This Ninja Creami protein powder recipe is an easy way to make a creamy, high-protein frozen dessert at home. With just a few ingredients, you can create a smooth base that spins beautifully in the machine and works well with your favorite mix-ins.
Ingredients
- 1 scoop protein powder, vanilla or chocolate
- 1 cup milk, dairy or dairy-free
- 1 to 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or nut butter, optional for creaminess
- 1 to 2 teaspoons sweetener, optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
- Pinch of salt
Optional mix-ins:
- Chocolate chips
- Crushed cookies
- Chopped nuts
- Peanut butter pieces
- Fruit chunks
- Caramel drizzle
- Granola
- Crushed brownies
Instructions
- Make the base.
In a blender or mixing bowl, combine the milk, protein powder, Greek yogurt or nut butter if using, sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend or whisk until the mixture is smooth and no protein powder clumps remain. If the powder is very thick or grainy, blending usually gives the best texture. - Taste and adjust.
Taste the base before freezing. Add a little more sweetener if needed, or an extra splash of milk if the mixture seems too thick. The mixture should be smooth and pourable, but not watery. - Fill the pint.
Pour the mixture into the Ninja Creami pint container. Make sure it stays below the MAX FILL line. If you plan to use mix-ins later, leave some room near the top for easier spinning. - Freeze completely.
Place the lid on the pint and freeze it upright for at least 24 hours. For the best results, freeze it on a flat surface so the base sets evenly from top to bottom. - Spin in the Ninja Creami.
Remove the pint from the freezer and place it in the outer bowl assembly. Attach the lid and process it using the Lite Ice Cream or Ice Cream setting, depending on your machine and the texture you want. - Check the first spin.
After the first cycle, the mixture may look crumbly, dry, or powdery. This is common with protein powder bases. Use a spoon to check the center and sides before deciding whether it needs more liquid. - Re-spin if needed.
If the texture is not creamy enough, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk and run the Re-spin cycle. Repeat once more if needed until the texture becomes smooth and scoopable. - Add mix-ins.
If you want extra texture or flavor, make a small well in the center of the ice cream, add your chosen mix-ins, and run the Mix-ins cycle to distribute them evenly. - Serve.
Serve immediately for a soft-serve texture, or freeze for 30 to 60 minutes if you want a firmer scoop.
Recipe Tips
- Vanilla protein powder works well with fruit, caramel, and cookie mix-ins.
- Chocolate protein powder pairs nicely with peanut butter, chocolate chips, and brownie pieces.
- If your powder tends to taste chalky, a spoonful of Greek yogurt or nut butter helps improve the texture.
- For a thicker, creamier result, use a blend of milk and yogurt instead of milk alone.