If you’re searching for a dessert that feels indulgent yet is entirely plant-based and refreshing, you are going to fall in love with this Vegan Pomegranate Nice Cream. This vibrant treat combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the tart, jewel-toned pop of POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice, creating a luscious frozen delight without any dairy. It’s silky, bright, and wonderfully simple to make—perfect for hot days or any time you want a healthy pick-me-up that tastes like a dream.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward with just a handful of essential ingredients, each bringing its own magic to the final flavor and texture. From creamy bananas to the tangy burst of pomegranate juice, every component plays a vital role in crafting that perfect bowl of Vegan Pomegranate Nice Cream.
- 8 oz. POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice: The star ingredient that provides that gorgeous tartness and rich color, making each spoonful pop.
- 8-10 medium bananas (chopped and frozen): Naturally sweet and creamy, bananas create the smooth, ice cream-like texture without any need for dairy.
- 2-3 Tbsp. coconut milk (or milk of choice): Adds extra creaminess and helps blend the mixture into a luscious consistency that’s easy to scoop.
How to Make Vegan Pomegranate Nice Cream
Step 1: Prepare Your Bananas
Start by peeling and chopping your bananas into small pieces. Freeze these in a freezer-friendly bag or container. Freezing the bananas is essential because it’s what gives your nice cream that smooth, creamy texture that’s comparable to traditional ice cream—even without any cream or sugar added.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
Once your bananas are solidly frozen, pop them into a powerful blender. Pour in the 8 oz. of 100% pomegranate juice and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of coconut milk (or your preferred plant milk). Blend everything together until the mixture becomes thick and creamy. If you find it’s a little too thick, a splash more milk will loosen it up without sacrificing richness.
Step 3: Freeze the Mixture
Pour the luscious banana and pomegranate blend into a standard loaf pan, the kind you’d use for banana bread works perfectly. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals from forming. Freeze for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight to let everything firm up into that perfect scoopable nice cream consistency.
Step 4: Scoop and Enjoy
When you’re ready to indulge, take your Vegan Pomegranate Nice Cream out of the freezer and allow it to soften at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This brief rest makes scooping easy and keeps the texture ideal for serving.
How to Serve Vegan Pomegranate Nice Cream
Garnishes
Visually stunning and deliciously complementary garnishes elevate your Vegan Pomegranate Nice Cream experience. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top for a burst of color and crunch, add a few fresh mint leaves for an herbal twist, or dust a little toasted coconut for that tropical touch. Each accent brightens the dish even more.
Side Dishes
This nice cream pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides. Try serving it alongside fresh berries or a crisp fruit salad to highlight the fruity flavors. For something a bit more indulgent, a warm vegan brownie or soft cookies will contrast wonderfully with the icy coolness, making it the ultimate dessert duo.
Creative Ways to Present
To make your presentation truly shine, serve the Vegan Pomegranate Nice Cream in clear glass cups to let the vibrant pink hues show through. Another fun idea is to layer the nice cream with granola or chopped nuts for a parfait effect. Even a waffle cone or edible bowl adds a playful twist that turns this treat into a party favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers should be covered tightly and stored in the freezer. A well-sealed container will keep the Vegan Pomegranate Nice Cream fresh and prevent it from absorbing other freezer odors. It’s best eaten within a week for optimal flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare the nice cream ahead of time, follow the freezing steps carefully, making sure it’s well covered before storing. Freezing it overnight or up to several days is perfectly fine—this keeps the flavors vibrant and the texture creamy.
Reheating
Reheating this recipe isn’t necessary or recommended since it’s meant to be enjoyed cold. Instead, simply remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to soften before serving. This quick step is all you need to enjoy that perfect scoop.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pomegranate seeds instead of juice?
Fresh pomegranate seeds add a lovely crunch but won’t contribute the same smooth tartness or color as the juice. For the classic Vegan Pomegranate Nice Cream texture and flavor, the juice is essential, though you can absolutely use seeds as a garnish.
What if I don’t have a high-speed blender?
If your blender isn’t super powerful, try thawing the bananas just a bit before blending to ease the process. You may need to blend in smaller batches or add a touch more plant milk to help everything blend smoothly.
Can I swap the coconut milk for another plant milk?
Definitely! Almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk will work well. Coconut milk adds extra creaminess and a subtle flavor, but feel free to use whatever you prefer or have on hand.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Vegan Pomegranate Nice Cream is naturally gluten-free as it contains only fruit and plant-based milk. Just double-check any add-ons or garnishes you choose to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about six servings, perfect for sharing with friends or keeping a few indulgent portions for yourself. It’s an easy way to enjoy a healthy dessert throughout the week without needing to make it every time.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Vegan Pomegranate Nice Cream enough—it’s a simple, wholesome dessert that feels special every single time. Whether you’re cooling down on a summer day or craving something sweet and revitalizing, this recipe has you covered with its delightful balance of sweetness and tartness. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to frozen treats!
PrintVegan Pomegranate Nice Cream
Enjoy a refreshing and healthy dessert with this Vegan Pomegranate Nice Cream, made from simple ingredients like frozen bananas, POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice, and coconut milk. This creamy, naturally sweet treat is perfect for a vegan and dairy-free snack that’s packed with fruity flavor and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz. POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice
- 8–10 medium bananas (peeled, chopped, and frozen)
- 2–3 Tbsp. coconut milk (or milk of choice)
Instructions
- Prepare Bananas: Peel and chop 8-10 medium bananas into pieces. Place them in a freezer-friendly bag and freeze until solid, ideally overnight or at least several hours.
- Blend Ingredients: Once frozen, put the bananas into a powerful blender. Add 8 oz. of 100% Pomegranate Juice and 2-3 tablespoons of coconut milk or your preferred milk. Blend on high speed until the mixture becomes thick and creamy.
- Freeze Mixture: Pour the blended banana and pomegranate mixture into a standard loaf pan, such as a banana bread pan. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to firm up properly.
- Serve: When ready to enjoy, remove the nice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly. Scoop and serve as a delicious vegan frozen dessert.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of coconut milk as needed to achieve a creamy consistency when blending.
- Freezing bananas in reusable Stasher bags is a practical option to prevent freezer burn.