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If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream while still being able to actually eat ice cream, this Ninja Creami chocolate protein ice cream recipe is perfect for you!
Now I’m not advertising anything for weight-loss or diets, but there’s nothing wrong with a lower-calorie dessert where you can eat the entire pint!
I used to eat the other “low calorie and high protein” ice creams that you can find in local grocery stores such as Halo Top or Eat Enlightened. I was a fan of Halo Top back when it was the only protein ice cream and there were only three flavors (vanilla, chocolate, and lemon cake)! I’ve been eating these types of ice creams for years, so I know what to look for in creaminess and avoiding the fake protein flavor.
Having tried the better portion of their flavors, I can confidently say this chocolate protein ice cream is a winner!
Sometimes protein or low calorie ice creams can be icy, not giving that smooth and creamy texture we expect from a perfect scoop. This Ninja Creami protein ice cream, however, comes out to be the right texture every time!
The best part of this recipe (besides the fact you can eat the whole pint in one sitting): it only takes four ingredients! A simple, delectable recipe that delivers chocolate ice cream with a side of protein.
We used chocolate sugar-free pudding mix, which can be found in the baking aisle at most grocery stores. This helps give the chocolate protein ice cream a better texture and deepens the chocolate flavor!
So if you’re looking to try some protein ice cream, grab a chocolate protein shake, a Ninja Creami pint, and get spinning!
To Make Dairy-Free Chocolate Protein Ice Cream, Use the Following:
- 1/2 cup oat milk for 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 plant-based or dairy-free chocolate protein shake (such as Ripple) for 1 chocolate Premier Protein Shake
First Time Using the Ninja Creami or Looking for Tips?
While the Ninja Creami is a machine with only 7 (or 11) buttons, it can still be intimidating! Here are a few tips and tricks Alex and I have picked up since beginning our ice cream journey with the Ninja Creami!
- Can I use a different type of protein shake than Premier Protein? Sure! There are plenty of them on the market and the results may differ slightly, but using this recipe as a guideline should help create a delicious chocolate protein ice cream!
- What should I do if my ice cream comes out crumbly after the first spin? We recommend adding a tablespoon of milk (any type will work) and re-spinning on Re-Spin. Repeat this process until you achieve the desired level of creaminess!
- What button should I use to spin my protein ice cream? We recommend the “Lite Ice Cream” button (naturally). Since this mixture doesn’t contain much sugar, the lite ice cream setting will be the best option!
- Do I need to re-spin my protein ice cream if I freeze it after spinning? We have found the perfect way to enjoy leftovers is to either let it sit on the counter for 15 minutes or microwave it for 10 – 15 seconds. This allows the ice cream to soften and be ready to eat!
- What type of pudding mix should I use? We used Jell-O chocolate sugar-free instant pudding mix. You only need to scoop the powder into your ice cream mixture, no need to make the pudding and then use it!
Looking for More Ninja Creami Recipes?
If you’re on the hunt for more Ninja Creami recipes, be sure to grab one of our recipe e-books, Top 25 Ninja Creami Recipes ($2.99), or the great value of over 50 recipes in Ninja Creami Cookbook: Ice Cream & Gelato Edition! Each includes favorites such as cake batter gelato, red velvet ice cream, Shirley Temple ice cream, and many more!
If you’re like us and are running out of ice cream storage containers, grab a two-pack of Ninja Creami pints to keep your freezer full with all of your ice cream creations!
Or if you don’t have a Ninja Creami and are on the fence about getting one, check out my honest review!
Do You Want to Make Your Own Ninja Creami Cookbook?
If you want to make your own version of a Ninja Creami cookbook, check out our Ninja Creami Recipe Page Template! Besides the fun design, it has space to write the spin setting, number of servings, ingredients, directions, and notes (everything a Creami recipe needs)!
Ninja Creami Chocolate Protein Ice Cream
Description
Chocolate protein ice cream uses a premier protein shake as the main ingredient to create a delicious and creamy protein ice cream that is full of chocolate flavor!
To make this recipe in the Ninja Creami Deluxe, multiply all ingredients by 1.5
Note: 1 serving = 1 pint
Ingredients
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk 1 chocolate Premier protein shake, 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tbsp chocolate sugar-free pudding mix, and 1/2 cup whole milk.
Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint, ensuring it does not go past the max fill line.
Freeze the pint for 24 hours, making sure it is placed on a flat surface in the freezer.
After 24 hours, remove the pint from the freezer, and plug in your Ninja Creami machine! Time for the magic.
Remove the lid from the pint and grab the Ninja Creami outer bowl. Place the pint securely into the outer bowl and cover with the lid. Once the lid is on, place the outer bowl into the machine, twisting to the right until it locks into place. Press the "Lite Ice Cream" button and (try to) wait patiently for the creamy treat coming your way.
Once the process is finished, press and hold the button on the left side of the Creami to twist the bowl to the left and remove it from the machine. Twist the lid off of the outer bowl and remove the pint.
If the ice cream came out crumbly, add 1 tbsp of milk (any type will work) and re-spin on the Re-Spin function. Repeat this process until you achieve the desired level of creaminess!
Now your chocolate protein ice cream is ready to enjoy!
Note
If you don't like following recipes, don't worry - you can customize it however you want! We personally use oat milk and coconut cream to avoid most of the dairy, and it's some of the best ice cream we've ever had.
If you liked this recipe, check out our recipe for raspberry sorbet here.
I find that the protein ice cream tends to stay frozen solid after spinning and refreezing. Regular ice cream stays creamy
It is definitely a little harder to get it back to that creamy texture after the first refreeze! I’ve found that microwaving for 10 seconds or leaving it on the counter for 15 minutes or so has helped get back that good creaminess without needing to re-spin.
Man-oh-man, what a great recipe! So glad I found it. Thanks for sharing!
Can almond milk be used?
Yes! You can sub 1:1 for whole milk!
Can protein powder be used?
I think you could add a tbsp or 2 to the protein shake recipe and it would still turn out creamy!
Can I use the fairlife 2% reduced fat milk be used in this recipe?
Yes that would also work! You can sub that for the protein shake and use the pudding mix/cocoa powder still and it should come out great! You may need to respin after adding a bit of milk after the first spin if it comes out crumbly.
I meant to write using the fairlife 2% reduced fat milk to substitute the 1/2 cup of whole milk in the recipe I didn’t wanna omit the protein shake I’m sorry about that 😭
Yeah that substitution would definitely work too!