My Favorite Vanilla Protein Ice Cream (Ninja Creami)
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When planning my Ninja Creami series, I knew I needed a classic vanilla recipe! This simple vanilla recipe is sweet and creamy and the perfect base for any type of mix-ins!
This ice cream is delicious, but the best part is adding any of your favorite toppings you’re craving – think cookie dough, peanut butter cups, Oreos, M&M’s, chocolate chips, fruit, graham crackers, sprinkles, etc. The options are endless!
I also love that this recipe is higher in protein, so it makes me feel better about indulging a little😉
I know you’ll love this one, and I can’t wait to see all your fun creations with different mix-ins!
Table Talk with Tawnie
Okay okay… I know some of you might be thinking that vanilla is so boring. But you guys… this vanilla ice cream is SO good and seriously the perfect base for any type of mix-in! Craving cookie dough ice cream? Easy – just add some frozen cookie dough! Craving cookies and cream ice cream? Easy – just add Oreos! The options are endless! You can use fruit, sprinkles, chocolate chips, or even your favorite protein bar if you’re really trying to hit those protein goals😂 I love playing around with different mix-ins and can’t wait to see all the creations you guys come up with (and if you come up with something delicious be sure to share in the comments so we can all enjoy too!)
- Milk: I used whole milk for the most creaminess, but any milk of choice works! I love using Fairlife milk for even more protein.
- Protein powder: I like the vanilla protein powder from Clean Simple Eats, but if you have a different favorite brand of protein powder, go for it!
- Sweetener of choice: You can use granulated sugar, monk fruit, stevia, Swerve, whatever you prefer. Some protein powders are sweeter than others, so feel free to adjust the amount of sweetener to your preference.
- Vanilla jello pudding mix: Sugar-free or regular (whichever you prefer). The pudding mix acts as a thickening agent in the ice cream, while also helping keep calories lower overall.
- Mix-ins: This is a great base recipe for a lot of add-in options! Cookie dough, peanut butter cups, Oreos, M&Ms, chocolate chips, graham crackers, fruit, sprinkles, a protein bar, etc.
Step by Step Directions
(For the full recipe, scroll down to the recipe card below)
Mix base ingredients
Add all the ice cream ingredients to an empty CREAMi™ pint container. Whisk ingredients together (I recommend using a milk frother) to incorporate everything well.
Freeze❄️
Freeze the pint on a level surface with the lid off, for 24 hours. Tip: Freezing with the lid on creates a hump at the top of the ice cream, which can damage the blade, so be sure to leave it off.
Spin & add mix-ins!🍪🍫🍬
Remove pint from freezer and assemble into the Ninja Creami base. Select Lite Ice Cream and spin. After the first spin, use a spoon to create a small hole in the center and add your favorite mix-ins. Run the Mix-in cycle.
Enjoy!🍨
Add more mix-ins on top and ENJOY!!
Expert Tips
- Don’t skip the freezing: Make sure to allow your pint at least 24 hours to freeze before spinning. This step is crucial to the process! I have tested after 8-12 hours frozen, and while it does work, the consistency is not as thick and creamy.
- Freeze with no lid: It’s important to freeze the pint on a level surface and without the lid. If you freeze it with the lid on, it can form a hump on the top which can damage the blade when you put it in the machine to spin
- Re-spins: If your ice cream isn’t smooth and creamy after the first re-spin, you can re-spin until you get your desired consistency.
- Don’t overfill the container: Make sure not to overfill the pint container. The ice cream will expand in volume as it spins, so don’t worry if it looks like the pint isn’t initially full.
Storage / Freezing
- If you don’t finish the pint (good luck😉), use a spoon to smooth and level out the top and place back in the freezer with the lid.
- When ready to eat, re-spin on Lite Ice Cream.
FAQs
Do I have to use pudding mix in this recipe?
A lot of Creami recipes use pudding mix because it acts as a thickening agent. If you don’t want to use pudding mix, you can also use guar gum, cottage cheese, or xanthan gum as thickening agents. If using guar gum or xanthan gum just be sure to use only a very small amount, as too much can make the texture weird.
