Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream in 10 Minutes - Super Easy Recipe (2024)

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Have you ever wished you could make your own protein ice cream at home? Now you can! This Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream recipe is an easy way to make a healthy version of ice cream right at home. It’s an easy recipe that only has one ingredient!

I used to love buying Fairife protein ice cream but when my grocery store stopped selling it I was so bummed. I started looking around and came across the new Ninja Creami. After playing around with it for a bit, I discovered how to make the best protein ice cream that is even better than the store bought version.

Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream in 10 Minutes - Super Easy Recipe (1)

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In this post we’ll cover exactly how to make this dessert at home, tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years of making it, and more!

Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Ingredients

To make protein ice cream you’ll need either a protein powder or a premade protein shake.

I like to use premade Fairlife shakes because I prefer the taste. I find they’re creamy and consistently come out well in the Ninja Creami.

If you prefer to make your own protein mix, you’ll want to blend the protein powder with their milk or almond milk.

Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream in 10 Minutes - Super Easy Recipe (2)

Water typically makes the protein powder too watery when blended so it’s not the best taste. Milk (dairy or non dairy) will provide the richest taste and texture.

Before Making Ice Cream

Before I get into how to make the protein ice cream, I want to note that even though this method works for me, it might take some tweaking around for you.

Depending on where you store the ice cream pints in the freezer, the temperature of the freezer, and even how level you store the pints will impact how the ice cream comes out.

Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream in 10 Minutes - Super Easy Recipe (3)

So while this method I share works for me, you might find you need to do a few more respins to get the texture how you want it.

Using the Ninja Creami

Using the Ninja Creami ice cream maker isn’t just about pressing the ice cream button and waiting. It’s an art.

From making sure the pint is frozen just right, to choosing between the lite ice cream mode or the regular ice cream mode, it takes some experimenting to perfect.

Pro tip: Does your ice cream look powdery after the first spin in the Ninja Creami? Don’t panic.

Just respin and adjust.

With each attempt, you get closer to the ideal creamy ice cream that is way beyond what traditional ice creams offer.

I wrote an article about how to use the Ninja Creami that is very helpful to go through the first time you make ice cream.

Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream in 10 Minutes - Super Easy Recipe (4)

Best Protein Shakes to Use for Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream

My favorite protein shake to use are chocolate Fairlife protein shake, but really any protein shake will work!

The trick is making sure it has a little fat content in it so I’d recommend to look for a protein shake that has a little.

Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream in 10 Minutes - Super Easy Recipe (5)Creami Pints and Lids for NinjaNinja Creami Protein Ice Cream in 10 Minutes - Super Easy Recipe (6)Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream in 10 Minutes - Super Easy Recipe (7)Neoprene Ice Cream Sleeve for Ninja Creami PintsNinja Creami Protein Ice Cream in 10 Minutes - Super Easy Recipe (8)Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream in 10 Minutes - Super Easy Recipe (9)Neoprene Ice Cream SleeveNinja Creami Protein Ice Cream in 10 Minutes - Super Easy Recipe (10)Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream in 10 Minutes - Super Easy Recipe (11)Walfos Ice Cream ContainersNinja Creami Protein Ice Cream in 10 Minutes - Super Easy Recipe (12)

If you want to use a protein powder, make sure the base you mix it with is something other than water. My favorite to use is milk – either dairy or almond milk.

There’s a ton of warnings in the instruction manual about not using ice or fruit that’s in water because the ice can be too hard on the motor so you’ll want to avoid using water.

Try to use a milk or non dairy milk, and look for one that has a little fat in it.

Premier Protein is another popular protein shake that would work great in this recipe!

Best Ninja Creami Ice Cream Recipes

Looking for even more Ninja Crami recipes? Here are a few of my favorites:

Ninja Creami Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned while making ice cream

Don’t overfill the container

I’ve found the best ice cream I make is when I fill the Ninja Creami container a little under the max fill line.

When the Ninja Creami runs it does expand the ice cream so the pint will fill up! It’s ok for the pint to be a little under the fill line, you just want to avoid it being over.

