Stop sacrificing texture for macros. If you have been hunting for ninja creami recipes protein lovers can actually enjoy, this dairy-free chocolate peanut butter pint is the answer.
This recipe transforms simple plant-based ingredients into a rich, velvety treat that tastes like a cheat day but fuels your muscles. It is perfect for fitness enthusiasts, busy moms needing a healthy treat, or anyone with lactose intolerance who misses real ice cream. We keep it simple: no complicated steps, just blend, freeze, and spin.
Tested & Approved
This recipe has been rigorously tested in our kitchen and approved by the ena Recipes Team. We specifically tested the texture using different plant milks to ensure it doesn’t come out icy or powdery.
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes (plus 24 hours freezing time)
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (spinning)
- Total Time: 24 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 Pint (1–2 Servings)
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Unsweetened Almond Milk (or high-protein soy milk for extra macros)
- 1 scoop (approx. 30g) Vegan Chocolate Protein Powder (Pea or Soy isolate works best)
- 2 tbsp Peanut Butter Powder (like PB2) or 1 tbsp Natural Peanut Butter
- 1 tsp Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract (Halal)
- 1 tbsp Maple Syrup or Sugar-Free Sweetener (optional, depending on protein sweetness)
- ¼ tsp Xanthan Gum or Guar Gum (Crucial for creamy texture without dairy fat)
- Pinch of Sea Salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a blender or shaker bottle, combine the almond milk, chocolate protein powder, peanut butter powder, vanilla, sweetener, salt, and xanthan gum.
- Blend: Blend or shake vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and no clumps of protein powder remain. The xanthan gum helps emulsify the liquid.
- Pour & Freeze: Pour the mixture into your Ninja Creami pint container. Ensure you do not exceed the “Max Fill” line. Place the lid on flat and freeze on a level surface for 24 hours.
- Spin: Remove the pint from the freezer. Remove the lid and place the container into the outer bowl. Lock it into the machine. Select the “Lite Ice Cream” function.
- Respin (The Secret Step): The first spin might look slightly crumbly or powdery—this is normal for low-fat recipes. Add 1 tablespoon of almond milk to the center of the pint, place it back in the machine, and press “Re-Spin.”
- Serve: Once the texture is creamy and soft, scoop immediately and enjoy!
Tips, Variations & Storage
- Why the Gum? Since this is dairy-free and low-fat, Xanthan or Guar gum mimics the mouthfeel of heavy cream. Do not skip this, or your ice cream may be icy.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: This recipe is naturally 100% vegan and vegetarian.
- High Calorie Variation: If you are bulking, swap almond milk for canned coconut milk (lite or full fat) for an ultra-rich texture.
- Mix-Ins: After the Re-Spin, create a hole in the center and add dairy-free chocolate chips or crushed nuts. Use the “Mix-In” setting to incorporate them gently.
- Storage: If you don’t finish the pint, smooth the top flat and refreeze. You will likely need to Re-Spin it when you want to eat it again.
FAQ
Q: Can I use whey protein instead of vegan protein? A: Yes, you can use whey isolate, but the recipe will no longer be dairy-free. Whey creates a very creamy texture, but be careful of foaming when blending.
Q: My ice cream is powdery after the first spin. What did I do wrong? A: Nothing! Low-fat, dairy-free recipes almost always look crumbly after the first spin because they lack heavy cream. The “Re-Spin” with a splash of liquid fixes this every time.
Q: Do I really have to freeze it for 24 hours? A: Yes. The Ninja Creami relies on the block being frozen solid at a specific temperature. Freezing for only 12 hours often results in a “slushy” consistency rather than ice cream.
Nutrition Facts
(Estimates based on using almond milk and standard vegan protein powder)
- Calories per pint: 240 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 6g
Conclusion
This Dairy-Free Ninja Creami Chocolate Peanut Butter recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for hitting your fitness goals without feeling deprived. It proves you don’t need heavy cream to make a delicious frozen treat. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
