This vanilla protein ice cream made in the Ninja Creami is thick, creamy, and packed with almost 50g of protein. It's delicious on its own and is the perfect base for your favorite mix-ins.
This vanilla protein ice cream is thick, creamy, and made in the Ninja Creami for an ultra-smooth, scoopable texture. With 48 grams of protein per pint, it’s an easy high-protein dessert or post-workout treat that tastes more like a McDonald’s McFlurry than a “healthy” ice cream—no traditional ice cream maker needed.
If you’re new to the Ninja Creami or looking for a reliable base recipe, this Ninja Creami vanilla protein ice cream is a great place to start. It’s designed for anyone who wants a high-protein dessert with a smooth, scoopable texture—with no complicated ingredients and no guesswork.
Note that I have the Ninja Creami Deluxe model, which has 50% larger pints than the regular Ninja Creami. It also has 11 different modes and some new features compared to the original. I've scaled this recipe to serve 1-2 people, with quantities that will fit in the pint cups of any Ninja Creami machine so everyone can make it.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy texture and sweet flavor, just like a McDonald's McFlurry with more protein and lower calories!
- 48g protein per pint for a filling and satisfying treat.
- Easy to make with simple, everyday ingredients.
- Healthier than store-bought ice cream and lower in sugar.
- Thick, scoopable texture thanks to the Ninja Creami.
- Customizable with mix-ins like sprinkles and cookie pieces.
- Perfect for meal prep. Stash a few extra pints in the freezer and have a ready-to-go post-workout treat that tastes indulgent but is actually packed with protein.
Looking for more Ninja Creami protein desserts? Try my Sugar Cookie Protein Ice Cream, Gingerbread Protein Ice Cream, Golden Oreo Protein Ice Cream, Biscoff Protein Ice Cream, or Mini Egg Protein Ninja Creami.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Here are the ingredients you'll need to make this high protein Ninja Creami ice cream:
- Milk: I find 1% milk is the best value of creaminess vs. calories for protein ice cream. If you like it creamier you can use all 2% milk, and for less calories, skim milk will work. If you can, using a protein milk like Fairlife increases the protein. Sometimes instead of 1% milk, I will use half 2% and half skim milk.
- Vanilla protein powder: I like to use the Premier Protein Whey Protein Powder in Vanilla Milkshake. It is creamy and provides 30g protein per serving, plus it doesn't have any weird flavours. Any vanilla protein powder you like will work.
- Sugar-free vanilla pudding mix: You will find that sugar-free pudding mix is a common ingredient in Ninja Creami recipes because it adds extra flavor, and most importantly, a real ice cream-like thickness. While this recipe will still taste great without it, just 2 teaspoons really thickens up the low-fat milk to resemble full-fat ice cream.
- Vanilla extract and/or vanilla bean paste: In a plain ice cream flavor like this, more vanilla is always better. If you have vanilla bean paste on hand, the specks of vanilla bean are just delicious throughout this pint.
- Maple syrup: Just 1 tablespoon balances the flavours and makes this protein ice cream taste like the real deal. You could also use a low calorie sweetener like monkfruit.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness nicely.
Substitutions
- Lower Sugar: This vanilla ice cream will still taste good if you omit the maple syrup. You could alternatively use honey or a sugar-free sweetener like monkfruit.
- Higher Creaminess: Use whole milk or add a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
- Flavor Variations: Add a bit of cinnamon, instant coffee, or cocoa powder for twists!
- Mix ins: This recipe is the perfect protein base for any flavour. Add m&ms, chocolate chips, nut butters, or your favorite toppings to change the flavor.
How to Make Vanilla Protein Ice Cream
Be sure to read the recipe card below for the full recipe and nutrition facts. Note that I have the Ninja Creami Deluxe model, as photographed below. I've scaled this recipe to also fit in the smaller original models.
(1) Add all ingredients to a Ninja Creami pint container. Whisk and freeze overnight.
Run the pint under warm water for 30 seconds then dry it off. Place in the outer bowl.
(2) Blend on Lite Ice Cream mode. Add a dash of milk if needed and re-spin until you reach your desired consistency. If you're adding mix-ins, add them after the first spin and blend on mix-in mode.
(3) Enjoy immediately!
