Looking to add a protein boost to your dessert routine? I've gathered 10 high-protein Ninja Creami recipes that are both delicious and nutritious.
These recipes are perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy a sweet treat while supporting their fitness goals.
Table of Contents
If you're new to the Ninja Creami, don't worry; it’s incredibly user-friendly. With these recipes, you can easily create creamy, high-protein ice creams at home that everyone will love.
1) Vanilla Almond Delight
Vanilla Almond Delight is one of my favorite high-protein treats to make in my Ninja Creami. It's creamy, delicious, and packed with nutrients.
I start with one scoop of vanilla whey protein powder for a rich vanilla flavor. Then, I add half a cup of almond milk to keep it smooth and creamy.
Frozen strawberries add a burst of color and a natural sweetness to the mix.
Blending everything together creates a perfectly smooth mixture.
I pour the blend into my Ninja Creami pint and freeze it as instructed, usually for about 24 hours.
Once it's frozen, I pop it into my Ninja Creami, hit the right buttons, and let the magic happen.
2) Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch ice cream is a game-changer in my Ninja Creami adventures. It's packed with rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter flavors, making it a delightful protein-rich treat.
I start by mixing chocolate milk, almond milk, and a bit of chocolate protein powder. Then, I add some peanut butter powder and a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors.
The real crunch comes from adding small chocolate chips or crushed peanuts before serving. This gives every bite a satisfying texture that complements the creamy base.
With around 35 grams of protein per pint, this recipe makes a delicious and nutritious choice for a post-workout snack.
It's also perfect for those hot summer days when you crave something cold and indulgent.
3) Strawberry Banana Protein Fusion
The Strawberry Banana Protein Fusion is one of my favorite recipes in the Ninja Creami. This delightful mix balances the sweetness of strawberries with the creamy texture of bananas.
To start, I blend one banana with a strawberry protein shake and a couple of fresh strawberries. This combination bursts with flavor while providing a solid protein boost.
After blending, I pour the mixture into the Ninja Creami pint container.
The next step is to place the container on a level surface in the freezer for 24 hours.
Once it’s frozen solid, I insert the pint into the Ninja Creami machine. Just a few minutes of processing results in a smooth, creamy dessert.
This Strawberry Banana Protein Fusion is perfect for a post-workout snack. It satisfies my sweet cravings and helps me reach my daily protein goals.
I often enjoy this treat as a quick breakfast or an evening dessert. Its fresh, fruity flavors always hit the spot, making it a versatile option.
4) Mint Chocolate Chip Surprise
Mint chocolate chip is one of my favorite flavors, and this high-protein version doesn't disappoint. Using a Ninja Creami gives the ice cream a smooth, creamy texture that's just like store-bought.
I start by mixing all ingredients except the chocolate in a Ninja Creami pint container. Almond milk works great as a base. Blending until smooth is key.
Next, I freeze the mixture for 24 hours. This step ensures a solid base that's ready to be transformed into delicious ice cream. Freezing also helps the flavors meld together.
After freezing, I place the pint into the Ninja Creami, secure the outer bowl, and process it on the "LITE ICE CREAM" setting.
If the ice cream turns out too crumbly, adding a tablespoon of unsweetened almond milk helps smooth things out.
For the final touch, I chop up chocolate chips and mix them into the churned ice cream. I love using dark chocolate as it balances the sweetness nicely.
This step is quick, but makes a big difference. The chocolate chips add a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy base. Plus, it adds to the minty surprise!
5) Blueberry Cheesecake Bliss
One of my favorite high-protein treats to make in my Ninja Creami is the Blueberry Cheesecake Bliss ice cream. It’s a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake flavors and juicy blueberries, packed with protein to keep me going throughout the day.
I start by mixing cottage cheese, some low-fat cream cheese, and a bit of protein powder into a blender. This ensures the base is rich in protein and smooth in texture.
Then, I add a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries for that fruity burst.
Once blended, I transfer the mixture to the Ninja Creami pint and let it freeze for at least 24 hours.
The waiting can be tough, but trust me, it’s worth it!
The next day, I process it on the LITE ICE CREAM setting. The texture turns out perfectly smooth and creamy.
