This Raspberry Dark Chocolate Lifeway Kefir Protein Ice Cream is a creamy-meets-fruity treat with major chocolate energy. With just 6 ingredients, this sweet and tangy combo packs 10 grams of protein per serving! The secret ingredient is raspberry kefir, which gives the pint a probiotic punch. Plus, you get to choose any protein powder and chocolate mix-ins of your choice.
(Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Lifeway. All opinions are my own; I never feature a brand that I don't love!)
Table of Contents
Why you'll love it
If chocolate-covered raspberries sound like your kind of dessert, this pint is going to be on repeat. Here's why we can't get enough of it:
- Creamy and probiotic-rich - The kefir brings a tangy creaminess to the base that's ultra smooth and satisfying.
- Tart berry flavor + dark chocolate - Between the blended raspberries and melted dark chocolate, this pint hits that rich-fruity balance just right.
- Protein-packed - With the help of vanilla protein powder and kefir, this ice cream is both creamy and high in protein. If you want even more protein, you can add in ¼ cup Greek yogurt before freezing the pint.
Is this raspberry kefir protein ice cream healthy?
As a registered dietitian, I'm always looking for ways to make dessert more functional-and this raspberry chocolate pint delivers just that with a perfect combo of nutrient-packed ingredients:
- Kefir is rich in probiotics that support gut health and digestion. According to a 2025 study published in Nutrients, consuming kefir may help improve overall gut microbiota diversity. Each cup of kefir also contains 11 grams of protein.
- Raspberries are loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber to help support skin health,reduce inflammation, and support digestion.
- Dark chocolate contains flavonoids and polyphenols that may support heart health,cognitive function, and even blood sugar control. A study shows dark chocolate is considered a functional food thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, with links to benefits like improved cholesterol, weight management, and protection against brain-related disorders.
Each serving also delivers 10 grams of protein, which helps keep you full and satisfied. And it's customizable for whatever mix-ins or dietary needs you prefer.
What ingredients do you need?
Here's what you'll need to make this healthy raspberry chocolate pint:
- Lifeway Raspberry Kefir - This gives the base its signature tang and probiotic benefits.
- Vanilla protein powder of choice - Adds sweetness and a protein boost.
- Fresh or frozen raspberries - Adds texture and natural berry flavor.
- Sweetener of choice - Use honey, maple syrup, agave, or even a chopped Medjool date.
- Pinch of salt - Balances and enhances all the flavors.
Mix-ins (after the first spin):
- 1 tablespoon raspberry kefir
- Mashed raspberries
- Melted dark chocolate chips
What is kefir?
Kefir is a cultured, fermented milk drink that's naturally tart and full of probiotics. Lifeway Kefir is my go-to-it's ultra creamy, easy to find, and comes in fun flavors like raspberry that work perfectly in this kind of recipe. Lifeway's kefir contains up to 12 live and active cultures to support your gut health, plus it's a good source of protein and calcium. It's also super versitile-great for sipping, blending into smoothies, or even as the base for creamy desserts like this high-protein kefir ice cream.
How do you make raspberry kefir protein ice cream?
Here's how to get that perfect creamy Creami texture every time:
1. Blend the base:
Add all ingredients (except mix-ins) to a blender and blend until smooth. If you're using mostly liquids, you can even mix everything straight in the Ninja Creami pint with a fork or milk frother.
2. Freeze:
Pour the mixture into your Ninja Creami pint and freeze on a level surface for at least 24 hours, until solid.
3. First spin:
After freezing, process the pint using the "Lite Ice Cream" setting. The texture might look crumbly-totally normal!
4. Add mix-ins and re-spin:
Scrape down the sides of the pint and make a small hole in the center. Add your mashed raspberries, melted chocolate, and 1 tablespoon of raspberry kefir. Re-spin using the "Mix-In" setting.
5. Enjoy or store:
Scoop and serve immediately. If you have leftovers, level off the top and freeze again. You can re-spin up to 3 times-or just let the pint sit at room temp for 20-25 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften.
Can I make this in a Ninja Creami Deluxe?
Absolutely! If you're using a Ninja Creami Deluxe, you'll want to scale up the recipe slightly to match the larger pint size. Here's how:
- 1½ cups Lifeway Raspberry Kefir
- 3 tablespoons vanilla protein powder
- ¾ cup raspberries
- 1-2 tablespoons sweetener of your choice
- Pinch of salt
Mix-ins (after first spin):
- 1½ tablespoons Lifeway Raspberry Kefir
- 3 tablespoons mashed raspberries
- 3 tablespoons melted dark chocolate
Follow the exact same steps: blend, freeze, spin, add your mix-ins, and re-spin. Just be sure the Deluxe pint is filled up to the max fill line before freezing!
Recipe tips and tricks
- Serving tips: Want to take it up a notch? Top it with extra chocolate chips, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or fresh berries for extra flavor.
- Troubleshooting: Melting too quickly? Be sure to let it freeze for 24 hours before spinning!
- Scaling: You can double or triple the base recipe and freeze in multiple pints so you're always prepped for a sweet tooth moment.
Can I make this without a Ninja Creami?
Yes, you can still make this without a Creami! Just thoroughly mix all of the base ingredients together in a bowl or container and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, give it a good stir-this helps break up the ice crystals and creates a creamier texture. Keep stirring every 30 minutes until it's frozen and scoopable, similar to ice cream. It won't be exactly the same texture as a Creami, but it's still totally delicious and satisfying!
Can you make it ahead of time?
Yes! You can totally prep the base in advance. Mix your ingredients, pour into pints, and freeze for days (or even weeks) until you're ready to spin.
How do you store leftovers?
If you've got leftovers (a rare event, honestly!), just smooth the top with a spoon and pop the pint back into the freezer. When you're ready for round two, let it thaw for 20-25 minutes on the counter, or microwave for 10-15 seconds for easy scooping.
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Raspberry Dark Chocolate Kefir Protein Ice Cream
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Ingredients
- 1 cup Lifeway Raspberry Lowfat Kefir
- 2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder of your choice, (whey, pea, soy, rice, hemp, egg white, casein, collagen, brown rice, etc.)
- ½ cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1-3 teaspoons sweetener of your choice, (honey, maple syrup, agave, or 1 medjool date chopped, etc.)
- 1 pinch of salt
Mix-in Ingredients (Added After First Spin):
- 2 tablespoons mashed raspberries
- 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips, melted
- 1 tablespoon raspberry Lifeway Kefir
Instructions
- 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!
- Place the Creami pint in the freezer on a level surface and freeze for at least 24 hours until fully solid.
- After 24 hours, remove from the freezer and process using the "Lite Ice Cream" setting. This will take about 2-3 minutes. After this spin, the texture will most likely look crumbly and airy, similar to snow. This is normal!
- Use a spoon or knife to carefully scrape around the sides of the pint. Then, create a small hole in the center reaching the bottom and add mashed raspberries, melted dark chocolate, and 1 tablespoon of the raspberry kefir used in the base recipe.
- Re-spin using the "Mix-In" setting to fully blend the mix-ins and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
- Top with more raspberries if desired and enjoy immediately.
- If you end up with extras, you can store the pint in the freezer for later. For the best storage results, use a spoon to press the ice cream into a flat, even surface before refreezing.
Notes
Nutrition
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