The BEST Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes (2024)

The BEST Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes (1)

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Check out 20+ High Protein Ninja Creami Recipes! If you’re new to the Ninja Creami ice cream maker, or craving something new, I’ve got you covered! Whether you are looking for a Ninja Creami recipe that uses a protein shake or protein powder, I’ve got just the recipe for you! I’ve perfected basic recipes like vanilla and chocolate protein ice cream but have also created more complex recipes like mint chocolate chip protein ice cream, caramel banana chocolate chip protein ice cream, and even cottage cheese protein ice cream.

Many try to make Ninja Creami protein ice cream with just a protein shake. While it works, it doesn’t taste great and it usually doesn’t have that creamy texture that everybody wants. To make a great tasting and creamy textured protein ice cream recipe, other ingredients need to be added.

The BEST Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes (2)

Why add protein to ice cream?

With the rise in popularity of using protein shakes and powders in Ninja Creami recipes, many think that it is necessary to achieve the creamy texture of the ice cream. It is not. Adding protein to Ninja Creami ice cream is not necessary unless you are specifically trying to increase your daily protein intake due to diet and fitness goals. Many have found that adding protein to ice cream is a good way to meet their diet and fitness goals while providing endless flavor options. Eating a bowl of ice cream instead of drinking a protein shake has proven to be a delicious way to get more protein in your diet.

How to use the Ninja Creami to make protein ice cream

  • Start off by preparing your base recipe and pouring it into a Ninja Creami pint container. Be sure not to fill past the max fill line. If I’m making a base recipe that has several ingredients, I like to blend all ingredients together in a small blender before pouring them into the Ninja Creami containers. The base recipe for high-protein ice cream will be mostly liquid, either a pre-made protein shake or a combination of protein powder and dairy/non-dairy. Depending on the recipe, it will likely also have flavor extracts, stabilizer, or additional sweetener.
  • Make sure the top of the mixture is level and then freeze on a level surface for 24 hours. The freezer temperature should be between -7 and 9 degrees Fahrenheit. Based on the temperature of your freezer and the ingredients used, you may be able to freeze for a shorter period of time. Some like to freeze the container without the lid to help reduce the likelihood that a frozen bump will form on the top of the frozen treat.
  • Remove from the freezer and place into the Ninja Creami ice cream machine. Select the LITE ICE CREAM cycle if you are using a pre-made protein shake or protein powder mixed with low-fat milk or non-dairy milk. If you are using protein powder mixed with high fat dairy like whole milk or heavy cream, then use the ICE CREAM cycle.
  • Once the process has finished, remove the container from the machine. If the ice cream is dry and crumbly (like sand), pour 1-2 tablespoons of liquid into the ice cream and then process on the re-spin cycle. You might need to complete this process more than once. You can use leftover protein shake, fruit juice, milk or cream, or even water as the additional liquid that might be needed for the respin. ***If you are going to be adding mix-ins, it’s not recommended to re-spin multiple times or add much liquid before the mix-ins process as the mix-ins process will continue to spin the ice cream and it might become too soft.
  • If you would like to add mix-ins to your Ninja Creami protein ice cream, dig a hole down the center of the ice cream, if there is not already one there, and pour in your favorite mix-ins. Put the ice cream back into the machine and process on mix-ins.

If you are looking for information on how to use the Ninja Creami, answers to the most commonly asked questions, be sure to check out my full post on Ninja Creami FAQs here!

mix-in ideas for making protein ice cream

  • Fruit- You can add fruit like strawberries, peaches, blueberries, or raspberries during the mix-ins process. Be sure to cut the fruit into small pieces. I prefer to use fresh fruit as a mix-in, but you can use small pieces of frozen fruit or freeze dried fruit as a mix-in.
  • Your favorite granola- Using granola is a great way to add texture to ice cream. If you want even more protein, they even sell protein granola!
  • Cookies and candy- Adding small pieces of cookies and candy to a ice cream can add texture and additional flavor to any ice cream.

The flavor combinations are endless when you start adding mix-ins to protein ice cream.

How Much Protein Do Different Milks Have?

A good way to add even more protein to your Ninja Creami protein ice cream recipes is to switch up the dairy products that you add to the protein shake and protein powder. Fairlife milk is one of the highest in protein and coconut milk is one of the lowest in protein.

The BEST Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes (3)

Ninja Creami Protein Recipes

For my Ninja Creami protein ice cream recipes, I use unflavored GNC Whey protein powder and pre-made Premier Protein shakes. You can use your favorite protein powder or protein shake. The taste and texture of the end product will vary based on what brand you choose.

  • Ninja Creami Double Dark Chocolate Chip Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Peanut Butter Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Peppermint Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami SCOOPABLE Chocolate Oreo Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami SCOOPABLE Nutter Butter Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Pumpkin Pie Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Chocolate Chip Protein Frozen Yogurt
  • Ninja Creami Vanilla Bean Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Strawberry Cheesecake Cottage Cheese Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Chocolate Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Caramel White Chocolate Mocha Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Caramel Banana Chocolate Chip Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Strawberry Banana Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Mocha Espresso Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Salted Caramel Butterscotch Chip Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Banana Cream Pie Protein Ice Cream
  • Ninja Creami Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Protein Ice Cream

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The BEST Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes (24)

I’ve also pulled together100 of the BEST Ninja Foodi recipes!You’ll find Ninja Foodi recipes to make appetizers, side dishes, main courses, and even desserts!Here’s the link to 100 recipes!

