Imagine eating a rich, decadent pint of chocolate ice cream for breakfast and actually hitting your fitness goals. That is exactly what makes ninja creami recipes protein style so revolutionary; you get the creamy texture of premium gelato without the sugar crash.
This recipe is perfect for gym-goers needing post-workout recovery, busy moms looking for a healthy treat, or anyone with a sweet tooth trying to watch their calories. It is simple, direct, and specifically designed to turn a rock-solid protein shake into a spoonable masterpiece.
Tested & Approved
This recipe has been rigorously tested in the ena Recipes Kitchen and approved by our nutrition team to ensure perfect texture and macro-accuracy.
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Freezing Time: 24 hours
- Processing Time: 5 minutes
- Total Active Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 Pint (1 serving)
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240ml) Ultra-Filtered Milk: (e.g., Fairlife or a lactose-free skim milk). This provides the creamy base and extra protein.
- 1 scoop (approx. 30g) Chocolate Whey Protein Powder: Use a high-quality whey or casein blend for the best texture.
- 1 tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For that deep, rich chocolate fudge flavor.
- 1 tbsp Sugar-Free Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix: Note: Ensure this is a cornstarch-based instant mix to keep it Halal and vegetarian-friendly (avoid gelatin-based mousse mixes).
- 1-2 tsp Sweetener of choice: (Monk fruit, Erythritol, or Stevia) adjusted to taste.
- Splash of liquid (optional): Reserved for the “Re-spin” cycle.
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a shaker bottle or a small bowl, whisk together the milk, protein powder, cocoa powder, pudding mix, and sweetener. Ensure there are no clumps (clumps will freeze into ice chunks).
- Pour & Freeze: Pour the mixture into your Ninja Creami pint container. Make sure the liquid does not exceed the “MAX FILL” line. Place the lid on specifically tight and freeze on a flat surface for 24 hours.
- Crucial Step: Do not rush the freezing process; a colder base yields a smoother ice cream.
- Spin (Lite Ice Cream): Remove the pint from the freezer. Remove the lid and place the pint into the outer bowl. Lock it into the machine. Select the “LITE ICE CREAM” function.
- Check Texture: Once the cycle is done, open the lid. The mixture will likely look crumbly or powdery. This is normal for low-fat ninja creami recipes protein variations.
- Re-spin: Add a splash (approx. 1 tbsp) of milk into the center of the powdery mix. Place the pint back in and select the “RE-SPIN” button.
- Serve: The result should now be creamy and soft-serve consistency. Eat immediately!
Tips, Variations & Storage
Substitutions & Swaps
- Dairy-Free/Vegan: Swap the ultra-filtered milk for unsweetened Almond or Soy milk and use a plant-based protein powder (Pea or Soy protein). Note: Vegan protein can be thicker, so you may need more liquid during the re-spin.
- Extra Indulgence: Add 1 tablespoon of dark chocolate chips or crushed nuts using the “MIX-IN” function after the re-spin.
Texture Troubleshooting
- Too Icy? This usually happens if the fat content is too low. Adding a tablespoon of cottage cheese or Greek yogurt to the base before freezing can make it creamier without ruining the macros.
- Too Powdery? Don’t panic. This just means it is very cold. The “Re-spin” cycle with a splash of liquid is the magic fix.
Storage
- Leftovers: If you can’t finish the pint, smooth the top flat with a spoon and refreeze. To eat it again, you will need to run it through the “LITE ICE CREAM” cycle again to restore the texture.
FAQ
Can I use water instead of milk? Yes, you can use water to save calories, but the texture will be more like a slushy or icy sorbet rather than creamy ice cream. Milk or a milk alternative is recommended for the best mouthfeel.
Why do I need pudding mix? The instant pudding mix acts as a stabilizer and thickener (gums/starches). Since we aren’t using heavy cream or egg yolks, the pudding mix prevents the ice cream from melting instantly and gives it that authentic “scoopable” texture.
Is this safe for Halal diets? Yes. As long as you choose a protein powder certified Halal (or one without non-halal additives) and use a starch-based instant pudding mix rather than a gelatin-based one, this recipe is perfectly safe.
Nutrition Facts
(Estimates based on using Ultra-Filtered Skim Milk and Whey Isolate)
- Calories per serving (whole pint): 260
- Protein: 38 g
- Carbs: 14 g
- Fat: 4 g
Conclusion
This Double Chocolate Protein Ice Cream proves that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for fitness. It is one of the easiest ninja creami recipes protein enthusiasts can make, delivering massive flavor and great macros. Give it a try for your next post-workout treat and let us know how it turned out!
