Who says protein ice cream has to taste chalky or plain? This dairy-free Ninja Creami protein ice cream is smooth, rich, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re adding fresh fruit, crunchy nuts, or a swirl of nut butter, this healthy frozen dessert feels indulgent without the dairy. Perfect after a workout or as a refreshing guilt-free snack!
Ingredients
- 1 scoop dairy-free protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or oat milk)
- 1 tablespoon nut butter or coconut cream (for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or 1–2 teaspoons of a sugar-free sweetener (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt
Optional Mix-ins (choose 1–2):
- Chopped dark chocolate or dairy-free chocolate chips
- Crushed almonds, walnuts, or peanuts
- Sliced banana, strawberries, or other fruit
- Peanut butter drizzle or caramel sauce
- Granola chunks or cookie crumbles
Instructions
- Prepare the base:
Add almond milk, protein powder, nut butter (or coconut cream), vanilla extract, sweetener, and a pinch of salt to a blender. Blend on high for 30 seconds until smooth and fully combined. - Pour and freeze:
Pour the blended mixture into your Ninja Creami pint container, ensuring it doesn’t go past the MAX FILL line. Snap on the lid and freeze upright for at least 24 hours until solid. - Spin in the Ninja Creami:
Once frozen, remove the pint from the freezer. Place it into the Creami outer bowl, attach the lid assembly, and lock it into your Ninja Creami machine. Select Lite Ice Cream (or Gelato) mode and let it process. - Check texture:
If it looks crumbly or powdery after the first spin, add a tablespoon or two of almond milk and use the Re-spin function. Repeat once if necessary until smooth and creamy. - Add mix-ins:
Create a small well in the center of the ice cream (without going all the way down), add your mix-ins (fruit, nuts, chocolate, etc.), and select the Mix-ins function. - Serve or store:
Serve immediately for soft-serve texture or place back in the freezer for 1–2 hours for a firmer, scoopable consistency. Store leftovers with a tight lid for up to 7 days.
Flavor Tips
- Chocolate peanut butter: Use chocolate protein powder and swirl in peanut butter before freezing.
- Tropical twist: Try vanilla protein powder with coconut milk and diced pineapple mix-ins.
- Mint chip: Add a few drops of peppermint extract and mix in dairy-free chocolate chips after spinning.