High-Protein Vanilla Ninja Creami
A simple, creamy High-Protein Vanilla Ninja Creami made with five ingredients and no vanilla extract. The entire pint contains 242 calories and 41 grams of protein, with an approximate ingredient cost of $2.30. Enjoy it on its own or use it as a versatile base for your favorite mix-ins and toppings.
Servings: 1 pint
Calories: 242kcal
Cost: $2.30
Equipment
- 1 Ninja Creami
- 1 Ninja Creami Pint
- 1 Immersion Blender recommended for easy blending; a regular blender, handheld milk frother, or shaker cup can also work.
Ingredients
- 355 g Kroger Carbmaster Fat Free Milk 1½ cups; Fairlife Fat Free Ultra-Filtered Milk can be substituted 1:1
- 30 g MyProtein Impact Whey Vanilla 1 scoop; another vanilla whey protein powder can be substituted
- 12 g Monk Fruit In The Raw 1 tbsp; another zero-calorie granulated sweetener can be substituted
- 1 g Xanthan Gum About ¼ tsp
- 1 g Salt About ¼ tsp
Instructions
- Blend the base: Add the Carbmaster milk, vanilla protein powder, Monk Fruit In The Raw, xanthan gum, and salt to the Ninja Creami pint. Use an immersion blender to blend for about 30–60 seconds, until the ingredients are fully combined and no clumps remain. A regular blender, handheld milk frother, or shaker cup can also work.
- Freeze: Place the pint on a level surface and freeze for at least 24 hours. Freeze with the lid removed to help prevent a bump from forming.
- Prepare to spin: Remove the pint from the freezer. Run the outside of the pint under hot water for about 1 minute or let it sit on the counter for about 15 minutes.
- Spin: Process using the Lite Ice Cream setting.
- Assess the texture: After the Lite Ice Cream cycle, check the texture. If it still needs significant processing, run a Re-Spin. If it’s already close to the texture you like, you can skip the Re-Spin and run the Mix-In cycle instead, whether or not you’re actually adding mix-ins.
- Add mix-ins or enjoy: Enjoy as-is, or make an off-center hole with a butter knife, add your mix-ins, and run the Mix-In cycle. Add any toppings after processing.
Notes
Nutrition per pint: 242 calories | 41 g protein | 14 g carbs | 2 g fat
Nutrition & cost: Nutrition is calculated for the entire pint using the specific ingredients listed. Ingredient costs are estimates based on representative prices. Substitutions may change both nutrition and cost, and actual prices will vary by store and location.
Milk: I use Kroger Carbmaster Fat Free Milk for its high protein content and low calories. Fairlife Fat Free Ultra-Filtered Milk can be substituted 1:1. Nutrition and cost will vary depending on the milk used.
Protein powder: I use MyProtein Impact Whey Vanilla because it provides plenty of protein and gives the base its vanilla flavor. This recipe was developed using whey protein powder. If you already have a vanilla whey protein powder you enjoy, feel free to substitute it. Whey/casein blends or casein-based protein powders may process differently and affect the final texture. Different protein powders can also vary in sweetness, flavor, nutrition, and cost.
Sweetener: I use Monk Fruit In The Raw to add sweetness without adding calories. Another zero-calorie granulated sweetener can be substituted, but sweetness may vary between products.
Vanilla extract: I use 5 grams, or about 1 teaspoon, of vanilla extract to enhance the vanilla flavor. Another vanilla extract can be substituted, but flavor, nutrition, and cost may vary.
Xanthan gum: Xanthan gum helps thicken the base and creates a smoother texture after processing. I use 1 gram, or about ¼ teaspoon.
Salt: A small amount of salt helps balance the sweetness and bring out the vanilla flavor. I use 1 gram, or about ¼ teaspoon, as a consistent starting point. You can adjust the amount to taste.
Blending: I recommend an immersion blender because it is quick, easy to clean, and helps combine the ingredients evenly. A regular blender, handheld milk frother, or shaker cup can also work. Blend for about 30–60 seconds, making sure the protein powder and xanthan gum are fully combined and no clumps remain before freezing.
Max fill: Make sure the blended mixture stays below the MAX FILL line before freezing. A small amount of foam above the line is okay, provided the actual liquid mixture stays below it once the foam settles. If the mixture exceeds the line, reduce the ingredient amounts proportionally before freezing.
Freezing: Freeze time can vary depending on your freezer temperature, but I recommend freezing the pint for 24 hours to be safe and help ensure it is fully frozen before processing. Freeze the pint on a level surface with the lid removed to help prevent a bump from forming. Before processing, make sure the frozen surface is level and does not have a raised bump. Do not process a pint with a significantly uneven frozen surface.
Processing: After the Lite Ice Cream cycle, assess the texture based on your preferred consistency. If it still needs significant processing, run a Re-Spin. If it's already close to the texture you like, you can run the Mix-In cycle instead, whether or not you're adding mix-ins. The Mix-In cycle provides some additional processing, but not as much as a Re-Spin. If the ice cream is especially dry or powdery, try a Re-Spin before adding liquid. If it still needs additional moisture, add a small splash of water before another Re-Spin. Avoid adding too much liquid at once, as it can make the finished ice cream softer than intended.
Icy sides: A thin icy layer around the sides of the pint after the first spin is normal because the blade does not reach the very edge of the container. Avoid scraping the icy sides into the creamy center before running another cycle. Once you're finished processing, you can push the icy layer toward the bottom so it softens while you eat from the top. Another option is to enjoy the creamy center first and let the icy sides soften as you eat.
Leftovers: If you do not finish the entire pint, smooth the remaining ice cream into a level surface, replace the lid, and return it to the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, allow them to soften slightly or process them again using the appropriate setting for your Ninja Creami model if needed. Keep in mind that additional processing may further break down any mix-ins.
Nutrition
Calories: 242kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 2g