Here is my go-to protein ice cream recipe using the Ninja Creami and Fairlife protein drinks. It’s creamy, perfectly sweet, and gives you that protein boost while feeling like a real treat.
This recipe has become my weekly staple when I’m craving something cold and satisfying but don’t want to derail my health goals. I usually make a couple of pints at once because it disappears so quickly in my house. Nothing better than guilt-free ice cream that actually fills you up, right?
Why You’ll Love This Protein Ice Cream
- High protein dessert – This ice cream packs a serious protein punch while satisfying your sweet tooth – perfect for fitness enthusiasts or anyone looking to add more protein to their diet.
- Diet-friendly – Made with protein shakes and sugar-free ingredients, this ice cream fits into most low-sugar and low-calorie eating plans while still tasting like a treat.
- Simple ingredients – You only need 3 basic ingredients to make this creamy dessert – no complicated shopping list required.
- Easy preparation – Just mix the ingredients, freeze, and let your Ninja Creami do all the work – it’s practically foolproof.
What Kind of Fairlife Protein Shake Should I Use?
Fairlife protein shakes come in several flavors, but for this ice cream recipe, you’ll want to stick with their chocolate variety. The chocolate Fairlife Elite or Core Power shakes both work great here – they contain 26-42 grams of protein per bottle and have a rich chocolate taste that makes for excellent ice cream. If you’re watching your calories, you can use their lower-sugar options, though keep in mind this might affect the final texture slightly. Just make sure your shake is well-chilled before using it in the recipe, as this helps create a smoother frozen texture. And while it might be tempting to substitute with other protein shake brands, Fairlife’s unique filtration process gives it a creamier consistency that works particularly well for making ice cream.
Options for Substitutions
Looking to switch things up with this protein ice cream? Here are some helpful substitution tips:
- Fairlife Protein Shake: You can use other protein shakes like Premier Protein or Core Power, but keep in mind that Fairlife has a specific protein-to-liquid ratio that works well in the Ninja Creami. If using another brand, you might need to adjust the amount slightly to get the right texture.
- Sugar-free chocolate pudding mix: This helps with texture and chocolate flavor – you can swap it with sugar-free vanilla pudding mix plus an extra 1/2 tablespoon of cocoa powder. Or try other flavors like butterscotch or cheesecake pudding mix for different taste combinations.
- Cocoa powder: Dutch-process or regular cocoa powder both work here. If you want to skip it, add an extra 1.5 tablespoons of chocolate pudding mix instead. Just note that the chocolate flavor won’t be as rich.
- Ninja Creami: This appliance is essential for this recipe – there’s unfortunately no good substitute as regular ice cream makers won’t achieve the same creamy texture with protein drinks.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making
The biggest challenge when making protein ice cream in your Ninja Creami is not getting the liquid-to-thicket ratio right – too much liquid will result in a slushy consistency, while too little will make it impossible to churn properly.
Temperature control is crucial – your mixture needs to freeze completely solid for at least 24 hours before processing, and the pint should be rock-hard when you remove it from the freezer.
If your ice cream turns out grainy after the first spin, don’t worry – simply use the Re-Spin function, which will help achieve that smooth, creamy texture you’re looking for, and for extra creaminess, let the pint sit at room temperature for 1-2 minutes before processing.
One final tip: always ensure your pint container is filled to the correct level (about 1/4 inch from the top) to get the perfect consistency – too full or too empty will affect the final texture.
What to Serve With Protein Ice Cream?
This protein-packed ice cream is perfect on its own, but you can dress it up with some smart toppings that won’t undo its healthy benefits! A sprinkle of sugar-free chocolate chips or a dollop of natural whipped cream adds extra indulgence while keeping things relatively light. For some crunch, try adding a few chopped nuts or a sprinkle of granola – just watch your portions to keep the protein-to-calorie ratio in check. If you’re serving this after a workout, pair it with a piece of fresh fruit like strawberries or banana slices for some natural sweetness and extra nutrients.
Storage Instructions
Keep Frozen: This protein ice cream needs to stay in the freezer to maintain its creamy texture. After processing in your Ninja Creami, transfer any leftover ice cream to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to 2 weeks, though the texture is best within the first week.
Re-spin: If your ice cream gets too hard after being in the freezer, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then pop it back in your Ninja Creami and use the Re-spin function. This will bring back that smooth, creamy texture you love. You might need to do this each time you serve after freezing.
Serve: For the best texture and taste, enjoy your protein ice cream right after processing it in the Ninja Creami. If you’re serving from frozen, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly – this makes it easier to scoop and gives you that perfect ice cream consistency.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 24 hours 10-15 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 50-55 g
- Fat: 5-10 g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30 g
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 bottles chocolate fairlife protein shake
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free chocolate pudding mix
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, unsweetened
Step 1: Prepare the Ice Cream Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together 1 1/3 chocolate Fairlife protein shakes, 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 tablespoon of chocolate sugar-free pudding mix.
If desired, you can opt to use a single shake; however, the mixture will not fill the entire pint, which is perfectly acceptable.
Step 2: Freeze the Mixture
Pour the whisked mixture into a Ninja Creami pint, ensuring it does not exceed the max fill line.
Place the pint flat in the freezer and let it freeze for 24 hours.
This freezing time is crucial to achieve the best texture for your ice cream.
Step 3: Set Up the Ninja Creami
After 24 hours, remove the pint from the freezer and set up your Ninja Creami machine.
Take the lid off the pint and place the pint securely into the Ninja Creami outer bowl.
Cover it with the lid and then place the outer bowl into the machine.
Twist to the right until it locks into place.
Step 4: Create the Ice Cream
Press the “Lite Ice Cream” button on the Ninja Creami and allow it to work its magic.
This process will turn the frozen mixture into a creamy treat.
Once completed, press and hold the button on the left side of the Creami to unlock and remove the bowl.
Twist off the lid and carefully take out the pint.
Step 5: Achieve Desired Consistency
If the ice cream appears crumbly, add 1 tablespoon of milk (any type will work) and use the Re-Spin function.
Repeat this process of adding milk and re-spinning until you reach your desired level of creaminess.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Ice Cream
With the perfect texture achieved, your Fairlife protein ice cream is ready to enjoy.
Serve immediately and savor your homemade creamy delight!