container with lid
• Spoon or spatula
• Freezer
• Optional: Blender (for smoother texture)

Ingredients

• 4 ripe bananas (the riper, the better)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or molasses (or skip it – bananas are sweet already)
• 1 tbsp peanut butter (for that 1940s protein vibe)
• A pinch of salt
• Optional: crushed walnuts, cocoa powder, or raisins

Instructions

Step 1: Mash and Mix

Peel the bananas. Mash them with a fork in a mixing bowl until smooth.
Stir in vanilla, sweetener, salt, and peanut butter until combined.

Step 2: Add Optional Mix-Ins

If you’re feeling extra, throw in some chopped walnuts or cocoa powder.
The 1940s loved frugal creativity. Follow suit.

Step 3: Freeze and Stir

Pour the mix into your freezer-safe container.
Pop it in the freezer and stir every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours to prevent ice crystals.

Step 4: Scoop and Serve

After 4 hours, it should be firm and scoopable.
Let it sit out for 5 minutes if too hard. Then serve like a boss.

Special Notes

• This isn’t going to taste like store-bought ice cream—and that’s the point.
• Bananas are the secret weapon. Sweet, creamy, and cheap.
• Want it smoother? Use a blender before freezing.
• No blender? Embrace the rustic texture. Grandma would be proud.

Nutrition

Per serving (rough estimate):

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 4g
• Carbs: 36g
• Sugar: 19g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 4g