High protein ice cream just got easier. The Ninja Creami turns simple ingredients into creamy desserts that fit your health goals.
You can enjoy a full pint without guilt. Each recipe delivers 20-50 grams of protein per serving.
What is the Ninja Creami?
The Ninja Creami is a countertop ice cream maker. It transforms frozen mixtures into smooth, creamy desserts.
How it works:
- Freeze your mixture for 24 hours
- Place the container in the machine
- The blade spins and breaks down ice crystals
- You get soft-serve texture in minutes
The machine is loud (like a power saw). But the results make it worth the noise.
Benefits of High Protein Ice Cream
Supports Muscle Growth and Recovery
Protein helps repair and build muscle tissue. One serving gives you the same protein as a chicken breast.
Keeps You Full Longer
Protein increases satiety. You won’t reach for more snacks 30 minutes later.
Fits Any Diet Plan
These recipes work for:
- Weight loss goals
- Muscle building
- Low carb eating
- Gluten-free diets
Better Than Store-Bought
You control the ingredients. No mystery additives or excess sugar.
Essential Ingredients for Protein Ice Cream
Base Ingredients
Milk or Milk Alternatives
- Whole milk creates the creamiest texture
- Fairlife milk adds extra protein (13g per cup)
- Almond milk works but may freeze icier
- The higher the fat content, the creamier your ice cream
Protein Powder
- Whey protein gives the smoothest results
- Choose flavors you already enjoy
- One scoop typically equals 20-30g of protein
- Popular brands: Clean Simple Eats, Flavcity, Just Ingredients
Greek Yogurt
- Adds creaminess and tanginess
- Contributes extra protein
- Use full-fat for best texture
- Helps prevent icy texture
Texture Improvers
Instant Pudding Mix
- Acts as a thickening agent
- Adds flavor without extra protein powder
- Sugar-free versions available
- Only need 1-2 tablespoons
Cottage Cheese
- High protein content
- Creates a cheesecake-like texture
- Blend until smooth before freezing
- Full-fat works best
Collagen Powder
- Adds protein (10g per scoop)
- Improves creaminess
- Unflavored and tasteless
- Alternative to pudding mix
Sweeteners
Natural options:
- Honey (1-2 tablespoons)
- Pure maple syrup
- Monk fruit sweetener
Sugar-free options:
- Allulose
- Stevia (already in most protein powders)
Basic Vanilla Protein Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (30g)
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar-free vanilla pudding mix
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to your Ninja Creami pint container
- Whisk with a milk frother until smooth and combined
- Freeze on a level surface WITHOUT the lid for 24 hours
- Remove from freezer and let sit for 5-10 minutes
- Place in Ninja Creami machine and select “Lite Ice Cream”
- After first spin, add 2 tablespoons milk if needed
- Hit “Re-Spin” for creamier texture
- Add mix-ins if desired and use “Mix-In” setting
Nutrition per serving (half pint): 228 calories, 20g protein, 26g carbs, 5g fat
Chocolate Protein Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz chocolate Fairlife shake (or chocolate milk)
- 3 oz vanilla Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons powdered peanut butter (PB2)
- 1 tablespoon chocolate pudding mix (optional)
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in your Creami container using a frother
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes
- Freeze uncovered for 24 hours
- Run under hot water for 30 seconds before processing
- Spin on “Lite Ice Cream” setting
- Add 1-2 tablespoons milk and respin if needed
- Top with chocolate chips or crushed Oreos
Nutrition per pint: 281 calories, 43g protein, 19.5g carbs, 3.5g fat
Peanut Butter Cup Protein Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 3 tablespoons powdered peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon chocolate pudding mix
- 2-3 mini peanut butter cups (for mix-ins)
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (for swirl)
Instructions
- Blend first four ingredients until smooth
- Pour into Creami container and freeze 24 hours
- Process on “Lite Ice Cream” setting
- Create a hole in the center with a spoon
- Add peanut butter and chopped peanut butter cups
- Run “Mix-In” cycle
- Serve immediately
Tip: The creamy peanut butter swirl takes this to the next level.
