If you're looking for healthy, homemade ice cream recipes that you can make in your ninja creami ice cream maker you've come to the right place. These healthy ninja creami recipes are made with simple ingredients that are dairy free, refined sugar free in most cases and high protein so you can satisfy your sweet tooth while still reaching your health & fitness goals!
Protein Ice Cream recipes are quickly becoming a favorite way for people to increase their daily protein intake in a way that is easy for the whole family. There are so many recipes out there for ninja creami protein ice cream, but my recipes have been celebrated in the Wall Street Journal for being not only delicious, but for using simple ingredients that are better for you, too.
Why You'll Love These Recipes
- They're better for you. Store-bought protein ice creams generally have additives in them designed to keep them fresh longer that aren't necessarily great for our bodies. Making easy ninja creami recipes like these at home means you get to control the ingredients you use so you can enjoy a healthier treat (and even eat the whole pint without feeling bad about it!)
- They're easy. I like using the ninja creami machine better than a traditional ice cream maker because the whole process is truly so much easier. Plus, dairy free ice cream especially can be difficult to get the right consistency and tends to get icy. With the ninja creami ice cream machine you get a perfectly creamy texture every time.
Healthy Ninja Creami Recipe Basic Ingredients
Ninja Creami ice cream recipes all generally start out with the same basic ingredients:
- Milk. My recipes use dairy-free milk, usually a mix of almond milk & full fat coconut milk, but the great thing about the Ninja Creami is you can use just about any type of milk & still achieve the perfect texture for creamy ice cream. If you don't enjoy almond milk or coconut milk and you aren't dairy free, Fairlife whole milk or Fairlife protein drink is a fan favorite for making lower calorie high protein ice cream. If you are dairy free, full-fat oat milk is an excellent alternative.
- Protein Powder. I find that using vanilla protein powder allows you to customize your creami recipe in delicious ways because it pairs so well with so many other flavors. I also make plenty of different flavors using chocolate protein powder. Having these two options on hand at all times will ensure you're never without the ability to make a healthy ice cream recipe when the craving strikes.
I always like to note that the best way to make your high protein ice cream taste amazing is to ensure you are using a protein powder you enjoy the taste of! My favorite protein powder is Prime Protein fromEquip Foods. You can use PRETTYDELISH for 15% off your entire purchase of any of their products.
- Vanilla Extract. I add this to all of my protein ice cream flavors for additional flavor in vanilla ice cream and to enhance the flavors in a chocolate protein ice cream recipe.
- Medjool Dates. I avoid refined sugars, so sweetening the ice cream base with dates is my favorite way to do. If you'd like something with less carbs (dates have around 5 g carbs per date) you can opt for monkfruit sweetener. Maple syrup or honey also work well for additional sweetness & you can really measure these ingredients with your heart, adjusting to your preferred level of sweetness.
Basic Step By Step Instructions for Using A Ninja Creami
1. Freeze the ice cream base. Once you've blended the base ingredients for your healthier ice cream recipe, pour them into the ninja creami container up to the "max fill" line.
2. Place in freezer. Ninja's instructions state to freeze the ice cream base for 24 hours, but I freeze mine for about 8 hours and they come out perfect every time. I would recommend against freezing for less than 8 hours.
3. Make the ice cream. Add the creami pint container to the outer bowl & secure the outer bowl lid. Place securely in the ninja creami machine & choose the "lite ice cream" function.
4. Respin. You will most definitely need to re-spin the ice cream for the most creamy texture possible. Add a splash of milk to the top of the pint, place back into the machine and press the "re-spin" button.
5. Add Mix Ins. If you're adding mix ins, do so now. Ninja's instructions say not to use the mix in function after using the re-spin function, but I do this all the time with no issue.
Favorite Mix Ins and Expert Tips & Tricks
Once you've got the base recipe down you can start to add your favorite toppings or mix ins like:
- Chocolate chips
- Peanut butter or your favorite nut butter
- Frozen fruit (you can even make protein sorbet with frozen fruit, collagen powder, water & some lemon or lime juice
- Homemade candy like these homemade protein buncha crunch
- Make a smoothie bowl by adding your favorite smoothie to the pint container & letting it freeze overnight
- If you like a soft serve texture, add a bit more milk before respinning, about 1-2 tbsp.
- Toppings like chocolate sauce or the 3 ingredient viral olive oil caramel sauce
How to Store Ninja Creami Ice Cream
If you do not finish the entire pint in one sitting, store the ice cream in an airtight container, preferably the ninja creami pint container itself. Using a spoon, smooth over the top of the ice cream before placing the lid back on. You will need to go back through steps 3 & 4 when you want to enjoy it the next time.
Healthy Ninja Creami Recipes - Dairy Free Protein Ice Creams
Classic Vanilla
This classic vanilla protein ice cream is the perfect sweet treat! Top it with fresh fruit, chopped nuts or enjoy on top of apple crisp. Get the recipe here.
Classic Chocolate
Chocoholics rejoice! This chocolate protein ice cream made in the Ninja Creami is dairy free & refined sugar free. Get the recipe here.
Rocky Road
Chocolate protein ice cream base with dark chocolate, mini marshmallows & chopped almonds. Get the recipe here.
Copycat M&M McFlurry
Skip the drive thru line and make this high protein dairy free McFlurry made with low sugar m&m type candies. Get the recipe here.
Copycat Kit Kat Banana Split McFlurry
A limited edition McFlurry flavor not to be missed! Made dairy free, gluten free & with added protein. Get the recipe here.
Cinnamon Toast Cereal Milk
Your childhood favorite cereal just got a glow up! Try this Cereal Milk protein ice cream made with gluten free, sugar free cinnamon toast cereal & real cereal milk. Get the recipe here.
Watermelon Sorbet
Made with fresh watermelon & collagen peptides for extra protein, this is the perfect sweet treat on a hot summer day. Get the recipe here.
Chocolate Cookies and Cream
Satisfy your chocolate and cookie cravings with this Protein Cookies and Cream ice cream. Get the recipe here.
Buncha Crunch
Your favorite movie theater candy just got a major upgrade! Add these homemade protein buncha crunch candies to protein vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. Get the recipe here.
Dole Whip
Skip the trip to Disney & make this protein dole whip at home in the ninja creami. Get the recipe here.
Coconut (with optional chocolate Magic Shell)
Coconut ice cream is delicious on its own or with the chocolate magic shell. Like a mounds bar in ice cream form! Get the recipe here.
Raspberry Sorbet
The perfect refreshing fruity treat for hot summer days! Grab the 3 ingredient recipe here.
Peach Cobbler
A refreshing treat perfect for peach season & the best way to enjoy peach cobbler without turning the oven on! Get the recipe here.
Mint Chocolate Chip
A classic refreshing treat, Mint Chocolate Chip is always a solid choice. Get the recipe here.
Cherry Sorbet
This refreshing Cherry Sorbet only requires 3 ingredients & can be made Cherry Limeade flavor or Chocolate Cherry Sorbet! Get the recipe here.
Pumpkin Pie
When you're ready to start celebrating fall but it's still hot outside, this Pumpkin Pie Protein Ice Cream is just the thing you need! Get the recipe here.