The BEST Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes (25)

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The BEST Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes (32)

Ninja Creami Protein Recipes

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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Freeze Time: 1 day day

Total Time: 1 day day 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 Pint

Calories: 407kcal

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Add Food Grade Vegetable Glycerin To Make Leftover Ice Cream Scoopable Right Out of the Freezer

Per 16 ounce pint: *Add 1 Teaspoon to full fat/full sugar bases *Add 1.5 teaspoon to high protein bases *Add 2 teaspoons to low sugar/low fat lite bases. Freeze and process per the recipe. Take the leftovers out of the freezer and scoop without having to reprocess.

Original and Deluxe Ingredient Measurements

Use the multiplier below to adjust quantities based on the machine that you own. 1X=Original 16 ounce 1.5X=Deluxe 24 ounces

Ingredients

Using a premade protein shake:

  • 11.5 Ounces (326 g) Premade Protein Shake (Any Flavor)
  • ½ Cup (118 2/7 ml) Dairy (Dairy or Non-Dairy Milk/Cream/Half and Half/ Heavy Cream)
  • Sweetener (Sugar or Sugar Substitute- 1 Tablespoon-½ Cup- Add Sweetener to Taste)
  • Stabilizer (2 Tablespoons Instant Pudding Mix (with or without sugar) OR ¼ Teaspoon Guar Gum)
  • Flavor (¼ Teaspoon-1 Tablespoon Flavor Extract or Oil)

Using protein powder:

  • 1 Scoop (1 Scoop) Unflavored Protein Powder (33.6 Grams)
  • 12 Ounces (340 ⅕ g) Dairy (Dairy or Non-Dairy Milk/Cream/Half and Half/ Heavy Cream)
  • Sweetener (Sugar or Sugar Substitute- 1 Tablespoon-½ Cup- Add Sweetener to Taste)
  • Stabilizer (2 Tablespoons Instant Pudding Mix (with or without sugar) OR ¼ Teaspoon Guar Gum)
  • Flavor (¼ Teaspoon-1 Tablespoon Flavor Extract or Oil)

Instructions

Prepare the Ice Cream Mixture

  • Pour all ice cream base ingredients into a small blender and blend until all ingredients are fully combined. Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container.

  • Freeze on a level surface for 24 hours. Your freezer should be between 9 and -7 degrees Fahrenheit. To avoid getting a bump on the top of the frozen mixture, freeze with the lid off of the container.

Process the Ice Cream

  • After 24 hours, remove the pint container from the freezer.

  • Place the pint container into the outer bowl of the Ninja Creami and then process on "LITE ICE CREAM" if you are using a premade protein shake or protein powder with low-fat or non-dairy milk. If you use protein powder with high fat milk or heavy cream, process on "ICE CREAM."

  • If the ice cream is dry or crumbly looking (like sand), pour in a tablespoon or two of leftover protein shake, milk, cream, juice, or water, and then re-spin. You may have to repeat this process a couple of times. If the ice cream looks like little balls of ice cream and is not overly dry, re-spin without adding additional liquid. If you plan on adding mix-ins, it's not recommended to re-spin more than once or twice as the ice cream will continue to be spun during the mix-ins process. Overspinning the ice cream or adding too much liquid during a re-spin can create a softer and less scoopable ice cream.

  • If you want to add mix-ins, dig a well down the center of the ice cream and pour in the mix-ins. Process on mix-ins.

  • Remove the pint from the machine and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 407kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 236mg | Potassium: 883mg | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 749IU | Calcium: 699mg

Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Optional ingredients are not included in the nutrition information.

Have you tried this recipe? Let us know how it turned out in a comment below!

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The BEST Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes (40)

Lauren Cardona

Tasty Traveler #1

Hi, I’m Lauren but you can call me Tasty Traveler #1!
I have always had a passion for food, cocktails, and travel. It has become more pronounced over the last several years since I have had the opportunity to do so many of the things that I love. One of my favorite co…
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The BEST Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes (41)

Luis Cardona

Tasty Traveler #2

Hi, I’m Luis! (I like to think of myself as Tasty Traveler #1 but Lauren says I’m Tasty Traveler #2!)
I too have a love for food, travel, and all things in between! Over the past several years I have found more time to be adventurous with things that I eat, the plac…
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The BEST Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the best mix in for Ninja Creami? ›

Chocolate chips, larger chunks of chopped cookies (such as Oreos), a handful of nuts, crunchy candy pieces, or frozen fruit are all fantastic options. You'll want to avoid using mix-ins that are very sticky (like caramel sauce or nut butters), as they don't mix in well.

