Can you blend frozen fruit in a Vitamix?

Quick Answer

Yes, you can absolutely blend frozen fruit in a Vitamix high-powered blender. Vitamix blenders are designed to handle blending frozen ingredients without any issue due to their strong motors and sharp blades. Blending frozen fruit is a great way to make thick, creamy smoothies or fruit-based ice creams in a Vitamix.

Can All Vitamix Models Blend Frozen Fruit?

All new Vitamix models, including the Explorian, Professional Series, and Ascent Series, can blend frozen fruit without any problems. Older Vitamix models may struggle with certain frozen ingredients but are still capable of handling most frozen fruit blending tasks. The key aspects that allow Vitamix blenders to crush frozen ingredients are:

  • Powerful motor – Ranging from 2 to over 3 horsepower, Vitamix motors provide incredible blending power.
  • Fast blade speeds – Vitamix blades can spin up to 37,000 rpm to pulverize frozen ingredients.
  • Sharp blades – Aircraft-grade stainless steel blades easily cut through frozen fruit.
  • Jar design – Vitamix container shape creates a vortex to pull ingredients towards the blades.

As long as frozen fruits or vegetables are cut into 1-2 inch pieces before blending, any Vitamix model can produce smooth frozen blends.

Tips for Blending Frozen Fruit in a Vitamix

Follow these tips when using frozen fruit in your Vitamix:

  • Use fruit that is completely frozen solid. Partially thawed fruit can jam up the blender.
  • Cut large frozen fruit into 1-2 inch chunks before adding to blender.
  • Start on low speed and gradually increase to avoid splashing or overflow.
  • Use the tamper to press ingredients into the blades if needed.
  • Add at least 1/2 cup of liquid to help the blender process frozen items.
  • Blend in short intervals, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
  • Make sure the lid and lid plug are securely in place before blending.

Adding some liquid is key when making frozen fruit smoothies or ice creams in a Vitamix. The liquid helps circulate the frozen chunks around the jar. Good liquids to use include fruit juice, plant-based milk, coconut water, or even just regular water.

Best Frozen Fruits to Blend in a Vitamix

All types of frozen fruit can be blended in a Vitamix but some popular choices include:

  • Frozen bananas – Adds creaminess and natural sweetness.
  • Frozen berries – Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.
  • Frozen mango chunks
  • Frozen pineapple chunks
  • Frozen peaches
  • Frozen cherries

Berries, bananas, mangos, peaches, and pineapple are fairly soft frozen fruits that blend up easily in a Vitamix. Harder frozen fruit like apples may require more blending time or liquid to reach a smooth consistency.

Smoothies

One of the most common uses for frozen fruit is making thick, ice cream-like smoothies in a Vitamix. A basic smoothie recipe is:

  • 1 cup frozen fruit
  • 1 banana
  • 1 cup liquid like juice or milk
  • 1 tbsp nut butter, protein powder, greens, or other mix-in

Simply combine the ingredients in your Vitamix and blend from low to high until smooth and creamy. The banana adds natural sweetness while the nut butter or protein powder helps make it more filling.

Some tasty frozen fruit smoothie ideas include:

  • Berry banana – Frozen mixed berries, banana, apple juice, Greek yogurt
  • Mango pineapple – Frozen mango, pineapple, coconut water
  • Green machine – Frozen kale, banana, pineapple, orange juice
  • Peach pear – Frozen peaches, pear, almond milk, honey
  • Cherry chocolate – Frozen cherries, banana, cocoa powder, almond milk

Get creative with combining different frozen fruits and liquids for all kinds of delicious and nutritious Vitamix smoothies!

Sorbet

Without any added dairy, blended frozen fruit makes a light and refreshing sorbet dessert. Simply blend frozen fruit with a little bit of juice concentrate and/or sweetener until smooth and creamy. Here are some tasty sorbet combinations for the Vitamix:

  • Raspberry sorbet – Frozen raspberries, raspberry juice concentrate, honey
  • Mango sorbet – Frozen mango, orange juice concentrate
  • Blueberry sorbet – Frozen blueberries, lemon juice, maple syrup
  • Peach sorbet – Frozen peaches, peach juice concentrate, agave nectar

For an even richer, ice cream-like texture, try adding a frozen banana to your frozen fruit sorbet recipes.

