Ninja Creami Chocolate Protein Ice Cream: A Guilt-Free Delight

Craving ice cream but want to stay on track with your health goals? This Ninja Creami Chocolate Protein Ice Cream recipe is the answer! It’s incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients, packs a whopping 30 grams of protein per serving, and tastes absolutely decadent. Plus, it doesn’t rely on traditional whey protein powder, although you can certainly add it if you prefer. Get ready to enjoy a creamy, chocolatey treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without the guilt!

This recipe serves as the perfect chocolate ice cream canvas for all your favorite flavor combinations. Let your creativity run wild with different mix-ins and create a personalized frozen dessert that will have you singing with joy.

My Ninja Creami Journey: From Lurker to Lover

About a year ago, I finally succumbed to the allure of the Ninja Creami ice cream machine. After spending countless hours browsing the Ninja Creami community online, I was captivated by the endless possibilities of homemade protein ice cream. The sheer variety of flavors and healthy recipes sparked my culinary imagination.

As soon as my machine arrived, I eagerly began experimenting with different recipes. I was particularly intrigued by a recipe that used a pre-made protein shake as the base. I knew I had to try it!

The Secret to Creamy, Dreamy Protein Ice Cream

My first attempt at making protein ice cream was decent, but it didn’t quite reach the level of perfection I was aiming for. However, after switching protein shake brands and incorporating a secret ingredient I learned about during my research, everything changed. Suddenly, I was churning out pint after pint of irresistibly creamy and flavorful chocolate ice cream. We started adding our favorite toppings, such as Oreo cookies and Reese’s cups, and haven’t looked back since!

What I love most about this recipe is that I can indulge in an entire pint without derailing my protein goals. And the best part? It tastes absolutely amazing! It’s transformed dessert from an occasional indulgence into a daily ritual.

Why You’ll Be Obsessed with This Recipe

Unbelievably Creamy Texture: Even though this recipe is low in fat and high in protein, it boasts a remarkably creamy texture that rivals traditional ice cream. No heavy cream required!
Simple and Straightforward: With just a few basic ingredients, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. Minimal prep time and easy cleanup make it the perfect everyday treat.
Versatile and Customizable: You can use a pre-made protein shake for convenience or opt for milk and protein powder. The choice is yours!

Gather Your Ingredients

Protein Shake (or Milk + Protein Powder): I prefer using a pre-made Fairlife chocolate protein shake for its rich flavor and smooth texture. However, you can easily substitute it with 1 ½ cups of milk and your favorite chocolate protein powder. For an extra boost of flavor, try using Fairlife high protein chocolate milk.
Pudding Mix: This is the secret ingredient that guarantees a foolproof Ninja Creami ice cream every time! It acts as a thickener, adding sweetness and intensifying the chocolate flavor. I’ve successfully used both regular and sugar-free/fat-free pudding mixes, so feel free to choose your preference.
Splash of Chocolate Milk (Optional): Adding a splash of chocolate milk during the re-spin cycles helps to soften the ice cream, resulting in a smoother consistency. It’s entirely optional, but highly recommended if you prefer a softer texture.
Mix-Ins of Choice: This is where you can really let your creativity shine! Add your favorite candies, cookies, or other treats to create a truly personalized ice cream experience. Some of my go-to mix-ins include brownies, M&Ms, Oreo cookies, Reese’s cups, and Cadbury mini eggs.

Essential Equipment and Tools

Ninja Creami Machine: This recipe is compatible with all Ninja Creami models. Because it uses a smaller volume of liquid, it fits perfectly in the standard Ninja Creami container.
Milk Frother or Immersion Blender: This tool is essential for ensuring that the protein powder and pudding mix are fully incorporated into the liquid base, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Chocolate Protein Ice Cream in Your Ninja Creami

This high-protein dessert boasts an impressive 32 grams of protein per serving and delivers a seriously satisfying chocolate flavor! I love making multiple containers at once, so I can enjoy a guilt-free dessert every night.

Pour your chocolate protein shake (or milk of choice) into the Ninja Creami container. Be careful not to exceed the max fill line, leaving a little room for the other ingredients.
Add the pudding mix (and protein powder if using milk instead of a shake). Use a handheld milk frother or immersion blender to thoroughly combine the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
Once the powders are fully incorporated, you are ready to prepare the mixture for freezing.
Secure the lid tightly and place the container in a flat, level spot in your freezer. Freeze for at least 16-24 hours, ensuring that the base is completely frozen solid before using the machine. The top of the container must be flat for proper processing.

After Chilling for 16-24 Hours:

If there are any large bumps or unevenness on the surface of the frozen ice cream base, gently scrape them down with a spoon. A small bump is fine and won’t affect the outcome.
Insert the frozen ice cream container into the Ninja Creami machine and select the “lite ice cream” cycle.
After the cycle is complete, carefully remove the container and assess the consistency. The ice cream may appear crumbly or powdery, but don’t worry! This is perfectly normal. Most ice creams require 1-3 re-spin cycles to achieve the desired smooth and creamy texture. I like to add a splash of chocolate milk before the first re-spin to help soften the mixture.
Select the “re-spin” cycle and process again. Check the consistency after each re-spin and repeat until you achieve the perfect texture.

Pro Tip for Mix-Ins

If you want to incorporate mix-ins such as Oreo cookies, Reese’s cups, cookie dough, or brownie pieces, add them to the finished ice cream after the final re-spin. Then, place the container back into the machine and select the “mix-in” cycle.