Do you really need to freeze Ninja creami for 24 hours? ›

Ninja recommends freezing Creami bases for 24 hours, but we've had success with 8 to 12 hour freezing times, too. In our experience, freezing bases for 24 hours or longer usually meant they'd be very chalky on the first run through the Creami and require multiple respins.

Why is my Ninja Creami ice cream greasy? ›

If your ice cream tastes greasy and leaves an unpleasantly cloying film in your mouth, then the butterfat content is probably too high. Try using less cream and more milk.

Why do people put jello mix in Ninja Creami? ›

put jello mix in to make it thicker. to make it that creamy texture. You don't need to do that, especially if you're using a protein powder. that has some kind of, like, gum ingredient in it.

Why is my Ninja Creami ice cream too fatty? ›

Why is there a greasy feel to my Ninja Creami ice cream? The heavy whipping cream has a tendency to turn greasy or almost butterlike when there is too much added or it is over-mixed. To prevent this from happening, use less heavy whipping cream or substitute it with half and half or milk.

Why is my Ninja Creami not creamy? ›

After your first spin, sometimes you open it and find that your ice cream is crumbly or powdery. Don't stop now. Just add a tablespoon or two of liquid and spin on respin. If your ice cream has been in the freezer a long time or your freezer is extra cold, you may even have to repeat the respin several times.

Why is my ice cream crumbly from the Ninja Creami? ›

Why is my Ninja Creami ice cream crumbly? According to the Ninja Creami recipe pamphlet, the base comes out crumbly when it's too cold. The re-spin function was designed to address this. Simply re-install the pint and spin it again.

Can I use store bought ice cream with Ninja Creami? ›

If adding mix-ins to store-bought ice cream, you do not have to process the ice cream on another program first. Just scoop the store-bought ice cream into the tub, make a hole, and add the mix-ins.

Can I just put frozen fruit in my Ninja creami? ›

Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker

We love our Creami. To use your frozen fruit, follow your instructions from the recipes that came with your Creami. If you want to make fruit ice cream thaw your fruit, place in a food processor and mix it with the vanilla ice cream recipe.

How to make Ninja Creami ice cream more creamy? ›

If your Ninja Creami ice cream is crumbly, add a splash of milk, cream, or yogurt and use the re-spin button. Using a dairy-free milk can increase the likelihood of a crumbly consistency, so be sure you're using a full-fat liquid and run the re-spin a few times if needed.

What is the difference between Ninja Creami and Ninja Creami Deluxe? ›

The Ninja Creami has seven preset functions: Ice Cream, Sorbet, Lite Ice Cream, Smoothie Bowl, Gelato, and Milkshake. The Ninja Creami Deluxe has 10 preset functions divided between Scoopable and Drinkable options.

What is so special about the Ninja Creami? ›

Its blades break down a solid block of frozen ingredients to give the ice cream a smooth and creamy consistency. This means instead of freezing an ice cream machine's bowl and refrigerating the custard to make the ice cream, you freeze the custard base and the CREAMi turns the frozen ingredients into ice cream.

Can you crush ice in Ninja Creami? ›

It's also important to note that this is not a blender. You can't throw some ice cubes or frozen fruit into the machine to make a smoothie. Everything you make with the Ninja Creami Deluxe must be prefrozen solid in the provided pint container.

Can I make a smoothie in my Ninja Creami? ›

Instructions
  1. Toss your frozen berries, banana, Greek yogurt, milk, and protein powder into the blender. ...
  2. Freeze container for 24 hours until frozen solid.
  3. Remove frozen pint, run under hot water for 60 seconds and install into your machine. ...
  4. For the first spin, select smoothie bowl button. ...
  5. Check ice cream.
Apr 10, 2024

What does guar gum do in Ninja Creami? ›

1/4 tsp per 2 qt batch keeps the crystals from forming and keeps the ice cream smooth. I like it. I use this guar gum in every recipe I make in the Ninja Creami ice cream machine, and it gives my frozen creations great body and texture.

When to add mix-ins to Ninja Creami? ›

Just scoop the store-bought ice cream into the tub, make a hole, and add the mix-ins. Then process using the MIX-IN program. If adding mix-ins to a milkshake, do not process the milkshake before adding mix-ins. Add the mix-ins and milk, then process using the MILKSHAKE program.

Can you put anything in the Ninja Creami? ›

With the Creami, you simply pour your liquid base in (milk, yogurt, puréed frozen fruit), freeze it for 24 hours, and then hit a button. Ninja's website hosts plenty of recipes, and the brand sells a companion cookbook.

Do you need rock salt for Ninja Creami? ›

As long as I had enough ingredients for at least one recipe, I'd be able to make my first dessert right away! (Best of all: No rock salt needed.) The Ninja CREAMi is able to make a variety of frozen treats, including ice cream, sorbet, gelato, granita, milkshakes, and smoothie bowls.

How do you keep Ninja Creami ice cream soft? ›

Incorporate more air into it. I find that running my protein ice creams on lite ice cream once, scraping the edge of the jar with a knife, hit re-spin, them popping it back in the freezer to firm up with all that extra mixed in air is enough to keep the ice cream soft for weeks. Add sugar or corn syrup.

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