Stop choosing between your fitness goals and your sweet tooth. This high-protein ice cream is incredibly creamy, decadent, and packs a massive protein punch without the excess sugar found in store-bought pints.
It is the perfect solution for post-workout recovery or a late-night snack that won’t spike your blood sugar. Whether you are a busy parent trying to get more protein into your kids’ diet or a serious lifter hitting macros, this recipe is a game-changer. It is fast to prep, budget-friendly, and tastes just like the real deal.
Tested & Approved
This recipe has been rigorously tested in the ena Recipes Kitchen and approved by our nutrition team. We’ve experimented with various protein powders and milk ratios to ensure you get a texture that is smooth, not icy.
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Freezing Time: 24 hours
- Cook (Spin) Time: 3 minutes
- Total Active Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 1 Pint (1 Serving)
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
To make this ninja creami recipes protein hit, you need just a few simple ingredients.
- 1 cup (240ml) Milk: You can use fair-life milk (for extra protein), skim milk, or unsweetened almond milk for a lower calorie option.
- 1 scoop (approx. 30g) Vanilla Protein Powder: Whey protein isolate works best for texture, but a high-quality vegan blend works too. Ensure your protein powder is Halal-certified if required.
- 1 tbsp Sugar-Free Instant Pudding Mix (Vanilla): This acts as a stabilizer to make it creamy. Note: Check the ingredients to ensure the pudding mix uses halal-friendly thickeners and does not contain gelatin derived from non-halal sources. If unsure, substitute with 1/4 tsp Xanthan Gum.
- 1-2 tsp Sweetener of choice: Monkfruit, Stevia, or Erythritol (optional, depending on how sweet your protein powder is).
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: For that authentic ice cream flavor.
Instructions
- Mix the Base: In a shaker bottle or small blender, combine the milk, protein powder, pudding mix (or xanthan gum), sweetener, and vanilla extract. Shake or blend until the powder is completely dissolved and no clumps remain.
- Pour and Freeze: Pour the mixture into your Ninja Creami pint container. Make sure the liquid does not exceed the “Max Fill” line. Secure the lid. Place the pint on a level surface in your freezer for at least 24 hours. Note: It must be frozen solid for the machine to work correctly.
- Spin: Remove the pint from the freezer. Remove the lid and place the container into the outer bowl of the Ninja Creami. Lock the lid and place it on the machine base. Select the “Lite Ice Cream” function.
- Check Texture: Once the cycle is done, open the lid. If the mixture looks powdery or crumbly (this is normal for low-fat recipes), proceed to the next step.
- Re-Spin: Add a splash (approx. 1 tbsp) of milk to the center of the pint. Place the pint back in the machine and press the “Re-Spin” button. This will transform the crumbly powder into a creamy soft serve.
- Optional Mix-Ins: If you want to add toppings (like crushed dark chocolate or nuts), create a hole in the center of the ice cream, add your ingredients, and run the “Mix-In” program.
- Serve: Scoop immediately and enjoy!
Tips, Variations & Storage
Substitutions & Swaps:
- Chocolate Lovers: Swap vanilla protein for chocolate and add 1 tbsp of unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Dairy-Free/Vegan: Use unsweetened almond or oat milk and a plant-based protein powder.
- No Pudding Mix? Use 1/4 teaspoon of guar gum or xanthan gum. This is crucial; without a thickener, low-fat ice cream can turn into a slushy.
Storage Tips:
- Leftovers: Ninja Creami recipes are best eaten immediately. If you must refreeze it, smooth the top flat before freezing. You will likely need to run the “Re-Spin” cycle again when you are ready to eat it next.
Serving Ideas:
- Top with fresh berries for volume and fiber.
- Drizzle with sugar-free caramel sauce or natural peanut butter.
FAQ
Why is my ice cream crumbly after the first spin? This is extremely common with low-fat, high-protein recipes because there isn’t enough fat to keep it soft. Adding a tablespoon of liquid and using the “Re-Spin” button fixes this 99% of the time.
Can I use water instead of milk? You can, but the texture will be more like a sorbet or icy slush. Milk (even almond milk) provides a much creamier mouthfeel.
Is this safe for the Ninja Creami machine? Yes, as long as you freeze the mixture for the full 24 hours and ensure the surface is flat. Do not spin a pint that has a slanted surface, as it can damage the blade.
Nutrition Facts
Estimates based on using skim milk and whey protein isolate.
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Sugar: 12 g (natural sugars from milk)
Conclusion
This ninja creami recipes protein hack is simple, flavorful, and perfect for anyone looking to stay on track with their health goals without sacrificing flavor. It turns a standard protein shake into a luxurious dessert. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