Can I Make This Without a Pre-Made Protein Shake?

Absolutely! I’ve tested this recipe using an alternative combination of ingredients for those times when you don’t have a pre-made chocolate protein shake on hand.

Simply combine the following ingredients and freeze:

1 ½ cups whole milk or chocolate milk (I recommend Fairlife high protein chocolate milk for extra flavor and protein)
1 scoop chocolate protein powder (or your preferred flavor)
2 tablespoons chocolate pudding mix

Unleash Your Inner Flavor Alchemist: Mix-In and Flavor Variations

M&Ms: Add 1-2 tablespoons of mini M&Ms for a colorful and crunchy treat. Keep in mind that the mix-in cycle may chop them up a bit, so you can also stir them in by hand if you prefer larger pieces.
Reese’s Cups: Mini Reese’s cups are ideal, but you can also use regular-sized cups. Just chop them into smaller pieces before adding them to the ice cream.
Oreo Ice Cream: Add 2 regular Oreo cookies or 3 Oreo Thins for a classic cookies and cream flavor.
Cadbury Mini Eggs: Sprinkle in 1-2 tablespoons of mini Cadbury eggs (or 3-4 tablespoons of the regular size) for a festive and delicious treat.
Peanut Butter Chocolate: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of peanut butter powder at the same time you add the pudding mix and/or protein powder for a rich and nutty flavor.
More Inspiration: The possibilities are endless! Try adding cookie dough balls (I roll my edible cookie dough into tiny balls), brownie pieces (Fiber 1 or homemade), Skor or Heath bar bits, chocolate chips, or any other treat that your heart desires.

Expert Tip for the Perfect Consistency

Allow the container to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before processing, or run hot water along the outside of the container. This helps to slightly thaw the edges of the ice cream, ensuring that all of it gets blended evenly during the re-spin cycles.

More High-Protein Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings:

Greek Yogurt Jello
Protein Cookie Dough
Strawberry Cheesecake Yogurt Bowl
Greek Yogurt Ranch (Dip and Dressing)

If you loved this Ninja Creami recipe for chocolate protein ice cream, please leave a 5-star review in the recipe card or comment below! You can also tag me on Instagram @dashfordinner.

Recipe Card

Ninja Creami Chocolate Protein Ice Cream

This Ninja Creami chocolate protein ice cream requires just 3 ingredients, has 30g of protein, and tastes absolutely amazing!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 day
Total Time: 1 day, 10 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 274 kcal
Course: Dessert, Desserts
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1 bottle (11.5oz) prepared chocolate protein shake (we highly recommend Fairlife, or milk and protein powder)
2 tablespoons chocolate pudding mix (can use sugar-free or fat-free if desired)
1 tablespoon chocolate milk (optional, for spinning the ice cream)
Mix-ins of choice (optional, such as Oreo’s, Reese’s, M&M’s, brownie chunks, etc.)

Instructions

Pour the chocolate protein shake into one of the ice cream containers for your Ninja Creami (or comparable machine).
Add the chocolate pudding mix to the container and use a mini milk frother or immersion blender to completely blend the powder into the liquid.
Secure the lid and place the container in the freezer. Freeze until rock solid, which is about 24 hours for most freezers, and no less than 16 hours. Unless it’s frozen and very hard, it will not work, so be sure to put it in a cold spot in your freezer.
Once your container is frozen solid (16-24 hours later), remove it from the freezer and run hot water along the sides of the jar (or allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes). Remove the lid and flatten any large bumps on the surface by scraping them with a spoon.
Place the container into the machine as directed in the manufacturers instructions.
Select the “lite ice cream” cycle and let the machine complete the cycle.
Remove and check on the ice cream – it may look crumbly; this is totally normal. You will need to complete “re-spin” cycles until you get the desired texture.
Add 1 tablespoon of chocolate milk (optional) and secure the lid. Place the ice cream back into the machine and select the “re-spin” cycle. Re-spin 1-3 times until you achieve the desired texture.
Once the ice cream is the perfect consistency, you can add any mix-ins for extra flavor (2 tablespoons of M&M’s, chocolate chips, candy, etc.). Add them to the top of the ice cream, then complete a “mix-in” cycle on your machine.
Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Yields 1 generous helping, or 2 smaller servings. Nutritional information is based on Fairlife chocolate, 1 tablespoon of chocolate milk, and regular pudding mix. Using sugar-free and fat-free pudding mix will alter the numbers. Mix-ins do as well.

Respinning leftovers: Protein ice cream tastes best on the day of spinning, but if you have leftovers, you can re-freeze it and re-spin it on another day. I use the light ice cream cycle since the ice cream is frozen hard, and then re-spin with an added splash of milk.

*Without using a protein shake: If you would prefer, you can make this recipe with 1 ½ cups of milk (or chocolate milk), 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder, and 2 tablespoons of chocolate pudding mix. We recommend using a high-protein milk (like Fairlife), but regular milk works just fine. Just be sure to use the pudding mix to help create a thickened, ice cream-esque texture.

Vanilla, or other flavors: You can customize the flavor of your ice cream by changing the flavor of your protein shake and/or your pudding mix! To make vanilla, use a vanilla protein and vanilla pudding mix. You can experiment with banana, pistachio, cheesecake, and other flavors.

Chocolate peanut butter: Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter powder at the same time you add the pudding mix. Ensure it is blended well with no clumps remaining.

Nutrition

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