Strawberry Protein Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Fairlife 2% milk
- 1 scoop strawberry protein powder
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons almond milk (for respinning)
Instructions
- Whisk milk and protein powder together
- Stir in chopped strawberries
- Freeze overnight
- Spin on “Lite Ice Cream” mode
- Add almond milk and respin
- Create hole in center and add more strawberries
- Use “Mix-In” setting
Optional toppings: Whipped cream, graham cracker crumbs
Cookies and Cream Protein Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 6 oz Fairlife milk
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 2 Oreo thins, crushed
- Additional 4 Oreos for topping
Instructions
- Mix milk and protein powder until smooth
- Freeze 24 hours
- Process on “Lite Ice Cream”
- Add 2 tablespoons milk and respin
- Make a hole in the center
- Add crushed Oreos to the hole
- Spin on “Mix-In” mode
- Top with additional crushed Oreos
Key Lime Pie Protein Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 cup key lime pie Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Graham cracker pieces (optional mix-in)
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Combine milk, protein powder, yogurt, and lime juice
- Whisk until frothy
- Freeze overnight
- Let thaw 5-10 minutes before processing
- Spin on “Lite Ice Cream”
- Add graham crackers and respin on “Mix-In”
- Top with whipped cream
Nutrition: 26g protein per serving
Cottage Cheese Protein Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups full-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons instant pudding mix (any flavor)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 cup frozen blueberries (optional)
Instructions
- Blend cottage cheese in food processor until completely smooth
- Add milk, pudding mix, and honey
- Blend again until combined
- Pour into Creami container
- Freeze 24 hours
- Process on “Lite Ice Cream”
- Add milk and respin if needed
Why cottage cheese works: It adds 20g+ protein and creates a cheesecake texture.
Dole Whip Protein Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 10 oz pineapple chunks in juice (don’t drain)
- 1/4 cup Fairlife milk
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to Creami container
- Mix well with frother
- Freeze overnight
- Spin on “Lite Ice Cream”
- Add 1-2 tablespoons milk
- Respin for smooth texture
Taste: Just like the Disney park favorite but with protein.
Banana Split Protein Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 ripe banana, mashed
- 2 tablespoons PB2
- 1 tablespoon honey
For topping:
- Fresh banana slices
- Chocolate syrup
- Fat-free Cool Whip
- Sprinkles
- Cherry
Instructions
- Blend base ingredients until smooth
- Freeze 24 hours
- Process on “Lite Ice Cream”
- Add sprinkles and use “Mix-In” setting
- Top with banana, chocolate syrup, Cool Whip, and cherry
Double Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups chocolate milk
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons mini dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mix milk, protein, and cocoa powder
- Freeze overnight
- Spin on “Lite Ice Cream”
- Add chocolate chips to center hole
- Use “Mix-In” setting
- Enjoy immediately
Coffee Protein Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup cold brew coffee
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients together
- Freeze 24 hours
- Let thaw 10 minutes
- Process on “Lite Ice Cream”
- Respin as needed
Perfect for: Morning protein boost or afternoon treat
Birthday Cake Protein Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon vanilla pudding mix
- 3 tablespoons rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Mix base ingredients
- Freeze overnight
- Spin on “Lite Ice Cream”
- Add sprinkles and run “Mix-In” cycle
- Top with extra sprinkles
Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1/2 banana, mashed
- 2 tablespoons PB2
- 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Blend milk, protein, banana, and PB2
- Freeze 24 hours
- Process on “Lite Ice Cream”
- Add chocolate chips and walnuts
- Use “Mix-In” setting
Protein Ice Cream Without Pudding Mix
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
- 1 scoop unflavored collagen powder (10g)
- 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients until smooth
- Freeze without lid for 24 hours
- Let thaw 10 minutes
- Run outside under hot water for 30 seconds
- Process on “Lite Ice Cream”
- Respin until desired consistency
Why collagen works: It adds 10g protein and creates smooth texture without pudding mix.
Pre-Made Protein Shake Method
Ingredients
- 14 oz Fairlife Core Power shake (any flavor)
- 1-2 tablespoons instant pudding mix (matching flavor)
Instructions
- Pour shake into Creami container
- Add pudding mix and stir well
- Freeze 24 hours
- Process on “Lite Ice Cream”
- Add splash of milk and respin
Easiest method: Perfect for beginners. No measuring protein powder.
