Part 1: The Ultimate Guide to Making High-Protein Vanilla Ice Cream at Home
When it comes to satisfying a sweet tooth while staying on track with your health goals, nothing beats a creamy, protein-packed dessert. This homemade Ninja Creami Vanilla Protein Ice Cream is the perfect solution! With a luscious texture, classic vanilla flavor, and over 27 grams of protein per serving, this recipe is a dream for anyone looking to indulge in a healthier way. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to create this delicious treat at home.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
1. High-Protein Content
With ingredients like vanilla protein powder and Fairlife milk, this ice cream boasts a whopping 27 grams of protein per serving. It’s not just a dessert but also a functional food that supports muscle recovery and keeps you satiated longer.
2. Customizable Base
This recipe serves as a blank canvas for all your favorite mix-ins and toppings. Whether you’re a fan of crushed cookies, sprinkles, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce, the possibilities are endless.
3. Dairy and Plant-Based Balance
The combination of 2% Fairlife milk and unsweetened almond milk gives the ice cream a creamy yet light texture. It caters to a wide range of dietary preferences, making it ideal for those looking for a balanced dessert option.
Key Ingredients and Their Benefits
1. 2% Fairlife Milk
Fairlife milk is ultra-filtered, providing higher protein content and lower sugar levels compared to regular milk. Its creamy texture enhances the overall richness of the ice cream.
2. Plain Unsweetened Almond Milk
Almond milk adds a subtle nuttiness while keeping the recipe low in calories. It’s an excellent plant-based addition that complements the dairy.
3. Vanilla Protein Powder
Choose a high-quality vanilla protein powder for optimal flavor and nutrition. Look for one with minimal additives and a pleasant taste to ensure the best results.
4. Sugar-Free Vanilla Jello Pudding Mix
This ingredient is the secret to achieving a velvety, scoopable texture. It stabilizes the mixture, preventing icy crystals from forming.
5. Liquid Stevia or Sweetener of Choice
Customize the sweetness level to your liking with liquid stevia or any other sweetener. This allows you to control the sugar content without compromising on flavor.
Pro Tips for the Creamiest Ice Cream
1. Proper Freezing Technique
For the best results, freeze the mixture in a Ninja Creami pint container for at least 12 hours. Ensure the mixture is flat and even to promote consistent freezing.
2. The Perfect Spin
Once frozen, run the container under warm water for a minute to loosen the edges. Use the Gelato cycle on your Ninja Creami for the first spin. Stir the top layer gently before spinning again on the Lite Ice Cream cycle.
3. Avoid Icy Edges
Running a butter knife along the sides of the container after the first spin helps incorporate any icy bits, ensuring a smoother texture.
4. Re-Spins for Custom Consistency
Prefer a soft-serve texture? Re-spin the ice cream 2-3 times. For a firmer, scoopable consistency, limit to one re-spin.
5. Don’t Overfill
Leave some space in the pint container as the ice cream will expand during the spinning process. Overfilling can lead to uneven blending.
Serving and Storing Tips
1. Toppings Galore
Elevate your ice cream with fun toppings like crushed Oreos, Reese’s pieces, chocolate sauce, or sprinkles. For a healthier twist, add fresh fruit, granola, or nuts.
2. Storing Leftovers
Smooth out the remaining ice cream in the container before refreezing to minimize air exposure. When ready to enjoy again, re-spin for a few seconds to restore the creamy consistency.
3. Batch Preparation
Save time by prepping multiple pints in advance. You can freeze them for up to a week and enjoy a ready-to-spin dessert whenever the craving strikes.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 233 kcal
Carbohydrates: 13.3 g
Protein: 27 g
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Cholesterol: 22.5 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 6.8 g
This ice cream offers a balance of macronutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Simple Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Prep Time:
Total Time: 12 hours
Ingredients:
1 cup 2% Fairlife milk (240g)
1 cup plain unsweetened almond milk (240g)
2 tbsp vanilla protein powder (15g)
1 tbsp sugar-free vanilla Jello pudding mix (7g) or regular
1/4 tsp liquid stevia or sweetener of choice (adjust to taste)
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a Ninja Creami pint container. Blend using an immersion blender, food processor, or blender until smooth.
Freeze the mixture for 12-24 hours.
Remove the container from the freezer and let it sit under warm water for a minute.
Spin on the Gelato cycle of the Ninja Creami. Stir the top layer, then spin again on the Lite Ice Cream cycle.
Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Notes:
Storing Leftovers: Smooth out the remaining ice cream in the container before refreezing. Re-spin before serving again.
Consistency Tips: Adjust the number of re-spins based on your texture preference.
Topping Ideas: Crushed cookies, sprinkles, fresh fruits, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Source:
Inspired by the versatility of the Ninja Creami, this recipe combines high-protein ingredients with simple techniques for a creamy dessert everyone will love.
