This delicious ice cream, including the keyword “Protein Ice Cream,” is made with frozen bananas as the main ingredient. You can choose between two flavors: chocolate or vanilla, or even mix them together! It’s suitable for vegans, meaning it doesn’t contain any animal products. Plus, it’s so smooth and tasty, you’re going to absolutely love this Protein Ice Cream!
Have you ever considered replacing your typical breakfast of protein shakes or bars with something unexpected—like ice cream? Yes, you heard it right! Ice cream for breakfast might sound surprising, but it could be a delicious alternative worth trying out!
Before jumping to conclusions about the idea of adding protein to ice cream, I sincerely request you to give this recipe a fair shot! Trust me, it’s so wonderfully smooth and flavorful that nobody will even suspect it’s a healthier version.
I’m offering two delicious flavor options that serve as excellent starting points. From there, feel free to tailor them to your taste preferences! As for toppings, I typically enjoy mine adorned with nuts, chocolate, berries, and more, but the possibilities are truly endless.
Is This Ice Cream Healthy?
Rest assured! This ice cream is carefully prepared using only natural and nutritious ingredients. There’s no added refined sugar or artificial preservatives, making it a healthier choice. Plus, it’s loaded with fiber and contains less sugar compared to regular ice cream. Despite being guilt-free, it doesn’t compromise on taste; it’s still wonderfully delicious!
With a generous serving of 11 grams of protein, this ice cream can work wonders in steadying your blood sugar levels, preventing those post-snack hunger pangs. If you’re anything like me, prone to finishing off a whole pint of ice cream in one go, then you’re in luck—this recipe is specifically designed with you in mind!
This is what you require.
For both recipes, we’re starting with my banana ice cream as the foundation. You’ll just need these two ingredients:
We require frozen bananas for this, and my recommendation is to peel and slice them before freezing. This way, they’ll be simpler to blend smoothly into the ice cream mixture!
To complete the recipe, you’ll need dairy-free milk. You can use any type you prefer—it’s versatile! I usually opt for unsweetened almond milk, but don’t worry if you have a different kind at home. Use whatever you have on hand!
Extra Ingredients for Chocolate Protein Ice Cream
Almond butter or peanut butter: When choosing nut butter, it’s important to pick one without any additional ingredients. I usually opt for the store’s own brand and carefully examine the label to ensure it only contains nuts and perhaps a bit of salt. If you’re avoiding nuts, you can try sunflower butter or tahini instead—they’re great alternatives that work well in this recipe!
Chocolate protein powder: The secret ingredient that infuses this ice cream with delightful chocolate flavor is chocolate protein powder! I particularly enjoy using chocolate Nuzest protein powder for its plant-based formula, minimal and wholesome ingredients, and delicious taste.
Cocoa powder: Enhance the chocolate taste by adding a touch of cocoa powder. You can also use cacao for a similar effect.
Chocolate chips or cacao nibs: To boost crunchiness and flavor, I prefer incorporating Lily’s chocolate chips. They’re dairy-free, low in calories, and sweetened with stevia, making them a great choice with no added sugar.
Extra Ingredients for Vanilla Protein Ice Cream
Vanilla protein powder: Boost your protein intake and infuse flavor with this vanilla protein powder! I personally endorse Nuzest protein powder for its plant-based formula, simple and clean ingredient list, and delightful taste.
Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Either choice is perfect for adding a tasty vanilla flavor! Personally, I tend to use vanilla bean paste when I have it, as it adds a rich depth to the flavor. However, vanilla extract is still wonderful and works just as well when I don’t have the paste on hand.
Cinnamon: This contributes just the right touch of spice to the ice cream.
Making Protein Ice Cream
To create either flavor, it’s as easy as putting all the ingredients into your food processor and blending them together! That’s all there is to it—simple and straightforward.
Best Times to Enjoy Protein Ice Cream
You might wonder, “Should I save this for dessert, or is it better suited for a post-workout snack?” Well, the answer is both!
This protein ice cream is nutritious enough to enjoy after a workout or as a mid-day snack to fend off those afternoon hunger pangs. And don’t worry about missing out on indulgence—it’s also delicious enough to satisfy your craving for ice cream, making it a perfect treat after dinner.
Ways to Enjoy
You have two options for serving this protein ice cream: enjoy it as soft serve immediately, or freeze it for a more traditional scoopable texture. Personally, I prefer indulging in it right away as soft serve, but it’s equally delicious when frozen and served like regular ice cream.
Soft Serve: To achieve a soft serve texture, simply transfer the mixture into one or two bowls and serve right after blending, topped with your favorite additions.
Frozen: To create scoopable ice cream, move the mixture into a freezer-friendly container (I prefer using a loaf pan lined with parchment paper) and freeze it for a minimum of 2 hours. When you’re ready to indulge, take the ice cream out of the freezer, scoop it into bowls, and add your desired toppings. If the ice cream becomes too firm in the freezer, simply let it sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes to soften before serving!
Storing Leftovers
This protein ice cream stores really well in the freezer. Just place leftovers in a freezer-safe container that’s covered completely and store for up to one month in the freezer.
Tip
Remember to tightly cover your ice cream to prevent freezer burn!