Ninja Creami Tips and Tricks
Freezing Guidelines
Always freeze for 24 hours
- 12-16 hours can work but texture may suffer
- Full 24 hours gives best consistency
- Longer than 24 hours is fine
Freeze without the lid
- Prevents dome or hump formation
- Hump can damage the blade
- Place lid loosely on top if needed
Keep container level
- Uneven freezing causes texture issues
- The blade won’t spin properly
- Use level shelf in freezer
Processing Tips
Let it thaw first
- 5-10 minutes on counter before spinning
- Or run hot water on outside for 30 seconds
- Prevents machine strain
- Reduces icy texture
Add liquid strategically
- 1-2 tablespoons milk after first spin
- Only if texture is too crumbly
- More liquid = softer texture
- Less liquid = thicker texture
Use the right spin settings
- Always start with “Lite Ice Cream”
- Use “Re-Spin” for creamier texture
- Use “Mix-In” for adding toppings
- Don’t overdo the respins
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Don’t overfill the container
- Stay below the max fill line
- Overfilling can damage machine
- Can cause leaking during spin
Don’t add mix-ins before first spin
- Add them after initial processing
- Use the “Mix-In” setting
- Otherwise they get pulverized
Don’t skip the milk frother step
- Mix ingredients thoroughly
- Prevents clumps of protein powder
- Creates better texture
Getting Creamier Results
Use higher fat ingredients
- Full-fat milk over skim
- Regular yogurt over low-fat
- Adds richness and smoothness
Add a thickening agent
- Instant pudding mix (1-2 tablespoons)
- Collagen powder (10g)
- Greek yogurt (3 oz)
- Cottage cheese (blended smooth)
Multiple respins help
- First spin breaks down ice
- Second spin makes it creamier
- Third spin perfects texture
- But don’t overdo it
Try the Mix-In button trick
- If almost right but needs more blending
- Mix-In is gentler than Re-Spin
- Prevents over-processing
- Keeps texture thick
Flavor Combination Ideas
Classic Combinations
- Vanilla + chocolate chips
- Chocolate + peanut butter
- Strawberry + graham crackers
- Coffee + chocolate chips
- Banana + peanut butter + chocolate
Dessert-Inspired
- Birthday cake (vanilla + sprinkles)
- Cookie dough (vanilla + cookie dough pieces)
- Brownie batter (chocolate + fudge pieces)
- Reese’s (chocolate + peanut butter cups)
- Mint chocolate chip (vanilla + peppermint extract + chips)
Fruit-Based
- Strawberry cheesecake (strawberry + cheesecake pudding)
- Blueberry muffin (vanilla + blueberries + streusel)
- Peach cobbler (vanilla + peaches + graham crackers)
- Cherry vanilla (vanilla + cherries)
- Mixed berry (vanilla + frozen mixed berries)
Fun and Creative
- S’mores (chocolate + marshmallow + graham crackers)
- Snickers (chocolate + peanuts + caramel)
- Salted caramel pretzel (vanilla + pretzels + caramel)
- Pumpkin spice (vanilla + pumpkin + spices)
- Maple walnut (vanilla + maple + walnuts)
Best Protein Powders for Ice Cream
Top Picks
Clean Simple Eats
- Smooth texture in ice cream
- Great flavor options
- Contains minimal ingredients
- Use code for discounts
Flavcity Vanilla Cream
- Contains organic banana powder
- Has coconut milk powder
- Includes collagen
- Creates thick, creamy consistency
Just Ingredients
- Simple, real ingredients
- Gluten-free
- No fillers or additives
- Clean label
Fairlife Core Power Shakes
- Pre-made convenience
- 26g protein per bottle
- Just add pudding mix
- No measuring required
What to Avoid
- Protein powders with lots of additives
- Those labeled “natural flavors” (vague)
- Ones that make you feel bloated
- Low-quality fillers and gums
Testing New Powders
Buy single-serve packets first. Try before committing to a large container.
Taste the base mixture before freezing. Add sweetener if needed.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Making Multiple Pints
Buy extra Ninja Creami containers. Prep several pints at once on Sunday.
Label each container with:
- Flavor name
- Date frozen
- Any special notes
Refreezing Leftovers
You can refreeze ice cream after eating half. Smooth down remaining ice cream. Cover and freeze again.
