Ninja Creami Vanilla Protein Ice Cream is a higher-protein frozen treat that’s satisfying, customizable, and made with simple, better-for-you ingredients. You can use any milk or protein shake you like, along with your favorite vanilla protein powder. We love using vanilla bean paste for an extra boost of rich, natural vanilla flavor.
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Table of Contents
Is it healthy?
This Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream puts a better-for-you spin on traditional ice cream. By blending together ingredients like milk, protein powder, and optional fruit or natural sweeteners, you’re keeping added sugar in check while bumping up the protein to help keep you full and satisfied. Research shows that protein can help support muscle recovery and promote fullness, which may aid in weight management.
How do you make Ninja Creami vanilla protein ice cream?
Follow these simple steps:
Mix the base
In your Ninja Creami pint, stir together 1 cup milk, 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or extract), and a pinch of salt. A milk frother works great for blending until totally smooth.
Freeze overnight
Place the pint on a flat surface in your freezer and freeze for at least 24 hours, or until fully solid.
First spin
Remove from freezer and use the “Lite Ice Cream” setting on your Ninja Creami. The texture may appear crumbly at first—this is totally normal!
Re-spin with milk
Scrape down the sides and create a small well in the center. Add 1 tablespoon of milk. Then, run the “Mix-In” cycle. Voilà—super creamy vanilla protein ice cream is yours!
Can I make this in a Ninja Creami Deluxe?
Yes, you totally can! Since the Deluxe pint is a bit larger, you’ll just want to scale up the ingredients slightly to get the best texture and flavor. Here’s how we recommend adjusting your vanilla base:
- 1½ cups milk of your choice (dairy milk, vanilla protein shake, almond milk, oat milk, etc.)
- 1½ scoops vanilla protein powder (about 3 tablespoons total)
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract, if that’s what you have)
- Pinch of salt
Up to ⅓ cup mix-ins of your choice (added after the first spin) - 1½ tablespoons of milk (same kind used in the base) added before re-spinning
Then, just follow the same steps: freeze overnight, use the “Lite Ice Cream” setting for the first spin, and re-spin with your milk and mix-ins for creamy, dreamy results. Just be sure not to fill past the max fill line!
Recipe tips and tricks
- Serving tips: Serve in a bowl or cone, and top with extra sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, or fruit for an ice cream shop-style finish. I love pairing it with a cozy decaf coffee or iced latte.
- Troubleshooting tips: If your ice cream is still crumbly after the re-spin, add another splash of milk and run a second re-spin. You can also let the pint thaw at room temp for 5–10 minutes for easier scooping.
- Scaling tips: Batch prep by making multiple pints in advance. Store in the freezer for 2–3 months and spin as needed.
Customize it your way
Like all of my recipes, this vanilla ice cream with protein powder is completely customizable. You get to choose what base milk, protein powder, and mix-ins you want to use to make your pint perfect for you. Here are some ideas:
- Milk of your choice: Use dairy milk for a classic creamy base, or opt for almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. A vanilla protein shake works great too if you want an extra protein punch.
- Protein powder of your choice: Stick with a clean vanilla whey or plant-based protein. If you’re feeling adventurous, flavored protein powders like birthday cake or cinnamon roll can add a fun spin.
Mix-ins of your choice: After your first spin, feel free to add crushed Oreos, rainbow sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or chopped nuts to create your dream dessert pint. Check out my recipe for this Cookies & Cream Ninja Creami Pint!
Can you make it ahead of time?
Yes! Since the base needs to freeze overnight, it’s perfect for prepping ahead. You can even make several pints with different flavors and keep them ready in the freezer for whenever that ice cream craving hits.
How do you store leftovers?
Flatten the surface with a spoon before popping your pint back into the freezer. It’ll keep for up to 2–3 months. If it hardens, you can either let it thaw for 20–25 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds before re-spinning or digging in.
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Ninja Creami Vanilla Protein Ice Cream
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Ingredients
- 1 cup vanilla protein shake or milk of your choice, (your favorite brand of vanilla protein shake or dairy milk, almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, etc.)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder of your choice, (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla bean paste, (can sub vanilla extract if you can’t find the paste)
- 1 pinch salt
Up to 1/4 Cup Mix-Ins of Your Choice (Added After First Spin):
- 1 tablespoon milk, (same as used in base recipe)
Instructions
- Mix together the base: Add all ingredients into Ninja Creami Pint (except mix-ins) and stir until completely smooth. Using a milk frother is helpful to make sure the protein powder combines easily!
- Freeze: Place the Creami pint in the freezer on a level surface and freeze for at least 24 hours until fully solid.
- First Spin: Remove from the freezer and process using the "Lite Ice Cream" setting. The texture may initially appear crumbly or airy—this is normal!
- Incorporate Mix-Ins: Use a spoon or knife to carefully scrape down the sides of the pint. Then, create a small hole in the center reaching the bottom and add 1 tablespoon milk used in the base recipe alongside any mix-ins, if desired.
- Re-Spin: Process again using the "Mix-In" setting to fully incorporate mix-ins and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Enjoy immediately or if you end up with extras, you can store in the freezer for later. For best results, use a spoon to press the ice cream into a flat, even surface before refreezing.
Notes
Nutrition
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