After the initial processing, I make a small hole in the ice cream and add some crumbled graham crackers and extra blueberries.
Then, I blend it again on the MIX-IN setting to incorporate the goodies. The result is a delicious, high-protein treat that tastes just like blueberry cheesecake.
6) Cookies and Cream Quest
I love a good cookies and cream treat, especially when it's packed with protein.
For this recipe, I used low-fat milk and unsweetened vanilla almond milk as my base.
I then added cookies and cream protein powder and a sugar substitute to keep it lower in sugar. The combination of guar gum and xanthan gum helps create a creamy texture.
Once all my ingredients were in the Ninja Creami pint, I used a frother to mix them together until smooth. I froze the mixture overnight.
The next day, I placed the frozen pint into the Ninja Creami and selected the "lite ice cream" mode.
To achieve the perfect consistency, I sometimes used the re-spin function a couple of times. If the mixture looked crumbly, I added a tiny splash of milk.
For an extra touch, I added crushed cookie pieces as a mix-in once the ice cream reached the desired texture.
It's the perfect way to enjoy a high-protein, satisfying dessert.
The final result was a creamy and delicious cookies and cream ice cream that's not only tasty but also protein-packed.
7) Raspberry Greek Yogurt Swirl
I absolutely love this recipe because it’s so refreshing and packed with protein.
To start, I use 2 cups of plain Greek yogurt. You can opt for non-fat or low-fat based on your preference.
Next, I add 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup for sweetness, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a subtle flavor boost.
For the mix-ins, I include 1 cup of fresh or frozen raspberries. Make sure to chop them into smaller pieces if they’re large.
I gently fold the raspberries into the yogurt mixture to create a beautiful swirl effect.
After mixing everything, I transfer the blend into the Ninja Creami pint container.
I freeze it for at least 24 hours. Once frozen, I place the pint in the Ninja Creami and run the “Lite Ice Cream” cycle.
Initially, the frozen yogurt might be a bit powdery, so I run the “Re-Spin” cycle to achieve a creamier texture.
For added texture, feel free to sprinkle in some toasted nuts or seeds.
This Raspberry Greek Yogurt Swirl not only tastes amazing but it also provides a satisfying protein boost.
8) Mocha Espresso Protein
I love the perfect blend of coffee and chocolate in Mocha Espresso Protein ice cream. It's a delightfully rich treat that boosts my protein intake.
First, I prepare the mixture with whey protein powder, espresso powder, and FairLife milk. The espresso gives a robust flavor that's simply irresistible.
After freezing the mixture, I put it in the Ninja Creami and select the "Lite Ice Cream" setting. The result is smooth and creamy.
If the texture isn’t perfect, I add a splash of chocolate almond milk and hit the "Re-Spin" button. This ensures it's perfectly creamy.
To top it off, I sometimes stir in some chocolate chips or a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate syrup. It's a treat I eagerly anticipate.
9) Coconut Matcha Dream
I love the combination of coconut and matcha in this high-protein treat. To start, I add all my ingredients to a blender. This includes coconut milk, a scoop of vanilla protein powder, and a teaspoon of matcha powder.
After blending until smooth, I transfer the mixture into my Ninja Creami pint container. I make sure it's level by placing it on a flat surface in the freezer for at least 24 hours.
Once frozen solid, I take the pint out, let it soften for about 10 minutes, and then pop it into the Ninja Creami. This gives the ice cream a creamy, dreamy texture with that delightful coconut matcha flavor.
Adding this recipe to my routine has been a game-changer, especially when I need a refreshing and healthy dessert option. The taste of coconut combined with the antioxidant-rich matcha is just perfection.
10) Pumpkin Spice Protein Treat
Pumpkin Spice Protein Treat is one of my favorite autumn-inspired recipes. I combine low-fat milk, unsweetened vanilla almond milk, and pumpkin puree to create the creamy base.
To this mix, I add pumpkin pie protein powder, a brown sugar replacement, and a blend of pumpkin pie spice. For extra smoothness, I sometimes use guar gum and xanthan gum.
A handheld frother helps blend everything evenly. After mixing, I pour it into the Ninja Creami pint container.
