Are you craving a decadent, creamy dessert but don’t want to ruin your macro goals for the day? This high-protein ice cream is the ultimate solution for gym-goers, busy parents, and anyone looking to satisfy a sweet tooth without the guilt. It is incredibly easy to prep, uses simple ingredients, and transforms into a texture indistinguishable from premium store-bought brands.
This recipe is perfect for busy people who need a grab-and-go healthy treat, or seniors looking to up their protein intake in a delicious way. We skip the heavy cream and sugar, focusing on high-quality protein and natural flavors.
Tested & Approved
Credibility Note: This recipe has been vigorously tested in our kitchen to ensure a smooth, non-icy texture and approved by the ena Recipes Team. We have tweaked the liquid-to-solid ratios specifically for the Ninja Creami machine to guarantee success.
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Freeze Time: 24 hours
- Spin Time: 5 minutes
- Total Active Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 Pint (1 Serving)
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240ml) Unsweetened Almond Milk (or Fairlife Skim Milk for extra protein)
- 1 scoop (approx. 30g) Chocolate Whey Protein Powder (Ensure Halal certified)
- 1 tbsp Sugar-Free Chocolate Pudding Mix (Instant)
- 1 tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (for rich chocolate depth)
- 1-2 tsp Monk Fruit Sweetener or Stevia (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp Peanut Butter Powder (like PB2) or Natural Peanut Butter
- Mix-in (Optional): 1 mini peanut butter cup or 1 tbsp dark chocolate chips
Note: If using instant pudding mix, check the ingredients list. If it contains gelatin, ensure it is from a Halal source or choose a starch-based vegan pudding mix.
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a shaker bottle or a small bowl, whisk together the milk, protein powder, pudding mix, cocoa powder, sweetener, and peanut butter powder. Mix until completely smooth and no clumps remain.
- Pour: Pour the mixture into your Ninja Creami pint container. Make sure the liquid does not exceed the “Max Fill” line.
- Freeze: Place the pint on a level surface in your freezer. Freeze for at least 24 hours. Do not rush this step; a solid freeze is essential for the blade to work correctly.
- Spin: Remove the pint from the freezer. Remove the lid and place the container into the outer bowl, locking the lid with the blade. Select the “Lite Ice Cream” function.
- Re-Spin (Crucial Step): The first spin often results in a crumbly or powdery texture. This is normal! Add a splash (approx. 1 tbsp) of milk into the center of the pint. Place it back in the machine and select “Re-Spin.”
- Mix-Ins (Optional): If you are adding chocolate chips or a peanut butter cup, use a spoon to create a hole in the center of the ice cream. Drop in your extras. Select the “Mix-In” function.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately for a soft-serve texture, or freeze for 10-15 minutes if you prefer a harder scoop.
Tips, Variations & Storage
- Fixing Texture: If your ice cream is still crumbly after the first Re-Spin, do not be afraid to add another teaspoon of liquid and spin again. The low fat content makes it freeze very hard.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Use a plant-based protein blend (soy or pea) and oat milk. Note that vegan protein often requires slightly more liquid as it absorbs more moisture than whey.
- The “Cream Cheese” Hack: For an ultra-creamy, cheesecake-like texture, blend 1 tablespoon of low-fat cottage cheese or cream cheese into the base before freezing.
- Storage: If you don’t finish the pint (which is rare!), flatten the surface with a spoon and refreeze. You will likely need to run it on the “Re-Spin” cycle when you want to eat it again.
- Serving Idea: Top with a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate syrup or fresh sliced strawberries.
FAQ
Why is my Ninja Creami ice cream powdery? Low-fat, high-protein recipes freeze much harder than traditional ice cream. A powdery result usually means the mixture is too cold. The “Re-Spin” function with a splash of liquid fixes this 99% of the time.
Can I use water instead of milk? You can, but the texture will be icier and less like ice cream. We highly recommend using almond milk, oat milk, or skim milk for the best mouthfeel.
Can I skip the pudding mix? The pudding mix acts as a stabilizer and thickener (gums). Without it, the ice cream melts very quickly and may separate. If you don’t have pudding mix, ¼ teaspoon of Xanthan Gum works as a great substitute.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories per serving: 245 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbs: 18 g
- Fat: 6 g
(Note: Nutrition may vary based on the specific brand of protein powder and milk used.)
Conclusion
This Ninja Creami recipe for protein ice cream is a game-changer for anyone trying to stay healthy without sacrificing flavor. It is rich, chocolatey, and packed with enough nutrients to serve as a post-workout recovery meal or a late-night snack. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
