Caramel Pecan Pumpkin Spice Nice Cream

Who says you can’t enjoy nice cream in the fall? Forget what you heard—you absolutely can!  It’s a classic that pairs wonderfully with warm baked desserts or is perfect to enjoy on its own. With the dates adding a unique caramel flavor along with a hint of spice, you’ll keep this recipe around for any time of the year.

 Ingredients:

5 Barhi or Medjool dates, pitted

2 frozen bananas (thawed for 10-15 minutes to soften)

½ cup pecans, chopped fine or blended into a paste (or 3-4 tablespoons pecan butter)

1 teaspoon pumpkin spice

more chopped pecans for topping (optional)

1. Soak dates in water for a minimum of 30 minutes, then drain and blend in a high-powered blender until they become a paste. Add a teaspoon of water at a time, if needed, to help the blending process. When done, transfer the date paste into a bowl and set aside.
2. Break the bananas in half, then add bananas, pecans, and pumpkin spice to a food processor or high-powered blender. Blend until a creamy mixture is achieved. Stir in date paste.
3. Pour mixture into a freezer-safe pan and freeze for at least one hour to firm up before serving.  If frozen longer or overnight, soften as needed before serving.

Feel free to top with more chopped pecans right before eating, and dig in!