Most protein ice creams taste like a protein shake masquerading as dessert. This high protein Ninja Creami Vanilla Ice Cream recipe actually tastes like real vanilla ice cream—with over 24 grams of protein per serving.
Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe (Ninja Creami)
I’ll be honest, I usually don’t love protein powders. Most of the ones I’ve tried leave behind a chalky texture or an artificial aftertaste that completely ruins the final result. That’s why I was so surprised when I tried Levels unflavored whey protein. It blended seamlessly into this High Protein Vanilla Ice Cream, giving the creamy texture I wanted without tasting like a protein shake. Made with Greek yogurt, Fairlife milk, and vanilla bean paste, this Ninja Creami recipe is rich, creamy, and packs over 24 grams of protein per serving without the chalky texture or weird aftertaste. It’s rich, creamy, and endlessly customizable with your favorite mix-ins and toppings.
Why This High Protein Ice Cream Works
I’ve tested a lot of high-protein frozen desserts, and this one stands out becauseit keeps the ingredient list simple while delivering a truly creamy texture that’s not icy, chalky or artificial flavors.
- Whole milk Greek yogurt adds richness and extra protein.
- Fairlife 0% fat milk boosts protein and creates a smooth base.
- Unflavored whey protein blends in without an artificial taste.
- Vanilla bean paste provides real vanilla flavor and beautiful flecks throughout.
- Monk fruit sweetener and a little agave create balanced sweetness.
How to Make Vanilla Ice Cream in the Ninja Creami
The Ninja Creami makes it so easy to make homemade ice cream. Just blend, freeze, and spin. See the recipe card at the bottom for printable directions.
- Blend: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Freeze: Pour the yogurt mixture into the Ninja Creami container and freeze for at least 24 hours.
- Turn it into ice cream: Put the container in the machine and push the Ice Cream button. If it’s not processing, add a splash of milk and spin it again until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Mix–ins: If you want to add any mix-ins, do so now and blend for a few seconds until they’re incorporated. Or top your ice cream with one of the ideas listed below.
Variations
- Protein powder: I’ve only tested this ice cream recipe with Levels protein. You can try it with another unflavored protein, but it might change the creamy texture.
- Don’t like monk fruit? Use extra agave.
- Liquid sweetener: Swap agave for honey.
- Vanilla bean paste has a richer, more intense vanilla flavor than extract, but if you can’t find it, substitute vanilla extract.
- Milk: I used Fairlife to increase the protein content, but you can use regular milk if you prefer.
Customize It
The first time I made this Ninja Creami protein ice cream, I mixed in pistachios and topped it with chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, and pistachio cream. Below are more mix-in and topping ideas, but let me know in the comments what you love in your ice cream.
- Chocolate chips
- Mini peanut butter cups
- M&Ms
- Peanut butter
- Cookie dough
- Fresh berries
- Crushed cookies
- Crushed graham crackers
- Mini marshmallows
- Chopped nuts, like pistachios, peanuts, or pecans
- Cinnamon
- Toasted coconut
- Cocoa powder (I also have this chocolate frozen yogurt recipe in the Ninja Creami.)
Yield: servings
Serving Size: 3 /4 cup
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Add the Greek yogurt, Fairlife milk, whey protein, monk fruit sweetener, agave, and vanilla bean paste to a blender.
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Blend until completely smooth.
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Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container.
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Freeze on a level surface for at least 24 hours.
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Process using the Ice Cream setting.
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If needed, add a splash of milk and respin until smooth and creamy.
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Enjoy as is or add your favorite mix-ins
Last Step:
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• Chocolate chips
• Crushed cookies
• Fresh berries
• Peanut butter
• Toasted coconut
• Cinnamon
• Graham crackers
• Chopped nuts
• Mini peanut butter cups
Serving: 3 /4 cup, Calories: 205 kcal, Carbohydrates: 33 g, Protein: 24.5 g, Fat: 4 g, Saturated Fat: 2 g, Cholesterol: 50 mg, Sodium: 109 mg, Sugar: 13 g
Storage
Keep the pint frozen until you’re ready to spin. If you have leftovers, refreeze and re-spin before serving for the best texture.
FAQ
Yes, but it may make the ice cream sweeter and slightly alter its flavor. Unflavored whey gives the cleanest vanilla flavor.
This is normal with many Ninja Creami recipes. Use the Re-Spin function until it reaches a creamy consistency.
No. You can still enjoy this vanilla protein ice cream recipe even if you don’t have a Ninja Creami. Churn the blended mixture according to your ice cream maker’s instructions, then freeze until it’s firm enough to scoop. Alternatively, partially freeze it, then blend the mixture to make a high-protein vanilla shake.
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