Have you ever found yourself staring into the freezer, wishing for a scoop of rich, creamy ice cream but not wanting to derail your health goals? I have been there more times than I can count. It feels like you have to choose between a satisfying treat and staying on track. What if I told you that you could have both? It is totally possible.
That is where the magic of the Ninja Creami comes in. This machine has been such a wonderful addition to my kitchen. It lets you create amazing frozen desserts that are both delicious and packed with goodness. Today, I am so excited to share one of my favorite Protein Ninja Creami Recipes. This chocolate version is a real crowd pleaser.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, this recipe is a game changer for anyone who loves ice cream but wants a healthier option. It is so simple to make, even if you are a total beginner in the kitchen. You do not need any fancy skills or techniques. Just blend, freeze, and spin.
The texture is unbelievable. We are talking smooth, creamy, and just like the real deal. It is not icy or gritty like some other homemade healthy ice creams can be. This is a true Protein Ice Cream Recipe that delivers on both taste and texture.
It is also super customizable. This chocolate base is fantastic on its own, but you can add all sorts of mix ins to make it your own. Think chocolate chips, nuts, or a swirl of nut butter. The possibilities are endless, making it one of the most flexible Ninja Creami Ice Cream Recipes High Protein Low Cal you can find.
Best of all, it satisfies that sweet craving in a wholesome way. You are getting a good dose of protein in every spoonful, which helps keep you full and satisfied. It is the kind of dessert you can feel good about eating any day of the week. This is more than just a Protein Shake Ice Cream; it is a real treat.
Ingredients
The beauty of these Protein Ninja Creami Recipes lies in their simplicity. We use just a handful of wholesome ingredients to create something truly special. Here is what you will need and why each one plays an important role.
- 1 cup almond milk: This forms the liquid base of our ice cream. You can use regular or chocolate almond milk for an extra cocoa kick. Any dairy free milk works well here.
- ¾ cup canned coconut milk (full fat): This is our secret to creaminess. The fat content in the coconut milk is essential for that rich, smooth texture we all love. Do not use the light version.
- 2 medjool dates: These provide a wonderful, natural sweetness. They also add a slight caramel note that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder: The star of the show. Use your favorite brand, but make sure it is one you love the taste of. The flavor will really shine through.
- 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder: This deepens the chocolate flavor, making it rich and decadent without adding extra sugar.
- 1 pinch sea salt: A tiny pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors. It really makes the chocolate taste more chocolaty.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this Protein Ice Cream Recipe is a straightforward process. Let’s walk through it together, step by step. Just follow along and you will have amazing ice cream in no time.
Step 1: Make The Ice Cream Base
First things first, we need to create our ice cream base. Grab your blender. Add the almond milk, full fat coconut milk, medjool dates, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, and the pinch of sea salt to it. Put the lid on securely.
Now, blend everything together until it is completely smooth. You want to make sure the dates are broken down as much as possible. If you have a high speed blender, this should be quick. A regular blender works too, it just might take a minute longer.
You might notice a few tiny bits of date skin remaining. That is perfectly fine. You can either leave them in for a little texture or, if you prefer it perfectly smooth, you can pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer.
Step 2: Freeze The Ice Cream Base
Next, pour your beautifully blended base into the Ninja Creami pint container. Be careful not to fill it past the max fill line marked on the side. This is important because the mixture will expand a bit during freezing.
Snap the storage lid onto the container. Now for the hardest part: waiting. Place the pint in the freezer on a flat, level surface. This helps it freeze evenly. Let it freeze for a minimum of 8 hours.
Ninja recommends freezing for a full 24 hours, but I have found that 8 hours works just fine if you are eager. The key is making sure it is frozen solid all the way through before you move on to the next step.
Step 3: Mix The Ice Cream
Once your base is frozen solid, it is time for the fun part. Take the pint out of the freezer and remove the storage lid. Place the pint into the outer bowl, and then attach the creamerizer paddle lid. Lock it into place.
Place the entire assembly into your Ninja Creami machine. It should click into place. For this initial spin, you are going to select the “Lite Ice Cream” button. The machine will work its magic, and it will be a bit loud, but that is normal.
After the first spin is complete, take the pint out and look at the contents. It will likely look dry and crumbly, almost like powder. Do not worry. This is exactly what is supposed to happen. It is a necessary step for many Protein Ninja Creami Recipes.
Step 4: Respin
To get that dreamy, creamy texture, we need to respin it. This is a crucial step for a great Protein Ice Cream Recipe. Before you do, add about two or three teaspoons of additional almond milk directly onto the top of the crumbly mixture.
You just need enough liquid to cover the top surface. This little bit of extra liquid helps the mixture turn creamy. Place the paddle lid back on, put it back in the machine, and press the “Re-spin” button. Let it run through the cycle one more time.
When it finishes, the result should be a perfectly smooth and scoopable ice cream. It is amazing to watch the transformation from powder to creamy perfection. This is a common technique for all kinds of Ninja Creami Ice Cream Recipes High Protein Low Cal.
