Protein powder meets classic ice cream base in this Ninja Creami recipe that delivers a macro-friendly frozen dessert without sacrificing creaminess or flavor. Mix, freeze, spin — and enjoy a guilt-free treat that tastes like the real thing.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups milk, dairy or dairy-free
- 1 scoop (about 30g) protein powder, any flavor
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons sweetener (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional mix-ins:
- Chocolate chips
- Peanut butter swirls
- Crushed cookies
- Fresh berries
- Brownie pieces
- Chopped nuts
- Caramel drizzle
- Protein bar chunks
Instructions
Mix the base.
In a blender or medium bowl, combine milk, protein powder, heavy cream, sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend on high for 30-60 seconds until completely smooth with no protein clumps. Scrape down sides and blend again if needed.
Taste and adjust.
Taste the mixture — it should be noticeably sweet since freezing dulls sweetness. Add more sweetener or protein powder for stronger flavor. Blend briefly to incorporate adjustments.
Pour into the pint.
Transfer to Ninja Creami pint container, staying below MAX FILL line. Protein mixtures can be thicker, so shake pint gently before freezing.
Freeze completely.
Lid on securely, freeze upright for 24 hours minimum on level surface. Protein powder bases freeze very solidly.
Spin in the Ninja Creami.
Process using Lite Ice Cream setting first (protein powder works best here). Expect crumbly first spin — completely normal.
Check the texture.
Test center with spoon. Protein ice cream often needs liquid after first spin due to powder absorption.
Re-spin if needed.
Add 1-2 tablespoons milk and run Re-spin cycle. Repeat once more if needed until perfectly creamy and scoopable.
Add mix-ins.
Create deep center well, add chocolate chips, peanut butter dollops, or brownie pieces. Run Mix-ins cycle once for even distribution.
Serve.
Enjoy immediately for soft serve texture, or freeze 30 minutes for scoopable consistency. ~20g protein per serving!
Recipe Tips
- Whey protein isolate blends smoothest; avoid casein for better texture.
- Vanilla protein + chocolate milk = cookies & cream vibes.
- Plant-based protein works but may need extra liquid for creaminess.
- Xanthan gum (1/8 tsp) prevents iciness if desired.
- Chocolate, vanilla, and peanut butter flavors work best.
- Greek yogurt adds extra protein and tang.