Stop choosing between your fitness goals and your cravings; this recipe lets you have both. If you are looking for the ultimate post-workout treat that actually tastes like indulgence, you have found it.
This recipe is incredibly useful because it transforms a standard protein shake into a thick, creamy dessert using the specific mechanics of the Ninja Creami. It is perfect for busy professionals, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone looking to increase their protein intake without sacrificing flavor. We keep it simple: dump, freeze, and spin.
Tested & Approved
This recipe has been rigorously tested in the ena Recipes Kitchen to ensure the texture is creamy, not icy, and the macros are accurate. We have spun this pint over a dozen times to perfect the liquid-to-powder ratio!
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Freeze Time: 24 hours
- Spin Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 24 hours + 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 Pint (1 large serving)
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240ml) Ultra-Filtered Skim Milk (e.g., Fairlife): Used for its higher protein content and creamier texture compared to water.
- 1 scoop (approx. 30g) Chocolate Whey Protein Isolate or Casein Blend: A blend works best for texture, but pure whey works too.
- 1 tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For that deep, rich chocolate flavor.
- 1 tbsp Sugar-Free Chocolate Pudding Mix: This acts as a stabilizer to prevent ice crystals (ensure it is gelatin-free/Halal certified if required).
- 1 tsp Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: Adjust to taste.
- 1 tbsp Natural Peanut Butter: To be used as a mix-in.
- Splash of Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract.
Instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a small shaker bottle or bowl, whisk together the milk, protein powder, cocoa powder, pudding mix, sweetener, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and clump-free.
- Pour and Freeze: Pour the mixture into your Ninja Creami pint container. Ensure the liquid does not exceed the “Max Fill” line. Place the lid on securely and freeze on a flat surface for 24 hours. (Do not skip the 24-hour wait; this is crucial for the blade mechanics).
- The First Spin: Remove the pint from the freezer. Place it in the outer bowl, lock the lid, and load it into the machine. Select the “Lite Ice Cream” function.
- Check and Re-spin: Open the lid. It will likely look powdery or crumbly—this is normal! Add a splash (about 1 tbsp) of milk into the center of the pint. Place the lid back on and select the “Re-Spin” button.
- Add Mix-Ins: Once the texture is creamy, use a spoon to create a small hole in the center of the ice cream. Add the tablespoon of peanut butter. Select the “Mix-In” function to distribute the peanut butter swirls perfectly.
- Serve: Eat immediately for the best soft-serve texture.
Tips, Variations & Storage
Substitutions & Diet Hacks:
- Vegan/Dairy-Free: Swap the ultra-filtered milk for soy milk or almond milk, and use a plant-based protein powder. Note: Almond milk has a lower fat content, so the texture may be slightly icier.
- Low Calorie: Skip the peanut butter mix-in to save approximately 90 calories.
- Texture Tip: If you don’t have pudding mix, you can use ¼ tsp of Xanthan Gum as a thickener.
Storage:
- Freezer: Ninja Creami recipes are best eaten immediately. If you must refreeze leftovers, you will need to re-spin the pint on the standard “Ice Cream” setting before eating it again, as it will freeze into a solid block.
Serving Ideas:
- Top with sliced bananas or crushed sugar-free dark chocolate chips for extra crunch.
FAQ
Why is my ice cream powdery after the first spin? This is the most common issue with ninja creami recipes protein. High-protein, low-sugar mixtures freeze very hard. The “Re-Spin” function (with a splash of liquid) is designed to fix exactly this issue, turning the powder into cream.
Can I use water instead of milk? You can, but the texture will be more like a slushy or sorbet. Milk (especially ultra-filtered) provides the fat and solids necessary for a creamy mouthfeel.
Is this recipe good for bulking or cutting? It is excellent for both. It is high in protein (good for muscle repair) and low in sugar. If you are bulking, simply add more peanut butter or use whole milk to increase the calories.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories per serving: 340 kcal
- Protein: 42 g
- Carbs: 18 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sugar: 6 g
(Note: Nutrition may vary slightly based on the brand of protein powder and milk used.)
Conclusion
This High-Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup recipe proves that you don’t need to sacrifice flavor for gains. It is one of the most effective ninja creami recipes protein options for satisfying a sweet tooth while hitting your daily macro goals. Give this recipe a try after your next gym session and let us know in the comments how it turned out!