Make a Few Pints at Once

I like to keep a few frozen pints in my freezer so I don’t have to wait the 24 hours freeze time when I want ice cream.

I ordered a few extra pints off Amazon so I’d always have some available.

Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream in 10 Minutes - Super Easy Recipe (13)Creami Pints and Lids for NinjaNinja Creami Protein Ice Cream in 10 Minutes - Super Easy Recipe (14)Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream in 10 Minutes - Super Easy Recipe (15)Neoprene Ice Cream Sleeve for Ninja Creami PintsNinja Creami Protein Ice Cream in 10 Minutes - Super Easy Recipe (16)Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream in 10 Minutes - Super Easy Recipe (17)Neoprene Ice Cream SleeveNinja Creami Protein Ice Cream in 10 Minutes - Super Easy Recipe (18)Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream in 10 Minutes - Super Easy Recipe (19)Walfos Ice Cream ContainersNinja Creami Protein Ice Cream in 10 Minutes - Super Easy Recipe (20)

Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream in 10 Minutes - Super Easy Recipe (21)

How to Store Leftovers

If you have some ice cream leftover, you can put the lid back on and store it back in the freezer.

When you’re ready to eat, I’ve found the best way to eat is to fill a bowl with cold water and let the frozen pint sit in it for about 10-15 minutes.

Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Mix in Ideas

One of the most fun parts about making your own ice cream at home is customizing it! There’s really no right or wrong thing to mix into your pint. Here are a few of my favorite mix ins:

  • Cookies like Oreos or Chocolate Chip cookie crumbles
  • M&Ms
  • Sprinkles
  • Reese’s or Reese’s Pieces
Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream in 10 Minutes - Super Easy Recipe (22)

More High Protein Recipes

Looking for even more high protein recipes? Here are our favorites:

Start the day with a protein packed breakfast with this Overnight Oats with Protein recipe. It’s a delicious way to get over 30 grams of protein.

During the holidays I love to make Protein Packed Skinny Peppermint Mocha. It’s a Starbucks Copycat Recipe that dare I say is even better than the original?

One of my go to family meals are Chicken Burrito Bowls. Not only are they a healthier option, they’re easy to make and can be customized by everyone in the house.

During the colder months my family loves Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese. It’s all the yummy flavors of Mac and Cheese with a chili twist.

Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream

Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream in 10 Minutes - Super Easy Recipe (23)

It's so easy to make protein ice cream at home with the Ninja Creami! With only 2 ingredients, you can make creamy and delicious Ninja Creami protein ice cream at home.

Ali

Prep Time 1 day day

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 day day 10 minutes minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 11.5 oz bottle Fairlife Protein Shake, Any flavor
  • Optional mixins ie M&Ms oreos, etc

Instructions

  • Pour the Fairlife shake into a pint and freeze for 24 hours.

  • After 24 hours, remove from the freezer and allow the pint to sit for 10 minutes.

  • Put the pint into the Creami and process on Sorbet. Run again on Respin.

  • Check the texture and see if it’s how you like it. If not, do a respin or Lite Ice Cream mode.

  • Check texture again. If it’s still not to you’re liking, try another respin until it’s to the texture you’d like.

Notes

Any flavor Fairlife shake would work for this recipe!

  • Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream in 10 Minutes - Super Easy Recipe (24)

    Ali Van Straten

    Ali Van Straten is the founder and journalist of Champagne and Coffee Stains. She is a Peloton expert, certified running coach and certified nutrition coach. Champagne and Coffee Stains provides information and resources on Peloton Interactive, running and recipes.

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Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream in 10 Minutes - Super Easy Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to make ice cream in the Ninja Creami? ›

How long does it take Ninja Creami to make ice cream? Excluding prep and freezing time, the whole process of making ice cream takes about five minutes. When I add up the durations of the three programs I employed (ice cream, re-spin and + mix-in), it equates to four minutes.

What protein powder is best for Ninja Creami? ›

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.