Soft Serve

By adding dairy and/or vegan milk products to blended frozen fruit, you can create dairy-free soft serve in a Vitamix. Some easy soft serve options include:

  • Banana – Frozen bananas, plant-based milk
  • Berry – Mixed frozen berries, plain Greek yogurt
  • Mango – Frozen mango, canned coconut milk
  • Pineapple – Frozen pineapple, coconut creamer

Play around with additional ingredients like vanilla, cinnamon, or cocoa powder to customize the flavors. Soft serve made with just frozen fruit and milk makes a healthy treat any time of day.

Popsicles

Blended frozen fruit also works wonderfully for making homemade popsicles. Simply blend the fruit mixture until smooth and pour into popsicle molds before freezing. Some fun ideas include:

  • Tropical fruit pops – Mango, pineapple, orange juice
  • Strawberry banana pops – Strawberries, banana, vanilla Greek yogurt
  • Blueberry pomegranate pops – Blueberries, pomegranate juice, honey
  • Peach pops – Peaches, peach nectar, lime juice

The Vitamix makes quick work of pulverizing frozen fruits into smooth purees ideal for pouring into popsicle molds. Kids and adults alike will love the fresh fruit flavor!

Ice Cream

While it requires some additional steps, blended frozen fruit can also be transformed into frozen desserts like ice cream in a Vitamix. Generally an ice cream base needs to be prepared then chilled before blending with the fruit.

Here is a basic fruit ice cream recipe process:

  1. Prepare base – Blend 2 cups heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and a dash of vanilla until smooth and creamy.
  2. Chill base – Refrigerate the base for at least 4 hours until completely chilled.
  3. Prepare fruit – Cut frozen bananas, berries, etc. into chunks and freeze overnight.
  4. Blend – Add chilled base and frozen fruit to Vitamix. Blend, stopping to stir occasionally, until thick and creamy.
  5. Freeze – Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for 4 or more hours before serving.

Any combination of frozen fruits can be used with this method – try mango, strawberry, pineapple, cherries, peaches, or mixed berries. Homemade fruit ice cream is so fresh and delicious!

Frozen Yogurt

Greek yogurt adds protein and a tangy flavor to frozen fruit blends for making frozen yogurt in the Vitamix. Follow the same method as ice cream but use Greek yogurt in place of the heavy cream when making your base:

  • 2 cups Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk or honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

    Blend the base then proceed with chilling, preparing fruit, and blending as directed above. Some of the best frozen yogurt combos are:

    • Strawberry banana
    • Blueberry pomegranate
    • Mango pineapple
    • Peach raspberry swirl

    Adding extracts like coconut, lemon or mint also enhances the flavor of frozen fruit and yogurt blends.

    Important Tips

    Keep these important tips in mind when using frozen ingredients in your Vitamix:

    • Always start blending on low speed to avoid splatter.
    • Use the tamper to press fruit into the blades if needed.
    • Don’t overfill the container – leave room at the top for ingredients to move.
    • Add liquids to aid in blending frozen items smoothly.
    • Stop blending periodically to scrape down the sides as needed.
    • Once blended, consume immediately or freeze desserts in airtight containers.

    With the proper techniques, cleaning, and care, a Vitamix can handle any frozen fruit blending task!

    FAQs

    Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about blending frozen fruit in Vitamix blenders:

    Can you put frozen fruit in a Vitamix?

    Yes, Vitamix blenders are designed to blend frozen fruit with ease. Their powerful motors and sharp blades have no problem crushing frozen chunks into smooth creations.

    Do you have to thaw frozen fruit before Vitamix?

    It is not necessary to thaw frozen fruit before adding it to a Vitamix. Frozen fruit blends best when completely frozen solid. Partially thawed fruit can get stuck or jam the blades.

    Does frozen fruit ruin a Vitamix?

    No, frozen fruit does not damage or ruin a Vitamix blender when used properly. Frozen ingredients are no match for Vitamix’s aircraft-grade stainless steel blades and robust motors.

    Can I blend frozen bananas in Vitamix?

    Yes, frozen bananas blend wonderfully in a Vitamix. They create a thick, creamy texture perfect for smoothies and soft serve. Make sure bananas are cut into 1-2 inch chunks before blending.

    What is the best frozen fruit for Vitamix?

    Good frozen fruits for Vitamix include berries, mangos, pineapple, peaches, and bananas. Their softer textures blend up easily. Harder fruits like apples may require more blending time.

    Conclusion

    Freezing and blending fruit unlocks endless possibilities with a Vitamix blender. Smoothies, sorbets, ice creams, frozen yogurts, and more are just minutes away. With proper preparation and techniques, frozen fruit blends into refreshing treats and healthy desserts that everyone can enjoy. A Vitamix makes achieving the perfect frozen fruit blend quick, easy and delicious.

Leave a Comment