Ninja Creami High Protein Vanilla Ice Cream
Who says you can’t have your ice cream and eat your protein too? For too long, we’ve been told that delicious, creamy desserts and our fitness goals have to live in separate worlds. Well, I’m here to tell you that’s simply not true, especially when you have a Ninja Creami in your corner. This magical machine is about to change your dessert game forever.
This High Protein Vanilla Ice Cream recipe is the perfect blend of indulgence and nutrition. It delivers that classic, smooth vanilla flavor you crave, but with a powerful protein punch that makes it a guilt-free treat. Whether you need a post-workout recovery snack or just a healthier way to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is for you.
Forget those chalky, disappointing “healthy” ice creams from the store. We’re about to make something truly special, incredibly simple, and packed with goodness. Let’s get to it!
Why You’ll Love This Protein Ice Cream
There are so many reasons this recipe will become a staple in your freezer. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a smart and delicious solution.
- Packed with Protein: Using a full serving of protein powder, this ice cream helps you meet your daily goals while enjoying a treat.
- Incredibly Creamy Texture: Thanks to a secret weapon (hello, cream cheese!), this recipe avoids the icy texture that often plagues homemade protein ice creams.
- Totally Customizable: Classic vanilla is just the beginning. This recipe is the perfect canvas for all your favorite mix-ins and toppings.
- Quick & Easy Prep: You only need about five minutes to blend the base. The hardest part is waiting for it to freeze!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create a perfectly balanced and creamy base.
- 1 cup Whole Milk: This provides the best creamy results. For a lighter option, 1% milk can be used, but the texture might be slightly less rich.
- 2 tablespoons Cream Cheese: Regular or light cream cheese works well. This is key for a smooth, scoopable texture and preventing iciness.
- 1 serving Vanilla Protein Powder: Use the scoop that comes with your favorite vanilla protein powder. Whey protein tends to yield the creamiest results.
- 3 tablespoons Powdered Sweetener: Powdered sweeteners dissolve best and prevent a gritty texture. You can use powdered sugar, powdered erythritol, monk fruit, or allulose.
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract: This boosts the vanilla flavor, making it richer and more authentic.
- Pinch of Salt: A small pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this protein-packed treat is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps.
In a blender, combine the milk, cream cheese, protein powder, powdered sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth. Make sure there are no remaining lumps of cream cheese or protein powder.
Pour the smooth mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container. Secure the lid and place it in the freezer on a flat surface. Let it freeze for a full 24 hours. The base needs to be frozen solid for the Creami to work its magic.
Once the base is completely frozen, remove it from the freezer and take off the lid. Place the pint into the outer bowl of the Ninja Creami, attach the paddle lid, and lock it into the machine. Select the Lite Ice Cream cycle and let it run.
After the first spin, the ice cream might look a bit dry or crumbly. This is perfectly normal!
If it’s not as creamy as you’d like, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk and place it back in the machine. Run the Re-Spin or Mix-In cycle to incorporate the liquid and smooth it out.
Your high-protein vanilla ice cream is now ready to enjoy! Scoop it out and serve immediately for the best texture.
Fun Serving Suggestions
While this ice cream is fantastic on its own, toppings can take it to the next level.
- Fresh & Fruity: Top with a handful of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt a teaspoon of white chocolate and drizzle it over the top for a decadent finish.
- Add Some Fun: A few colorful sprinkles can make any dessert feel like a celebration.
- Breakfast for Dessert: Mix in some granola for a satisfying crunch that feels like a breakfast-inspired treat.
Ninja Creami High Protein Vanilla Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk 1% milk may be used as a lighter option
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese regular or light cream cheese
- 1 serving of vanilla protein powder
- 3 tablespoons powdered sweetener Powdered sugar, powdered erythritol, monkfruit, or allulose — powdered dissolves best.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Add the milk, cream cheese, protein powder, powdered sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt to a blender
- Blend well until the mixture is completely smooth and the cream cheese has fully dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container and secure the lid.
- Freeze for 24 hours, ensuring the pint is completely solid before spinning.
- Install the frozen pint into the Ninja Creami machine and run the Lite Ice Cream cycle.
- If needed, add 1-2 tablespoons milk and run the Mix-In cycle until creamy.
- Scoop and serve immediately.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any ice cream left, storing it is simple.
- Storage: Smooth the top surface of the ice cream in the pint container, put the lid back on, and store it in the freezer for up to one month.
- Re-Spinning: Homemade ice cream freezes harder than store-bought varieties. To enjoy leftovers, let the pint sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes to soften. For an even creamier texture, you can put it back in the Ninja Creami and run the Re-Spin cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use non-dairy milk?
You can, but dairy milk provides the creamiest texture due to its fat and protein content. Non-dairy milks like almond or oat milk tend to freeze harder and may result in a more icy texture. You might need an extra re-spin with a splash of liquid to smooth it out.
Can I use different types of protein powder?
Yes, but the results may vary. Whey protein generally works best for a creamy consistency. Plant-based powders, like pea or soy protein, can sometimes be a bit grittier and may require additional milk during the re-spin cycle to achieve a smooth texture.
Can I double the recipe to make more?
The Ninja Creami is designed to process one pint at a time. To make a larger batch, you will need to prepare, freeze, and spin each pint separately to ensure the best results.
For more Ninja Creami ideas, check out these ice cream recipes:
