If sunshine had a flavour, this would be it. Bright citrus, creamy coconut, natural sweetness, and a smooth soft-serve texture – this Sunshine Orange Coconut Protein Nice Cream is like a tropical holiday in a bowl. And the best part? It’s made the Blended Bites way: simple whole ingredients, no refined sugar, no ice cream maker, and a nourishing protein boost to keep you satisfied.

But first – let’s talk about nice cream.

What Is Nice Cream?

Nice cream is a dairy-free ice cream alternative made primarily from frozen bananas blended until smooth and creamy. When ripe bananas are sliced, frozen, and blended, they transform into a thick, soft-serve texture that looks and feels just like traditional ice cream – without cream, added sugar, or complicated steps.

It’s one of those simple kitchen tricks that feels almost magical. From there, you can build any flavour you like. Chocolate. Berry. Caramel. Or in this case – bright orange with creamy coconut and added protein for balance.

Nice cream is:

Naturally sweet
Dairy-free
Quick to make
Customisable
Freezer-friendly

And when you add protein, it becomes more than just a treat — it becomes a satisfying snack or post-workout option.

The Sunshine Flavour Combo

Orange and coconut are such an underrated pairing. The citrus brings brightness and freshness, while coconut adds richness and creaminess. Together, they create that nostalgic “creamsicle” vibe – but elevated and nourishing.

We are using fresh orange juice and zest for real citrus flavour. The zest is key – it contains natural oils that intensify the orange aroma and make the flavour pop.

Coconut cream gives this nice cream an ultra-smooth, luscious finish. It deepens the texture and balances the brightness of the orange beautifully.

Why Add Protein?

Classic nice cream is delicious but primarily carbohydrate-based from the bananas. Adding a scoop of vanilla or unflavoured protein powder helps:

Reduce food cravings
Improve satiety, keeping you full and satisfied
Support muscle recovery
Stabilise energy
Reduce sugar spikes

In true Blended Bites style, we aim for treats that taste indulgent while still supporting your wellness goals. The protein blends seamlessly into the mixture and complements the coconut-orange flavour without overpowering it.

It’s bright, creamy, refreshing – and feels like summer in every spoonful. If you are looking for a nourishing dessert that feels light yet satisfying, this Sunshine Orange Coconut Protein Nice Cream delivers exactly that. 🌞

Sunshine Orange Coconut Protein Nice Cream

This Sunshine Orange Coconut Protein Nice Cream is a bright, dairy-free frozen treat made with blended frozen bananas, fresh orange juice and zest, creamy coconut, and vanilla protein powder. Naturally sweet, refreshing, and packed with nourishing ingredients, it delivers soft-serve texture without refined sugar or cream.Perfect for healthy desserts, summer snacks, or post-workout refuelling, this Blended Bites-style nice cream is sunshine in a bowl. 🍊☀️

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword clean eating dessert or snack, clean eating ice cream, healthy orange ice cream recipe, orange coconut protein nice cream, orange nice cream recipe, orange protein ice cream recipe, sunshine orange coconut protein nice cream

Servings 2

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
• 1 13.5 oz can coconut cream, full fat (solid part only) *see note below
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons almond milk (if needed for blending)
• Optional: 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey if you prefer extra sweetness

Instructions

• Note: Place the can of coconut cream or milk in the fridge or freezer for at least 1-2 hours before making these bars to allow coconut cream to separate.

  Slice ripe bananas and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.

  Open chilled can and scoop out the cream that has separated and set hard on the top. Save the remaining coconut water to use in a smoothie, drink, or discard.

  Add frozen bananas, orange juice, orange zest, hardened coconut cream, protein powder, and vanilla extract to a high-speed blender or food processor.

  Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down sides as needed. Add almond milk gradually if required to assist blending.

  Adjust sweetness with maple syrup if desired.

  Enjoy immediately for soft-serve consistency, or freeze for 1–2 hours for a firmer texture.   

Make It Your Own

• You can customise this easily:

  Top with orange zest

  Add shredded coconut for texture

  Stir through white chocolate chips

  Add a squeeze of lime for a citrus twist

  Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top

  Blend in collagen for an extra protein boost.  

Texture Tips for Perfect Nice Cream

• The key to creamy nice cream is ripe bananas. They should be spotty and sweet before freezing.

  Slice bananas before freezing for easier blending.

  Use a high-speed blender or food processor.

  Add liquid slowly - just enough to blend smoothly.

  Scrape down the sides and be patient.

  If fully frozen let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Print Recipe

If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites