Calling all ice cream lovers! Have you heard about the Ninja Creami, the viral countertop appliance that’s taken the frozen dessert world by storm? This nifty machine allows you to whip up delicious creamy ice cream (including Ninja Creami protein ice cream!) in seconds, and the best part? You’re in complete control of the ingredients.
This means creating protein-packed scoops that are low-carb or sugar-free is easily doable. Forget store-bought options loaded with hidden sugars and unhealthy fats – homemade Ninja Creami protein ice cream is your ticket to cool, refreshing treats that won’t skyrocket your blood sugar, plus, you can customize your protein ice cream however you wish!
This blog post will explore all of the reasons why Ninja Creami protein ice cream is your secret weapon for healthy, delicious, diabetes-friendly, frozen desserts!
Some of the links below contain affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and purchase a product, I may get a small commission at no cost to you.
The Base Recipe
Now, let’s dive into how to make Ninja Creami protein ice cream. Here’s what you’ll need for the base:
- Protein Powder: This is the star of the show! Choose a flavor you love and be sure to opt for a whey or plant-based protein powder that works well for blending.
- Milk: Any milk will do, but consider using unsweetened options like almond or cashew milk to keep the carb count down.
- Sweetener (Optional): If your protein powder isn’t flavored or isn’t sweet enough, you can add a touch of stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or even a drizzle of sugar-free maple syrup.
- Instant Pudding Mix (Optional): This adds a thickener which help create a creamier texture, but isn’t necessary. If you choose to use it, we recommend that you opt for sugar-free varieties.
Instructions:
- Mixing the Base: Combine your protein powder, milk, and any desired sweetener or pudding mix in your Ninja Creami pint container. Using a whisk or immersion blender, blend until completely smooth. Aim for a milkshake-like consistency.
- Freezing the Base: This is where the magic happens! Tightly secure the lid on your Ninja Creami pint container and pop it in the freezer for at least 24 hours. This allows the ice cream to set up properly and creates the perfect creamy texture.
Pro Tip: Feel free to experiment with different protein powder flavors or you can even use ready-to-use protein shakes such as the OWYN protein shakes instead of mixing protein powder into milk for the base.
Unleash Your Inner Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Scientist: Customization Options
The beauty of Ninja Creami protein ice cream lies in its endless possibilities for customization. Let’s explore how to add some fun flavors to your treats:
Flavor Variations:
- Protein Powder Flavors: This is the foundation of your protein icecream. You can choose chocolate, vanilla, cookies & cream, strawberry, etc. – the options are truly endless!
- Extracts & Spices: A splash of vanilla, almond, cake, or peppermint extract can add delightful flavor to your ice cream. For a bolder kick, experiment with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Fruits: Fresh or frozen fruits can be blended into the base for a burst of sweetness and texture. We love to blend in berries, bananas, mangos, or peaches!
Adding Mix-Ins:
Once your protein base is churned in the Ninja Creami, it’s mix-in time! Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Chocolate Chips: Dark, milk, or white chocolate chips all taste delicious mixed into protein ice cream. We love using Lily’s Chocolate Chips!
- Cookie Dough: Who can resist cookie dough in their ice cream? Use store-bought pre-made dough or whip up a small batch of your favorite recipe. Just be sure the dough is chilled and chopped into bite-sized pieces prior to mixing it in.
- Peanut Butter: For a protein boost and nutty flavor, swirl in some peanut butter before the final mix-in cycle.
Don’t forget the toppings:
- Top with cut-up fruit, sprinkles, or Drizzle with chocolate sauce, caramel, or peanut butter.
Pro Tip: When adding mix-ins, create a well in the center of your ice cream base before turning the Ninja Creami on to the “mix-in” setting. This ensures even distribution of your add-ins throughout the ice cream.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Protein Ice Cream
Conquering the creamy texture of protein ice cream is all about technique. If your ice cream turns out too hard to scoop after churning or it looks flaky, don’t fret! There’s an easy fix for this.
Simply add a splash of your milk of choice (start with a tablespoon) to the frozen base and re-spin in your Ninja Creami until you reach a desired scooping consistency. Sometimes it can take 3-4 re-spin cycles to achieve the creaminess you are looking for.
In the rare case that you don’t eat the entire pint in one sitting, leftover protein ice cream can be stored in your Ninja Creami pint container in the freezer for 1-2 weeks. However, keep in mind that the longer it’s stored, the icier the texture might become. For the creamiest texture, enjoy your protein ice cream within a few days of making the initial batch.
Conclusion
So there you have it! With the magic of the Ninja Creami, you can now indulge in delicious, blood sugar-friendly ice cream that aligns with your health goals. We’ve explored the ease of creating a protein-packed base, the endless possibilities for flavor customization, and the troubleshooting tips for achieving the perfect frozen texture.
Making Ninja Creami protein ice cream is not only fun and easy, but it allows you to control exactly what goes into your treats. So grab your Ninja Creami, create your favorite base, and get ready to experiment with endless flavor combinations. With a little creativity, you’ll be a protein ice cream pro in no time!
Make sure to follow @Mamabetesblog on Instagram for more tips and tricks for living well with diabetes!