Step 5: Add Mix Ins
You can absolutely enjoy your delicious chocolate protein ice cream as is. It is fantastic. But if you want to add a little something extra, now is the time. You can add your favorite mix ins directly to the pint.
Some great ideas include mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, a spoonful of peanut butter, or crushed up cookies. After adding them, place the pint back in the machine and press the “Mix-in” button. The machine will gently fold your additions into the ice cream.
Or, you can just scoop the ice cream into a bowl and stir in your mix ins by hand. Either way, you now have a customized dessert that is ready to enjoy. Your Protein Shake Ice Cream is complete.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is easy. Simply smooth the top of the ice cream in the pint container with a spoon to make it level. Place the storage lid back on and pop it back into the freezer.
When you are ready for another serving, the ice cream will be frozen solid again. You will need to repeat the spinning process. Just place the pint back into the machine and run it on the “Lite Ice Cream” or “Re-spin” setting again. It will return to its creamy state, ready to eat.
Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make sure your Protein Ninja Creami Recipes turn out great every single time. These little details can make a big difference.
First, choose a protein powder you genuinely enjoy the taste of. Since it is a primary ingredient, its flavor will be very prominent. A good quality, great tasting powder is key.
Always make sure your freezer is set to a cold temperature and that you place the pint on a level surface. An uneven freeze can sometimes affect the final texture after spinning.
Do not be afraid to experiment with flavors. You could add a drop of peppermint extract for a mint chocolate version, or a little instant espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor even more.
If your ice cream is still a bit crumbly after the first re spin, just add one more teaspoon of liquid and spin it again. Sometimes it just needs a little extra moisture to come together.
For the best texture, use the full fat canned coconut milk. The fat content is essential for creaminess in dairy free recipes. It helps prevent the formation of large ice crystals, keeping your Protein Ice Cream Recipe smooth.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A simple, delicious, and satisfying way to enjoy a high protein treat that tastes just like real ice cream. These Protein Ninja Creami Recipes open up a whole new world of healthy desserts that do not feel like a compromise.
Making your own Protein Shake Ice Cream is not only easy but also allows you to control exactly what goes into it. No strange ingredients or added sugars. Just simple, wholesome goodness.
I hope you love this creamy chocolate protein ice cream as much as I do. It is a regular in my dessert rotation, and I am sure it will become a favorite in your home too. Give it a try and let me know what you think.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Kind Of Milk?
Yes, absolutely. While this recipe uses almond milk, you can substitute it with any milk you prefer. Dairy milk, soy milk, or oat milk would all work well as a base for this Protein Ice Cream Recipe.
What If I Don’t Have Medjool Dates?
If you do not have medjool dates, you can use another natural sweetener. A tablespoon or two of maple syrup or agave nectar would be a good substitute. Adjust the amount to your desired sweetness level.
Why Is My Ice Cream Powdery?
A powdery or crumbly texture after the first spin is completely normal for many Ninja Creami Ice Cream Recipes High Protein Low Cal. It is due to the low fat and sugar content. Just add a tablespoon of milk and use the re spin function, and it will turn creamy.
Can I Use A Different Function On The Ninja Creami?
The “Lite Ice Cream” function is designed for recipes that are lower in fat and sugar, which is why it is the best choice for this recipe. Using another function might not produce the same smooth, creamy result.
Is This Recipe Vegan And Dairy Free?
Yes, as long as you use a plant based protein powder and dairy free milk like almond milk, this recipe is completely vegan and dairy free. It is a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Creamy Chocolate Protein Ice Cream (Ninja Creami)
A simple and delicious Ninja Creami recipe for rich, creamy chocolate protein ice cream. This satisfying, wholesome treat is easy to make and serves as a wonderful healthy dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the almond milk, full fat coconut milk, medjool dates, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, and sea salt. Blend until completely smooth.
- Pour the blended base into the Ninja Creami pint container, being careful not to fill past the max fill line.
- Secure the storage lid and place the pint on a level surface in the freezer. Freeze for a minimum of 8 hours, or until frozen solid.
- Once frozen, remove the lid. Place the pint in the outer bowl, attach the creamerizer paddle lid, and lock it into your Ninja Creami machine.
- Select the “Lite Ice Cream” function. After the cycle, the mixture will likely appear dry and crumbly. This is normal.
- Add 2-3 teaspoons of additional almond milk directly onto the top of the crumbly mixture. Re-install the pint and press the “Re-spin” button.
- The ice cream should now be smooth and scoopable. For optional mix-ins, create a small well in the center, add them, and process using the “Mix-in” function.
Notes
For the best creamy texture, be sure to use full-fat canned coconut milk. The fat content is essential for a smooth result.
The flavor of your protein powder will be prominent, so choose a brand and flavor that you genuinely enjoy.
If the ice cream is still a bit crumbly after the first re-spin, just add one more teaspoon of almond milk and spin it again.
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