Why is my Ninja Creami not creamy? ›

- If your base is crumbly or powdery after processing, use the RE-SPIN program to make it smoother and creamier. Note: do NOT RE-SPIN if you will also be using the MIX-IN program, since running both after another program may over process ingredients.

Can you freeze protein shakes to make ice cream? ›

4 ingredient ice cream hack. using Premier Proteins Caramel Protein Shake. All you have to do is use a handful of ice cubes, blend with one Premier Protein Shake, 1/2 a cup of protein powder, then add a caramel drizzle. and freeze until your ice cream texture has formed.

What is the shortest time to freeze Ninja Creami? ›

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.

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

Freezing is crucial: It's paramount that the base is completely frozen into a solid block for the Ninja Creami to work effectively. Texture is key: The 24-hour freeze time results in smaller ice crystals and enhances the dessert's creaminess. For the most creamy ice cream and smoothest sorbet, this matters!

Does a Ninja CREAMi save money? ›

The Ninja CREAMi machine is a super useful machine and you can save money since you won't be buying pints of ice cream from the store. Another great thing about this kitchen gadget is that it's a fun activity for the whole family. The only thing more fun than making ice cream is eating it, of course.

Is guar gum or xanthan gum better for protein ice cream? ›

In the kitchen, there are also important differences in using xanthan gum and guar gum. In general, guar gum is good for cold foods such as ice cream or pastry fillings, while xanthan gum is better for baked goods.

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

The original Ninja Creami makes a smaller variety of treats but it typically costs a lot less, so you only need the Deluxe upgrade if you wish to make Italian ice, frozen yogurt, slushies, and creamiccinos. Everything else the Deluxe can make, the original can make, too.

Why is my Ninja Creami so icy? ›

The less sugar in the recipe, the icier and crumblier the ice cream will be. Regular sugar, honey, or corn syrup can be used to increase the sugar content if desired. To help resolve this issue, after processing, add 1 tablespoon of dairy and then reprocess.

Are there two different Ninja Creami? ›

It comes in two different sizes: the seven-in-one version and the deluxe, 11-in-1 version. A third model, the Ninja Creami Breeze, is now discontinued, but we've tested all three models in the Good Housekeeping Institute.

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.

Why do protein shakes say not to freeze? ›

While it's possible to freeze-dry protein powder, it's not recommended as it can alter the texture of your protein powder, which would affect its ability to mix well with liquids.

Why are you not supposed to freeze protein shakes? ›

You can put any shake with protein in it in the freezer without affecting the protein's nutrients, digestibility or absorption. If you're happy to sacrifice some of the freshness of the taste, there's nothing harmful about pre-mixing your shake and all of the nutrients will be preserved.

What is the healthiest protein drink? ›

Summary: Compare the Best Protein Shakes of 2024
ProductForbes Health RatingsBest For
Lean Body by Labrada5.0Best Overall
Fairlife Core Power4.5Best Budget-Friendly
OWYN Plant-Based Protein Shake4.0Best Plant-Based
Premier Protein3.0Best Flavor Variety

Is the Ninja Creami ice cream maker better than a blender? ›

Blenders are made to purée, blend (obviously!), and emulsify ingredients, where the Creami really only has one job: to turn ordinary ingredients into frozen desserts. To operate the Creami, you'll need to freeze your ingredients for 24 hours before processing them into "ice cream."

How long does Ninja Creami ice cream last? ›

How long does Ninja Creami ice cream last? Several weeks, even months in your freezer. But you're going to want to eat it ASAP after trying it - trust us! It won't last long.

Why is my Creami ice cream too icy? ›

The presence of too much water in your ice cream mix can cause iciness. This could be from using high-water content ingredients or from not blending your mix sufficiently. Try to balance out water-heavy ingredients with those high in fat, fiber, or sugar, and blend your mix thoroughly before freezing.

How long does an ice cream maker take? ›

Keep the machine running for 20 to 30 minutes, and voila—ice cream! For best results, transfer your freshly made treat to a freezer-proof container to chill a bit longer. This will help your dessert firm up a bit.

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