Do I have to add protein powder to this recipe?
No, you don’t have to add protein powder if you aren’t a fan! The protein powder helps add sweetness and flavor, so if you’re skipping the protein powder, you may need to add more jello pudding mix or sweetener. I always recommend taste testing your base after mixing everything together so you can adjust to your preference before freezing!
What kind of protein powder do you recommend?
I love the brand Clean Simple Eats and would recommend it! Everyone has different opinions on protein powder, so you might just have to try a few before you find the one that’s right for you. One great tip when you’re picking a protein powder is to find stores that sell individual packets so you can try different brands without committing to a huge container.
Why do I have to dig a hole in the Creami before adding the mix-ins?
Digging a hole in the Creami before adding your mix-ins allows you to place the mix-ins exactly where the blade will spin during the Mix-In cycle. If you sprinkle them on top or around the edges, they won’t get incorporated as well and will just stay close to the top.
Ninja Creami 101: The Ultimate Guide
If you still have questions, I created a whole guide so you can easily find tips, tricks, and solutions to any of your Ninja Creami questions!
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Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Ninja Creami Vanilla Protein Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or milk of choice )
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder ((2 Tbsp) I like Clean Simple Eats)
- 1-2 Tbsp. sweetener of choice (monk fruit, granulated sugar)
- 1 Tbsp. vanilla Jello pudding mix (regular or sugar-free)
- ½ tsp. vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Mix-ins: really whatever you like! This is a great base recipe for a lot of add in options! Cookie dough, peanut butter cups, Oreos, M&Ms, chocolate chips, graham crackers, fruit, sprinkles, a protein bar, etc.
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Mix the base ingredients: Add the milk, protein powder, sweetener of choice, pudding mix, vanilla, and salt to an empty CREAMi™ Pint.1 1/2 cups whole milk, 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, 1-2 Tbsp. sweetener of choice, 1 Tbsp. vanilla Jello pudding mix, ½ tsp. vanilla extract, Pinch of salt
- Whisk: Whisk ingredients together (I like using a milk frother) to incorporate it.
- Freeze: Freeze the pint on a level surface in the freezer, with the lid off, for 24 hours. (freezing with the lid on creates a hump at the top of the ice cream, which can damage the blade, so be sure to leave it off).
- Assemble: Remove the pint from the freezer, place it in the outer bowl, and lock the lid on top. Place the bowl assembly on the motor base, twist the handle right to raise the platform, and lock it in place.
- Spin it! Select Lite Ice Cream. It shouldn’t need another re-spin.
- Mix-ins (if adding): Use a spoon to create a small hole in the center, about 1½ inches wide. Place your favorite mix-ins in the center. Run the Mix-in program one time.Mix-ins: really whatever you like! This is a great base recipe for a lot of add in options! Cookie dough, peanut butter cups, Oreos, M&Ms, chocolate chips, graham crackers, fruit, sprinkles, a protein bar, etc.
- Enjoy: Remove the pint and enjoy right away with more mix-ins on top!
Video
Notes
- Don’t skip the freezing: Make sure to allow your pint at least 24 hours to freeze before spinning. This step is crucial to the process! I have tested after 8-12 hours frozen, and while it does work, the consistency is not as thick and creamy.
- Freeze with no lid: It’s important to freeze the pint on a level surface and without the lid. If you freeze it with the lid on, it can form a hump on the top which can damage the blade when you put it in the machine to spin
- Re-spins: If your ice cream isn’t smooth and creamy after the first re-spin, you can re-spin until you get your desired consistency.
- Don’t overfill the container: Make sure not to overfill the pint container. The ice cream will expand in volume as it spins so don’t worry if it looks like the pint isn’t initially full.
Nutrition Information
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is automatically calculated. It should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Kroll’s Korner can’t make any guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
📸 Photos by Sierra Ashleigh Photography
