Stop sacrificing flavor for your fitness goals; you can finally have a creamy, indulgent dessert that actually helps you hit your macros. This recipe turns simple ingredients into a massive pint of ice cream that tastes like a cheat meal but is packed with nutrition. It is perfect for gym-goers, busy moms looking for healthy treats for kids, or anyone wanting a low-sugar dessert that satisfies late-night cravings.
Tested & Approved
This recipe has been tested in our kitchen and approved by the Roz Recipes Team. We have tested this specific ratio of liquid to powder to ensure a texture that is smooth, not icy or powdery.
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Freeze Time: 24 hours
- Spin Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 24 hours + 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 Pint (approx. 2 servings)
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240ml) Ultra-filtered skim milk (like Fairlife) or Unsweetened Almond Milk for lower calories.
- 1 scoop (approx. 30g) High-quality Vanilla Whey Protein Powder (or Casein blend).
- 1 tbsp Sugar-free Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix (ensures creaminess).
- 1 tsp Alcohol-free Vanilla Extract (or Vanilla Bean Paste).
- 1-2 tsp Monk fruit sweetener or Stevia (optional, adjust to taste).
- Splash of milk (reserved for the re-spin).
Note: Ensure your pudding mix and extracts are certified Halal. Most standard instant pudding mixes use cornstarch rather than gelatin, but always check the label.
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a shaker bottle or a small blender, mix the milk, protein powder, pudding mix, vanilla extract, and sweetener. Blend or shake until completely smooth and no clumps remain.
- Pour and Freeze: Pour the mixture into your empty Ninja Creami pint container. Ensure the liquid does not exceed the “Max Fill” line. Place the lid on tight and freeze on a flat surface for 24 hours.
- Spin: Remove the pint from the freezer. Remove the lid and place the container into the outer bowl of the Ninja Creami machine. Lock it into place. Select the “Lite Ice Cream” function.
- Check and Re-spin: Once the cycle is done, open the lid. If the texture looks crumbly or powdery (this is normal for low-fat recipes), pour a splash (approx. 1 tbsp) of milk into the center of the hole created by the blade.
- Re-spin Cycle: Place the pint back in the machine and press the “Re-Spin” button.
- Mix-ins (Optional): If you want to add crunch (like crushed nuts or dark chocolate chips), create a well in the center, add your toppings, and press the “Mix-In” button.
- Serve: Scoop immediately and enjoy!
Tips, Variations & Storage
Tips for Success:
- The 24-Hour Rule: Do not rush the freezing process. If the core isn’t frozen solid, you will end up with slush rather than ice cream.
- Thawing: Leaving the pint on the counter for 10 minutes before spinning can reduce the need for multiple re-spins and saves wear on your machine.
Variations:
- Chocolate Lovers: Swap vanilla protein for chocolate and add 1 tbsp of unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Berry Cheesecake: Use vanilla protein, add 1 tbsp of light cream cheese to the base mix, and use frozen strawberries as a Mix-In.
- Dairy-Free/Vegan: Use soy or oat milk and a vegan protein blend (pea/rice). Note: Vegan protein generally requires a little more liquid or fat (like coconut cream) to get creamy.
Storage:
- Freezer: If you don’t finish the pint, flatten the top with a spoon and refreeze. When you want to eat it again, you will likely need to re-spin it on the same setting to regain the creamy texture.
FAQ
Why is my ice cream powdery after the first spin? This is very common with low-fat, high-protein recipes. The lack of fat and sugar prevents soft ice crystals from forming. The “Re-Spin” with a splash of liquid fixes this instantly.
Can I use a pre-made protein shake? Yes! You can pour a pre-made protein shake (like Premier Protein or Core Power) directly into the pint and freeze it. However, adding 1 tablespoon of pudding mix helps stabilize the texture significantly.
Is this recipe Halal? Yes, provided you use alcohol-free vanilla extract and ensure your protein powder and pudding mix do not contain non-halal gelatin or carmine.
Nutrition Facts
(Estimates based on using Ultra-filtered Skim Milk and Whey Protein)
- Calories per pint: 260 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Carbs: 18 g
- Fat: 2 g
Conclusion
This High-Protein Ninja Creami base recipe is the perfect blank canvas for your healthy dessert experiments. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for anyone trying to increase their protein intake without giving up sweets. Give it a try, experiment with your favorite mix-ins, and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