When ready to eat:
- Thaw 5-10 minutes
- Process again on “Lite Ice Cream”
- Add splash of milk if needed
How Long It Lasts
In freezer: Up to 2 months After processing: Eat within a few days Best texture: Immediately after spinning
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Ice Cream is Too Icy
Causes:
- Not enough fat in base
- Didn’t freeze long enough
- Container wasn’t level
Solutions:
- Use whole milk next time
- Add Greek yogurt or cottage cheese
- Ensure 24-hour freeze time
- Check freezer temperature
Ice Cream is Too Crumbly
Causes:
- Froze too solid
- Not enough liquid
Solutions:
- Let thaw 10 minutes before processing
- Add 1-2 tablespoons milk
- Respin until smooth
- Try another respin
Ice Cream is Too Soft
Causes:
- Added too much liquid
- Didn’t freeze long enough
- Too many respins
Solutions:
- Use less liquid next time
- Freeze longer
- Stop at first or second spin
- Use Mix-In button instead of Re-Spin
Protein Powder Clumps
Causes:
- Didn’t mix well enough
- Added liquid too fast
Solutions:
- Use a milk frother or immersion blender
- Add liquid slowly while mixing
- Let mixture rest 5 minutes before freezing
Machine is Too Loud
Reality check: The Ninja Creami is very loud (like a power saw). This is normal.
Solutions:
- Process in a closed room
- Warn family members
- Run during busy times when noise matters less
- Consider it worth it for the results
Macro-Friendly Variations
For Weight Loss
Use these swaps:
- Skim milk or almond milk
- Sugar-free pudding mix
- Monk fruit sweetener
- Protein powder only for sweetness
Result: 150-200 calories per serving
For Muscle Building
Use these additions:
- Whole milk or Fairlife
- Extra scoop of protein
- Nut butter
- Full-fat Greek yogurt
Result: 300-400 calories, 40-50g protein
For Low Carb/Keto
Focus on:
- Unsweetened almond milk
- Sugar-free pudding
- Allulose or monk fruit
- High-fat additions (heavy cream, MCT oil)
Result: Under 10g net carbs per serving
Equipment You’ll Need
Essential
Ninja Creami Machine
- Original model or Deluxe
- Comes with one pint container
- Purchase extra pints separately
Milk Frother or Immersion Blender
- Mixes ingredients smoothly
- Prevents protein powder clumps
- Cheap battery-operated works fine
Helpful (But Optional)
Kitchen Scale
- Accurate protein powder measuring
- Helpful for tracking macros
Blender or Food Processor
- For smooth cottage cheese
- Blending whole recipes at once
Extra Pint Containers
- Meal prep multiple flavors
- Always have ice cream ready
- Worth the investment
Dietary Modifications
Dairy-Free Version
Replace with:
- Oat milk (full-fat works best)
- Coconut milk (for richness)
- Dairy-free yogurt
- Vegan protein powder
Note: May need extra respins for smooth texture.
Vegan Version
Use:
- Plant-based milk
- Vegan protein powder
- Dairy-free yogurt or cashew cream
- Maple syrup for sweetness
Tip: Add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum for better texture.
Gluten-Free
Most recipes are naturally gluten-free. Just check:
- Protein powder label
- Pudding mix (some contain gluten)
- Mix-ins like cookies
Low Sugar
Minimize sugar by:
- Using unsweetened milk
- Sugar-free pudding mix
- Stevia or monk fruit sweetener
- Skip added honey/maple syrup
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a regular protein shake?
Yes. The easiest method uses pre-made shakes like Fairlife Core Power. Just add 1-2 tablespoons pudding mix.
Do I have to use pudding mix?
No, but it helps create a smooth texture. Alternatives include collagen powder, Greek yogurt, or cottage cheese.
How much protein is in each serving?
Depends on your ingredients. Most recipes contain 20-50g protein per serving (half to full pint).
Can I eat the whole pint?
Yes. That’s the beauty of high-protein ice cream. A full pint typically has 200-400 calories and fits most nutrition plans.
Why is my ice cream icy?
Usually means not enough fat in the base. Add whole milk, Greek yogurt, or full-fat ingredients next time.
Can I make this without a Ninja Creami?
The Ninja Creami creates the unique texture. Regular ice cream makers work differently and won’t give the same results.
How long does it take to make?
Active time: 5 minutes Freezing time: 24 hours Processing time: 5 minutes
Can I add fresh fruit?
Yes. Chop it small and add after the first spin using the Mix-In setting. Fresh fruit can make it icier, so frozen sometimes works better.
What if I don’t have protein powder?
You can make ice cream without it, but you’ll lose the protein benefit. Add more sweetener since protein powder adds sweetness.
Is this actually healthy?
Healthier than regular ice cream. Higher in protein, lower in sugar, controlled ingredients. But it’s still a treat.
Final Thoughts
High protein Ninja Creami recipes transform your dessert game. You get creamy, satisfying ice cream that actually helps you reach your health goals.