Make Ahead
The base of this protein ice cream must be made ahead of time, as it needs to freeze for at least 12 hours. If you want to meal prep your protein ice cream, you can buy additional Ninja Creami pints for your machine on Amazon, then mix and freeze several pints at once to always have protein ice cream at the ready.
How to Store Leftover Protein Ice Cream
This recipe makes a good dessert for 2 people. It's quite filling! Either scoop into two bowls, or share straight from the pint.
Should you have leftover protein ice cream, smooth the top flat with a spoon, then place the pint cup back in the freezer. Blend on Lite Ice Cream the next time you want to enjoy it and it will be good as new!
Expert Tips for Protein Ice Cream in the Ninja Creami
Achieving a thick, creamy texture in the Ninja Creami is all about the right settings and a few simple tips:
- While I'm not sure 24 hours is truly necessary like Ninja suggests, the mixture must freeze for at least 12 hours before blending.
- A lot of recipes will call for a pinch of xanthan gum to help the texture and creaminess of low-fat protein ice creams. I find it adds too much of an unpleasant flavour, even in small quantities.
- Sugar-free instant pudding mix can be hard to find. Note that in Canada, our "Fat Free" Jello Pudding Mixes actually have no added sugar and contain the same macros as the American "Sugar Free" Jello Pudding Mixes.
- Higher fat milk will make this protein ice cream even creamier.
- The Lite Ice Cream setting is meant for low fat mixtures like this protein ice cream.
- Crumbly or Powdery Ice Cream: This is often caused by protein powder absorbing too much liquid. Re-spin the ice cream in the Ninja Creami or add 1–2 teaspoons of milk to the pint before re-spinning for a smoother texture.
Pro Tip: The key to perfect protein ice cream is pre-freezing the base fully, using the correct Ninja Creami setting, and adjusting liquid as needed. A little trial-and-error with your preferred protein powder often yields the best creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whey or whey–casein blends give the creamiest texture. Plant-based protein powders can work but may require an extra re-spin or a splash of milk to prevent a powdery or icy texture.
This loosens the frozen sides and bottoms before blending to prevent an icy texture.
After the first spin, a lot of protein ice creams will have a crumbly texture due to the low fat content. Re-spin the ice cream, and add 1–2 teaspoons of milk to smooth it out if necessary.
Whether you’re new to the Ninja Creami or already obsessed, this vanilla protein ice cream is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s creamy, customizable, and easy to make, making it perfect for everything from post-workout treats to late-night dessert cravings. Once you try it, you’ll see why high-protein ice cream can be just as satisfying as the real thing.
Don’t forget to check out my other Ninja Creami protein ice cream recipes for even more creamy, high-protein dessert recipes!
More Ninja Creami Protein Recipes
- Sugar Cookie Protein Ice Cream (Ninja Creami)
- Gingerbread Protein Ice Cream (Ninja Creami)
- Biscoff Protein Ice Cream (Ninja Creami)
- Golden Oreo Protein Ice Cream (Ninja Creami)
Have you made this vanilla protein ice cream? I'd very much appreciate it if you leave a 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and review below, and tag me on instagram @fromoliviaskitchen!
Recipe
Ninja Creami Vanilla Protein Ice Cream
Equipment
- Ninja Creami
Ingredients
- 2 cups 1% milk
- 1 serving vanilla whey protein powder (35g) or any vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 teaspoon vanilla sugar-free Jello pudding mix
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a Ninja Creami pint. Whisk and freeze overnight.
- Run the pint under warm water for 30 seconds then dry it off. Place in the outer bowl.
- Blend on Lite Ice Cream mode. Add a dash of milk if needed and re-spin until you reach your desired consistency. Enjoy!
Notes
- Protein content will depend on the brand of protein powder and milk.
- Use Fairlife milk for higher protein. You can also use 2% milk for a creamier consistency, or skim milk for less calories.
- Run the pint under warm water to soften the sides and reduce ice crystals.
- After spinning, you can add any mix-ins you like and blend on mix-in mode.
- If you cannot finish the entire pint, flatten the top and re-freeze. Spin on "Lite Ice Cream" next time.
Molly says
Are the calories per pint?
Olivia Parsons says
per serving (2 per pint)