Ninja Creami Vanilla Protein Ice Cream

This Ninja Creami Vanilla Protein Ice Cream is creamy, lightly sweet, and made with simple ingredients like whole milk, half-and-half, vanilla protein powder, and monk fruit sweetener. It's a great option when you want something that feels like dessert but still gives you a little protein boost.

I tested a few different ways to make this recipe creamier, and for this version, I love the combination of whole milk and half-and-half. It gives the ice cream a smoother, richer texture without needing cottage cheese or Greek yogurt. A tiny amount of xanthan gum also helps keep the ice cream from turning too icy, which can happen with sugar-free protein ice cream recipes.

This is one of those easy Ninja Creami recipes that's nice to keep in the freezer for a quick treat after dinner, a hot afternoon, or whenever you want something sweet and creamy. For more easy desserts, check out my Fudgy Brownies without Eggs or Milk, or my Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• It's made with simple ingredients
• The whole milk and half-and-half make it creamier than milk alone
• It's sugar-free when made with monk fruit sweetener
• It has a smooth vanilla flavor without being too strong
• It's a great base recipe for adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, berries, or brownie pieces

Key Ingredients

Some of the ingredients you will need to make this delicious ice cream:

Whole Milk- Whole milk helps create a creamy base while still keeping the recipe simple. I would not use skim milk here because it can make the ice cream more icy.

Half-and-Half- Half-and-half gives this recipe more richness and a smoother texture.

Vanilla Protein Powder- Use a vanilla protein powder you already like the taste of, because the flavor will come through in the finished ice cream. I recommend using 1 scoop, about 25-35 grams, since protein powder scoop sizes vary by brand.

Vanilla Extract- Vanilla extract gives the ice cream that classic vanilla flavor. I like using 2 teaspoons here because it adds flavor without tasting too strong or alcohol-forward.

Liquid Monk Fruit Sweetener- Liquid monk fruit sweetener keeps this recipe sugar-free. Start with 2 teaspoons, taste the base, and add more if needed. The base should taste slightly sweeter before freezing because frozen desserts taste less sweet once frozen.

How to Make Ninja Creami Vanilla Protein Ice Cream:

1. Step 1: Add the whole milk, half-and-half, vanilla protein powder, vanilla extract, monk fruit sweetener, salt, and xanthan gum to a blender.

2. Step 2: Blend until the mixture is completely smo/oth. This is important because the protein powder and xanthan gum need to be fully mixed in so there are no clumps. You can also use an electric whisk for a quicker version.

3. Step 3: Taste the mixture before freezing. If you want it sweeter, add a little more monk fruit sweetener. The base should taste slightly sweeter than you want the finished ice cream to taste because frozen desserts lose some sweetness once frozen.

4. Step 4: Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container, making sure not to go above the max fill line. Secure the lid and freeze on a level surface for at least 12 hours, preferably 24 hours, until fully frozen.

5. Step 5: Remove the pint from the freezer and place it into the Ninja Creami outer bowl. Spin using the Lite Ice Cream or Ice Cream setting.

6. Step 6: If the ice cream looks crumbly or powdery after the first spin, add 1-2 tablespoons of whole milk or half-and-half and use the Re-Spin function. Repeat once more if needed until the texture is smooth and creamy.

Step 7

Serve right away, or add your favorite mix-ins. Chocolate chips, berries, crushed cookies, brownie pieces, or a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate syrup would all be delicious.

Expert Tips:

• Use a protein powder you actually like. The flavor really matters in a simple vanilla recipe like this. If the protein powder tastes too artificial on its own, that flavor will likely come through in the ice cream too.
• Don't skip the salt. A tiny pinch helps balance the sweetness and brings out the vanilla flavor.
• Freeze the pint on a level surface. This helps the Ninja Creami process the ice cream evenly.
• Expect to re-spin. Protein ice cream often looks dry or crumbly after the first spin. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or half-and-half and re-spin until creamy.
• Use only ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum. A little helps with texture, but too much can make the ice cream gummy or stretchy.

FAQs

What To Eat With Vanilla Ice Cream