Why I Love This Recipe
- High Protein, Low Sugar: The protein shake provides a great protein boost while keeping the sugar content low.
- Quick to Prepare: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this ice cream comes together quickly.
- Customizable: You can mix in your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to make it even more exciting.
- Satisfying: The creamy texture and vanilla flavor make it a perfect dessert or post-workout treat.
- Healthy and Guilt-Free: This ice cream satisfies cravings without derailing your healthy eating habits.
Ingredients
For a Standard Pint:
- 14 ounces Fairlife Core Power Vanilla Protein Shake
- 1 tablespoon stevia
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix
For a Deluxe Pint (Makes a Larger Batch):
- 21 ounces Fairlife Core Power Vanilla Protein Shake
- 2 tablespoons stevia
- 2 tablespoons sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix
Instructions
Part One: Prepare the Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Fairlife Core Power Vanilla Protein Shake, stevia, and sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix.
- Whisk together until the stevia is completely dissolved and there are no lumps. Note that the pudding mix will not fully dissolve, but this is normal. Allow the mixture to settle for about a minute to reduce any bubbles.
- Once the mixture is ready, pour it into a Creami pint.
- Cover the pint with its lid and place it in the freezer on a level surface. Freeze for a minimum of 12 hours to ensure it is completely frozen.
Part Two: Process the Ice Cream
- After freezing, remove the frozen pint from the freezer and take off the lid.
- Insert the pint into the outer bowl of the Ninja Creami machine. Attach the Creamerizer Paddle to the lid and lock the lid onto the bowl.
- Slide the bowl assembly into the machine’s motor base, twisting it to lock it into place. Select the Ice Cream setting and let the machine work its magic.
- After the cycle is complete, unlock and remove the bowl from the machine. The ice cream will likely appear icy or crumbly on the first spin—this is normal due to the light ingredients used.
- Re-spin the ice cream using the Lite Ice Cream setting until a smooth, creamy texture is achieved.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy goodness!
Optional: Add Mix-ins
- If you want to add mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or fruit, create a small tunnel in the center of the ice cream using a spoon.
- Add the mix-ins into the tunnel, then reassemble the bowl and process using the Mix-In setting to incorporate the additions.
- If using the Deluxe version, you can process the top half of the pint with one mix-in, scoop it out, and then process the bottom half with another mix-in.
Notes and Tips
- Sugar-Free Sweetener: Stevia is used here to keep the recipe sugar-free, but you can experiment with other sweeteners if preferred. Just keep in mind that altering the sweetener may affect the final texture.
- Patience with Freezing: For the best results, be sure to freeze the mixture for at least 12 hours. The longer it freezes, the smoother and creamier your ice cream will be.
- Lite Ice Cream Setting: If your ice cream is too icy after the first spin, the Lite Ice Cream setting is designed to reprocess it to a creamier texture.
- Make a Deluxe Batch: If you’re serving a crowd or want to make a larger batch, simply double the ingredients for the deluxe pint.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different protein shake flavor?
A: Yes! You can use any flavor of protein shake you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor will impact the final taste of your ice cream. Chocolate protein shakes, for example, would give you a chocolatey treat.
Q: Can I make this ice cream without a Ninja Creami?
A: While the Ninja Creami is ideal for making smooth, creamy protein ice cream, you can also use a regular blender to mix the ingredients and then freeze the mixture in ice cube trays. Once frozen, blend the cubes until smooth, but the texture may not be as creamy.
Q: How do I store this ice cream?
A: After serving, you can store the ice cream in the freezer in the same Creami pint container, covered with the lid. If it hardens too much, process it again using the Lite Ice Cream setting to restore its creamy consistency.
Storage Instructions
- Freezing: Store the ice cream in the freezer, in an airtight container or the Ninja Creami pint, for up to 1 week.
- Re-freezing: If the ice cream becomes too hard after refreezing, simply reprocess it in the Ninja Creami using the Lite Ice Cream setting to achieve the perfect texture again.