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Kid-Approved Ninja Creami: Best Easy Protein Ice Cream

ninja creami protein ice cream - featured image

This creamy, chocolatey protein ice cream is a kid-approved treat that’s quick to make with simple ingredients. It’s the perfect after-school snack or dessert that feels like a win without the guilt.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup whole milk (or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons chocolate protein powder (e.g., Orgain Simple or Vega Sport)
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred)
  • 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon heavy cream
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Mix the base (5 minutes): In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the milk, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk vigorously until the protein powder is fully dissolved—no lumps allowed. The mixture should be smooth, dark brown, and smell deeply chocolatey. Taste it here: it should be sweet but not cloying, with a rich chocolate flavor.
  2. Pour into the pint container: Carefully pour the mixture into your clean, dry Ninja Creami pint container. Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. If you’re adding heavy cream, stir it in now. Wipe the rim of the container clean with a damp paper towel to ensure a good seal.
  3. Freeze for 24 hours (minimum): Place the lid on the pint container and set it on a level surface in your freezer. Do not disturb it for at least 24 hours. The base needs to be completely frozen solid for the Ninja Creami to work properly.
  4. Spin the ice cream (2 minutes): Remove the pint from the freezer and take off the lid. Place it into the outer bowl of your Ninja Creami machine, ensuring it’s locked in place. Select the ‘Ice Cream’ setting and let the machine do its thing. When it’s done, the ice cream should look soft and creamy, like soft-serve.
  5. Fix a dry pint (if needed): If your ice cream came out dry or crumbly, add 1 tablespoon of milk to the pint, re-lock it in the machine, and run the ‘Re-spin’ function.
  6. Add mix-ins (optional): If you’re adding mini chocolate chips or any other mix-ins, stir them in by hand after spinning. Use a spoon to fold them gently into the ice cream.
  7. Serve immediately or firm up: The ice cream will be soft right after spinning, like soft-serve. If you prefer a firmer texture, scoop it into a freezer-safe container and freeze for 30-60 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, use whole milk and avoid stevia-sweetened protein powders. The base must freeze for at least 24 hours. If the ice cream comes out dry, add 1 tablespoon of milk and re-spin. The chocolate flavor deepens after a day or two in the freezer.

Nutrition

Keywords: protein ice cream, Ninja Creami, chocolate ice cream, kid-friendly, healthy dessert, high protein, easy ice cream