Craving a massive pint of ice cream that actually helps you hit your fitness goals? This creamy, decadent chocolate peanut butter recipe tastes like a cheat meal but is packed with protein and low in sugar.
This recipe is incredibly useful for satisfying late-night sweet cravings without wrecking your diet. It is perfect for busy professionals, fitness enthusiasts, and moms looking for a healthy dessert option that takes minutes to prepare.
Tested & Approved
This recipe has been vigorously tested in our kitchen and approved by the Roz Recipes Team. We have optimized the liquid-to-solid ratio to ensure you get a creamy gelato texture, not an icy block.
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. 450g)
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 bottle (11.5 oz/340ml) Premier Protein Shake or Fairlife Nutrition Shake (Chocolate flavor). Note: Ensure the shake is Halal-certified if required; most are vegetarian-friendly.
- 1 scoop (30g) Chocolate Whey Protein Powder.
- 1 tbsp (10g) Sugar-Free Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix (Jell-O brand or generic). Check that the pudding mix uses cornstarch/gums and not gelatin to ensure it is Halal.
- 2 tbsp (12g) Powdered Peanut Butter (like PB2).
- Splash of Unsweetened Almond Milk (only if needed to reach the fill line).
- Optional Mix-in: 1 tbsp Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips or crushed peanuts.
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In the Ninja Creami pint container, pour in the chocolate protein shake.
- Add Powders: Add the protein powder, sugar-free pudding mix, and powdered peanut butter.
- Mix Thoroughly: Use a milk frother or a small whisk to mix the ingredients directly in the pint until completely dissolved. Make sure no powder is stuck to the bottom edges.
- Check Fill Line: If the mixture is below the “Max Fill” line, add a splash of unsweetened almond milk to reach the line. Do not overfill.
- Freeze: Place the lid on the pint and freeze on a flat surface for exactly 24 hours. The mixture needs to be frozen solid.
- First Spin: Remove the pint from the freezer. Place it in the outer bowl, lock the lid, and place it in the machine. Select the “Lite Ice Cream” function.
- Re-Spin: Remove the lid. If the texture looks crumbly or powdery (this is normal!), add a tablespoon of almond milk or water. Place it back in the machine and select “Re-Spin”.
- Mix-In (Optional): Once creamy, create a well in the center using a spoon. Add your chocolate chips or nuts. Select the “Mix-In” function.
- Serve: Enjoy your high-volume, protein-packed ice cream immediately!
Tips, Variations & Storage
- The “Powdery” Fix: If your ice cream looks like dry crumbles after the first spin, don’t panic. This is common with low-fat bases. The “Re-Spin” cycle is the magic button that turns it creamy.
- Texture Hack: Let the frozen pint sit on the counter for 10–15 minutes before spinning, or microwave it for 15 seconds to soften the edges. This puts less stress on the motor and results in a smoother texture.
- Dairy-Free/Vegan Variation: Use a vegan protein shake (like Owyn) and a plant-based protein powder. Ensure your pudding mix is vegan-friendly.
- Storage: Ninja Creami recipes are best eaten immediately. If you must refreeze leftovers, you will likely need to re-spin them on the machine before eating again, as they will freeze into a solid block.
FAQ
Can I use water instead of a protein shake? Yes, you can use water or almond milk mixed with protein powder, but the texture will be icier (like a sorbet) rather than creamy. The gums in the protein shake and pudding mix help create that rich mouthfeel.
Why do I need pudding mix? Instant pudding mix acts as a stabilizer and thickener. It helps prevent ice crystals from forming, giving you a texture similar to traditional ice cream.
Is this suitable for a Keto diet? Yes! Depending on the brand of protein shake and pudding mix used, this recipe is generally low-carb and keto-friendly.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 42 g
- Carbs: 14 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Fiber: 3 g
(Note: Nutrition values are estimates based on standard ingredients and may vary by brand.)
Conclusion
This High Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for anyone looking to hit their protein goals without sacrificing dessert. It turns a standard protein shake into a luxury treat. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
