Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Ice Cream

Craving a protein-packed dessert that won’t derail your healthy eating goals? This Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Ice Cream, crafted in your Ninja Creami, is the answer. It’s a breeze to make, lower in fat and sugar than store-bought options, and completely customizable with your preferred protein powder.

Why This Recipe Rocks

The Ninja Creami is the key to this recipe’s success. If you don’t own one, you might want to check out alternative “nice cream” recipes. But if you do have a Creami, or are planning to get one, you’ll love these benefits:

Effortless Creation: A handful of ingredients and your Ninja Creami are all you need for this delicious treat.
Healthier Indulgence: Sugar-free cheesecake pudding mix and light cream cheese make this a guilt-free pleasure compared to traditional ice cream.
Protein Powerhouse: The added protein powder helps you feel full and satisfied.

Is It Actually Healthy?

This ice cream is a healthier twist on a classic. By using sugar-free pudding mix, light cream cheese, and protein powder, we reduce sugar while boosting protein. Protein is known to promote feelings of fullness, which can be beneficial for weight management.

The Magic of the Ninja Creami

As a dietitian, I’m always searching for easy ways to create healthier versions of our favorite treats. The Ninja Creami has revolutionized my homemade ice cream game. Traditional ice cream often relies on high-fat cream, but the Creami lets you achieve the same creamy texture with lower-fat ingredients like whole milk and light cream cheese. You can even experiment with dairy-free milks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe requires just a few simple ingredients:

Whole Milk: The base of the ice cream, providing creaminess. Plant-based milks may also work, but haven’t been specifically tested in this recipe.
Cheesecake Instant Pudding Mix: For that signature cheesecake flavor. Use sugar-free or regular, as you prefer.
Protein Powder: Choose your favorite flavor – vanilla, strawberry cheesecake, etc. – for a nutritional boost.
Strawberry Jam: Select a no-added-sugar variety.
Light Cream Cheese: Adds richness and creaminess with fewer calories than full-fat versions. Full-fat can also be used.
Fresh Strawberries: For fresh flavor and texture.
Crushed Graham Crackers: Mimic the cheesecake crust and add a delightful crunch.

Making Your Ninja Creami Ice Cream

Combine: Add all ingredients (except strawberries and graham crackers) to your Ninja Creami container and blend with a milk frother until smooth.
Freeze: Pour the mixture into the Ninja Creami container and freeze for 24 hours.
Process: Process the frozen mixture using the ‘Light Ice Cream’ function on your Ninja Creami.
Add Mix-Ins: Mix in a tablespoon of milk, diced strawberries, and crushed graham crackers. Process again using the ‘Mix In’ function.
Enjoy: Scoop and serve immediately for the best texture. It will melt quickly due to the milk base.

Tips and Tricks

Serving Suggestions: Drizzle with strawberry syrup, top with whipped cream, or serve in a waffle cone.
Noise Level: The Ninja Creami can be loud. Be mindful of when you use it.
Scaling: Easily double the recipe if you have freezer space.

Customization Options

This recipe is completely customizable. Choose your favorite protein powder – whey, plant-based, or casein – to suit your dietary needs and preferences.

Storing Your Ice Cream

The strawberry cheesecake base can be made ahead and frozen for 2-3 months. For optimal texture and flavor, enjoy within one month.

Respinning Leftovers

This recipe makes a large serving or two medium servings. Leftovers can be refrozen and respins in the Ninja Creami. Freezer burn may develop over time, so enjoy within one month.

Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Ice Cream (Ninja Creami Recipe)

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Freeze Time: 24 hours
Total Time: 1 day

Ingredients

1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons sugar-free cheesecake instant pudding mix
2 tablespoons protein powder (vanilla or strawberry cheesecake flavor)
2 tablespoons no-added-sugar strawberry jam
2 tablespoons light cream cheese (softened)
1 tablespoon whole milk (additional)
½ cup diced fresh strawberries (plus more for topping)
½ cup crushed graham crackers (plus more for topping)

Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together whole milk, cheesecake pudding mix, protein powder, strawberry jam, and softened cream cheese until smooth.
Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container, close the lid, and freeze for 24 hours.
Remove from the freezer, install the pint into the Ninja Creami, and process using the ‘Light Ice Cream’ function.
Add 1 tablespoon of milk, diced strawberries, and crushed graham crackers, then reprocess using the ‘Mix-In’ function.
Serve immediately with extra strawberries and graham crackers on top. Enjoy!