Craving ice cream that's guilt-free and delicious?
You're definitely not alone. Most of us have a soft spot for ice cream, but the sugar and calories can make us think twice. What if I told you there's a way to enjoy a creamy, satisfying dessert that actually fuels your body? Meet my Monkey Protein Ice Cream a silky, protein-packed treat that tastes amazing and fits right into your healthy routine.
If you love my Chocolate Protein Creami recipe, you'll definitely want to try this one too.
why monkey protein ice cream is my go-to treat
This one hits all the right notes creamy, naturally sweet, and full of good-for-you ingredients. I make this all the time when I'm craving something cold and sweet but don't want to derail my day. The best part? It comes together with just a few simple ingredients and your Ninja Creami.
what you'll need
Ingredients
- 1 cup Fairlife skim milk
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 scoop sugar-free instant jello powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ bananas
step-by-step instructions
1. prepare your base
Add the Fairlife milk, almond milk, vanilla protein powder, and sugar-free instant pudding mix to your Ninja Creami pint container. Fill up to the max line and mix everything with a handheld frother until smooth and foamy.
Slice your bananas in half and add them right into the pint container.
2. freeze overnight
Pop the container in your freezer for a full 24 hours. Make sure it's placed flat so it freezes evenly - this makes a big difference later when blending.
3. first spin
Once frozen solid, remove your pint and run it under hot water for about 60 seconds. This helps it release from the sides. Then, install it into your Ninja Creami. Make sure the surface is level - uneven surfaces can damage the blade.
Press the Lite Ice Cream button for the first spin. When done, remove the outer bowl lid and check the texture.
If it still looks powdery, pop it back in and press Respin. If it's smooth and creamy, you're good to go for mix-ins.
4. add mix-ins
Make a small hole in the middle of your ice cream and toss in your chocolate chunks and walnuts. Reinstall the bowl and press Mix-ins to blend everything together.
5. serve and enjoy
Scoop it into a bowl and top with a few extra chocolate bits, walnuts, and banana slices. It's creamy, rich, and just the right amount of sweet - the kind of dessert that actually leaves you feeling good.
tips and swaps
- Dairy-free version: Use all almond milk or oat milk instead of Fairlife.
- No jello mix? Swap it with a tablespoon of sugar-free pudding mix or skip it for a lighter texture.
- Protein flavor options: Vanilla works best, but chocolate or banana protein powder also taste amazing.
how to store it
If you don't finish it all (which, honestly, rarely happens around here), cover tightly and keep it in the freezer for up to a week. Before serving again, run it through the Ninja Creami with a quick respin to bring back that creamy texture.
frequently asked questions
Yes! You can still make this even if you don't have a Ninja Creami. Just blend everything in a high-powered blender until smooth, pour it into a freezer-safe container, and freeze for 2-3 hours. Stir halfway through to keep it creamy.
You can, but it won't have the same rich texture or protein boost. If you leave it out, add an extra half banana or a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to help it stay thick and smooth.
Protein ice creams can get a little firm if left in the freezer too long. When you're ready to eat, just let it sit on the counter for 10-15 minutes or run it through a quick respin in your Ninja Creami - it'll be creamy again in no time.
why this version works so well
Using both Fairlife milk and almond milk gives the perfect creamy texture without being heavy. The banana adds natural sweetness and thickness, while the protein powder makes it filling and satisfying. It's dessert that doubles as recovery fuel - and that's my kind of win.
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Print📖 Recipe
Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream (Ninja Creami Recipe)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 day 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 pint 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Ninja Creami
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream, a guilt-free treat blending ripe bananas, crunchy walnuts, and dark chocolate chips. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings while fueling your fitness goals, this deliciously healthy recipe is a must-try for dessert lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Fairlife skim milk
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 scoop sugar-free instant jello powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ bananas
- Chocolate chunks or chocolate chips
- Walnuts
Instructions
- Add milk, almond milk, protein powder, and vanilla pudding mix to the Ninja Creami pint container up to the max fill line and mix well with a handheld frother. Chop bananas in half and add to the pint container.
- Freeze container for 24 hours until frozen solid.
- Remove frozen pint, run under hot water for 60 seconds, and install into your machine. Ensure the pint has a level surface to avoid damaging the blade.
- For the first spin, press the Lite Ice Cream button. If the ice cream is still powdery, add it back to the machine and press the Respin button. If it's creamy, move on to mix-ins.
- Check ice cream - the final product should be creamy and have a smooth texture.
- Make a hole in the middle of the ice cream and add chocolate chunks and walnuts. Add back to the machine and use the Mix-ins button.
- Top with additional chocolate, walnuts, and banana pieces, then enjoy!
Notes
For a vegan version, use plant-based protein powder and non-dairy milk. You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds. Store leftovers in the freezer and respin before serving for a creamy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pint
- Calories: 401
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 248mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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