Make this incredibly creamy, high-protein ice cream base that works perfectly in the Ninja Creami or as a simple no-churn frozen dessert. It is a macro-friendly treat ready in minutes.
Author:sarahthompson
Prep Time:5 min
Cook Time:0 min
Total Time:24 hr 5 min
Yield:1 pint (2 servings) 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Freezing/Blending
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
1 scoop vanilla whey or casein protein powder
1/2 cup skim milk or unsweetened almond milk
1/4 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese (for extra creaminess)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 1-2 teaspoons low-calorie sweetener (like erythritol or stevia)
Combine the protein powder, milk, Greek yogurt (or cottage cheese), vanilla extract, and sweetener (if using) in a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth.
If using xanthan gum, sprinkle it over the mixture while blending on low speed until incorporated.
Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container. Do not fill past the max fill line.
Freeze the container flat in the freezer for at least 24 hours until solid.
Process the frozen base using the ‘Lite Ice Cream’ or ‘Ice Cream’ setting on your Ninja Creami machine.
If the texture is powdery, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk and run it on the ‘Re-spin’ setting until creamy.
For a no-churn option, freeze the mixture in a loaf pan, stirring vigorously every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours to break up ice crystals, then freeze until firm.
Notes
Using a blend of whey and casein protein yields the best texture. Casein thickens better when frozen.
For a chocolate version, substitute vanilla protein with chocolate protein powder and add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder.
If you use cottage cheese, ensure it is blended very smoothly to avoid a grainy texture.
This recipe is excellent for post-workout recovery or as a low-calorie fitness treat.