Ninja Creami Vanilla Protein Ice Cream

This Ninja Creami vanilla protein ice cream recipe delivers an amazingly smooth, creamy texture and fantastic flavor, unlike many protein ice cream recipes that taste like frozen protein shakes.

Key Points:

Taste & Texture: This recipe prioritizes real ice cream flavor and texture, not just a frozen protein shake.
High Protein: 31 grams of protein per serving.
Lower Calorie: 280 calories per serving.
Easy to Customize: Great base for adding mix-ins.

Ingredients:

Pre-made Vanilla Protein Shake (Premier Protein recommended) OR Vanilla Protein Powder + Dairy/Non-Dairy Milk of Choice
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
Unsweetened Almond Milk (or other liquid)
Vanilla Bean Paste (or vanilla extract)

Why This Recipe Works:

Many protein ice cream recipes simply freeze a protein shake. This often results in a bland, icy product. This recipe adds pudding mix and other ingredients to enhance flavor and create a creamy texture.

Why Protein Ice Cream is Popular:

Protein ice cream is popular, especially with the Ninja Creami, because it allows people on specialized diets to enjoy ice cream. It’s a great way to add protein for weight loss, weight gain, or other dietary restrictions. It also helps avoid the monotony of regular protein shakes.

Leftover Ice Cream:

Smooth the top, cover, and freeze.
Soften before eating:
- Counter: 20 minutes (varies)
- Warm water bath
- Microwave (short bursts)
- Best Method: Reprocess in Ninja Creami (Ice Cream or Sorbet setting) – only works well if no mix-ins have been added yet. Do NOT use the re-spin or mix-in setting.

Tips and FAQs:

Vanilla Extract vs. Paste: Vanilla extract can be used, but vanilla bean paste provides a richer, deeper flavor.
Mix-ins: Absolutely! Add cookies, cookie dough, berries, chocolate chips, etc. Add mix-ins after the initial processing, and use the “Mix-In” setting, not the “Ice Cream” setting.
Why Pudding Mix? Pudding mix acts as a stabilizer, thanks to modified cornstarch. It helps prevent ice crystals and creates a firmer texture. It also adds flavor. No need for guar gum or cream cheese when using instant pudding.
Almond Milk Substitutes: You can use whole milk, heavy cream (sparingly), unsweetened coconut cream, coconut milk, other dairy-free milks (oat milk), bananas, or just protein powder and water/milk. Adjust nutritional information accordingly.

Vanilla Bean Protein Ice Cream

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Freeze Time: 1 day | Total Time: 1 day 5 minutes | Servings: 1 pint

Description:
Indulge in a creamy, protein-packed treat with this Vanilla Bean Protein Ice Cream made effortlessly using the Ninja Creami. It’s rich in flavor, low in sugar, and perfect for a post-workout snack or guilt-free dessert.

Ingredients:

11.5 oz vanilla protein shake
4 oz vanilla almond milk
2 tbsp sugar-free vanilla instant pudding mix
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
Optional: 1-2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk for re-spinning

Instructions:

Prepare the Mixture: Blend the protein shake, almond milk, pudding mix, and vanilla bean paste until smooth. Pour into a Ninja Creami pint container.
Freeze: Freeze on a level surface for 24 hours without the lid to prevent bumps.
Process: Place the frozen pint in the Ninja Creami and process on “LITE ICE CREAM.”
Adjust Texture: If crumbly, add 1-2 tbsp almond milk and respin as needed.
Serve: Enjoy immediately or store leftovers in the freezer.

Notes:

Substitute Vanilla Bean Paste: Use vanilla extract, but expect a milder flavor.
Add Mix-ins: Fold in cookies, fruit, or chocolate chips for variety.
Why Pudding Mix? Acts as a stabilizer, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture without ice crystals.