Easy Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream with Protein Powder

Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Ice Cream

Unlike traditional ice cream, this version is light, nutritious, and packed with enough protein to actually keep you full. Thanks to the magic of the Ninja Creami and a good quality protein powder (wink wink, CSE), you can create a rich, scoopable, super satisfying ice cream right at home. No weird aftertaste, no icy texture, and no complicated ingredients.

Whether you’re post-workout, winding down after a long day, or just need a midday snack, this easy Ninja Creami protein ice cream will quickly become one of your favorite recipes. And if you’re new to the Ninja Creami craze, don’t worry, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make it!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream

Here’s what you need to make this homemade ice cream base:

• Fairlife Milk (or any high-protein milk): Helps create that creamy texture while keeping the ice cream high in protein and low in sugar. You can use other milks, they’ll just have slightly less protein content. 
• Protein Powder: Use your favorite vanilla protein powder, chocolate protein powder, or any other flavored protein powder. Make sure it blends well and tastes good to you!
• Sugar-Free Instant Pudding Mix: The sugar free vanilla pudding mix dds thickness and a softer texture, preventing it from getting icy.
• Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste: The vanilla flavor adds such a delicious depth of flavor. 
• Salt: A pinch of salt to help balance out the sweetness.
• Flavor Add-ins (optional): Like peanut butter powder, cocoa powder, extracts (like almond or mint), or mini chocolate chips, or cookies for mix-ins after spinning.

Scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements and a printable version!

How to Make Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream

This method is simple, but following it exactly will give you the creamiest results every time!

• Mix your base. In the Ninja creami container, whisk together the milk, protein powder, pudding mix, vanilla extract, and salt and mix until smooth. I like to do this with a handheld frother but you can also use an immersion blender or a blender for this.

• Freeze solid. Place the pint in your freezer for at least 18-24 hours until completely frozen. The longer, the better!
• Spin in the Ninja Creami. After freezing, allow the pint to sit at room temeprature for 10 minutes before removing the lid, inserting the pint into the Ninja Creami machine, and selecting the “Lite Ice Cream” function.

• Re-spin if needed. If the texture looks crumbly after the first spin (which is normal), add a splash of milk and re spin to achieve a creamy consistency.
• Mix in extra goodies! Stir or use the mix-in option to combine in any mix-ins like crushed cookies, fruit, or chocolate chips.

Enjoy the entire pint of ice cream for a delicious high protein dessert or enjoy a few tablespoons to satify the cravings and save the rest for the next day! 

Tips for the Best Creamy Protein Ice Cream

• Use a high-quality protein powder that you actually enjoy the taste of! A bad-tasting powder will ruin the ice cream.
• Don’t skip the freeze time. The base needs to be rock-solid for the Ninja Creami to do its job properly. 
• Allow the ice cream pint to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before you start spinning it. 
• Re spin as needed. Sometimes one re spin isn’t enough, and that’s okay! (I’ve had to respin mine 2-3 times before)
• Experiment with flavors. Add extracts like vanilla, almond, coconut, or even instant coffee powder for fun flavor twists.
• If you struggle with icy sides in your Ninja Creami pint, pop the storage lid back on and run the sides of the container under hot water for about a minute before re spinning. This helps soften the edges and makes for a smoother, creamier blend.

Why This Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream is a Game-Changer

• Super customizable. Make it vanilla, chocolate, peanut butter, strawberry, or birthday cake flavored!
• Way cheaper (and healthier) than store-bought high-protein pints.
• Keeps you full and satisfied thanks to the protein boost. You can eat the whole pint to get your sweet treat fix and be full until the next meal!
• Perfect for post-workout treats, healthy snacking, or even late night sweet tooth cravings.
• No churning,  the Ninja Creami ice cream maker does all the hard work!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to make a dairy-free version?

To make a vegan high protein ice cream, you’ll have to use a vegan protein powder and a dairy free milk. Think coconut milk, almond milk, I use unsweetened almond milk if I am trying to keep the calories low.

Do I need to add sweetener to my ice cream?

Nope! Unlike cottage cheese ice cream recipes that rely on maple syrup or honey for sweetness, this version gets its flavor and sweetness mainly from the protein powder. As long as you’re using a good-tasting protein powder, you won’t need any extra sweetener!

Can I use water instead of milk?

Technically yes, but it won’t be as creamy. For best results, stick with high-protein milk like Fairlife.

What protein powder works best?

Whey isolate blends are usually the creamiest, but you can also use plant-based protein powders! Just adjust the liquid slightly if your base is too thick. My favorite brand is the Clean Simple Eats one and in this specific recipe, I. used the coconut creme one (ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!! You can also use my code LOAF for a dicount at checkout!

Do I have to use sugar-free pudding mix?

Nope! It just helps with texture. You can leave it out if you want a more natural version.

How do I store leftovers?

If you have leftover ice cream (rare, but it happens!), just level the ice cream flat in the pint, freeze again, and re spin when you’re ready to eat.

Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Variations

• Chocolate Peanut Butter:Chocolate peanut butter protein powder + cocoa powder + PB powder.
• Strawberries & Cream:Strawberry cheesecake protein powder + diced strawberries mixed in.
• Mint Chocolate Chip:Mint chocolate cookie protein powder + sugar-free chocolate chips.
• Mocha Madness:Brownie batter chocolate protein powder + instant espresso powder.

You can also use my code LOAF at checkout in any of these protein powders I liked. 

Ready to give it a try? Grab your Ninja Creami, your favorite protein powder, and get ready to create the dreamiest, creamiest healthy ice cream right at home. 🍦💪

Ninja creami protein ice cream recipe with protein powder