Once in the container, I freeze it for 24 hours. The magic happens after freezing. Spinning the mixture on the lite ice cream setting transforms it into a creamy, delightful treat.
If the texture seems powdery after the first spin, I add a small splash of milk and spin it again. This treat is perfect for satisfying pumpkin spice cravings while keeping my protein intake high.
Essential Ingredients for High Protein Ninja CREAMi Recipes
For making nutritious, high-protein frozen treats, I rely on a mix of protein powders, high-protein dairy alternatives, and nuts and seeds to boost both flavor and nutrition. Here’s a detailed look at these essential ingredients:
Protein Powders
Protein powders are a key component in many high-protein Ninja CREAMi recipes. They come in various forms like whey, casein, and plant-based varieties such as pea or hemp protein.
I prefer whey protein for its creamy texture and fast absorption, making it ideal for post-workout treats. Meanwhile, casein protein has a thicker consistency, which gives a richer, more decadent ice cream.
For those who are lactose intolerant or vegan, plant-based proteins like pea or hemp are excellent options. They blend well and offer a balanced amino acid profile.
Adding protein powder not only boosts the protein content but also helps in achieving a smooth, creamy texture. I usually stick to vanilla or chocolate flavors as they blend well with almost any add-ins, but feel free to experiment.
High Protein Dairy Alternatives
High protein dairy alternatives like Greek yogurt and cottage cheese are fantastic for Ninja CREAMi recipes. Greek yogurt, especially the non-fat variety, has a thick, creamy texture and high protein content, making it perfect for creating rich, luxurious ice creams.
Cottage cheese is another excellent option, though it may seem unconventional. When blended, it transforms into a smooth, creamy base that’s surprisingly neutral in flavor, allowing the added ingredients to shine through. This makes it a versatile choice for a variety of recipes.
Milk alternatives fortified with extra protein, such as soy milk or pea milk, can also be used. These are lactose-free and vegan-friendly, making them suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds offer a way to add both protein and healthy fats to your Ninja CREAMi recipes. I often use almonds, chia seeds, and flaxseeds.
Almonds can be ground into a nut butter or chopped and added for a crunchy texture. They also provide vitamin E and healthy fats, enhancing the nutritional profile of your treat.
Chia seeds are another favorite. When soaked, they form a gel-like consistency, adding volume and a pleasant texture. Chia is also packed with fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
Flaxseeds are similar and can be ground and mixed directly into the ice cream base. They add a subtle nutty flavor and are rich in omega-3s and lignans, which are known for their potential health benefits.
Peanut butter or other nut butters are incredible for a creamy texture and extra protein. Plus, they complement both chocolate and fruit flavors wonderfully.
Tips for Perfecting Your Ninja CREAMi Creations
Creating the perfect Ninja CREAMi treats involves balancing flavors and textures, choosing the right consistency, and knowing how to best store and serve your creations.
Balancing Flavors and Textures
To make your Ninja CREAMi creations shine, I always start by thinking about the balance of flavors. Sweet, salty, and sometimes a hint of tart creates a well-rounded taste.
For the best results:
- Use fresh fruits and quality protein powders to elevate your recipes.
- Try layering different flavors. For example, adding a dash of vanilla extract to a chocolate-based mix can add depth.
- Add crunchy elements like nuts or cereal just before the final mix-in cycle to maintain their crispness.
Choosing the Right Consistency
Consistency is key to making creamy, delicious ice cream. The base mixture's ratio of liquid to solid ingredients will impact the final product.
To get the best consistency:
- Make sure to use accurate measurements for consistent results.
- Use a hand-held frother or a good blender to mix the ingredients thoroughly. This prevents clumps, which can affect texture.
- If your mix seems too solid after the first spin, add a splash of milk and re-spin to achieve a smoother texture.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Proper storage and serving techniques can maintain the quality of your Ninja CREAMi creations and enhance your tasting experience.
Freezing Time: After blending, let the base freeze for at least 24 hours to ensure it sets properly.
Storage Containers: I store my creations in airtight containers to avoid freezer burn.
Serving: When ready to eat, let the frozen dessert sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes. This makes it easier to scoop and enjoy its creamy texture.