If you love the refreshing zing of mint paired with rich chocolate, and you’re looking for a protein-packed treat that’s both delicious and guilt-free, the Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Ice Cream Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This delightful dessert combines creamy texture, invigorating flavor, and a clean ingredient list that comes together in no time, thanks to the Ninja Creami. Whether you’re treating yourself after a workout or enjoying a sweet snack, this recipe makes healthy indulgence feel like a total celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect balance of taste and nutrition is easy with just a handful of simple ingredients. Each one plays an essential role—from creating that creamy texture to delivering the fresh mint flavor and chocolate crunch that defines this ice cream.
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk: A low-calorie base that keeps the ice cream light and creamy without overpowering flavors.
- 1 scoop vanilla or unflavored protein powder: Adds a substantial protein boost and a subtle vanilla undertone.
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free vanilla pudding mix: Helps thicken the mixture and adds smoothness without extra sugar.
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract: The star ingredient delivering that refreshing mint burst—use sparingly for the perfect balance.
- 2 tablespoons sugar-free maple syrup or preferred sweetener: Sweetens the ice cream naturally without the sugars that spike energy.
- 1 tablespoon light cream cheese, softened: Brings richness and creaminess that mimics traditional ice cream’s luxurious mouthfeel.
- 2 tablespoons mini dark chocolate chips: These add delightful chocolatey bites that contrast beautifully with the mint.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 2 to 3 drops green food coloring (optional): For that classic mint chocolate chip look, without affecting flavor.
How to Make Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Blend Your Base
Start by adding the almond milk, protein powder, pudding mix, peppermint extract, sweetener, cream cheese, salt, and optional food coloring into a blender. Blend everything together until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. This ensures each bite has that silky texture you’re after in minted ice cream.
Step 2: Freeze the Mixture
Pour your blended base into a Ninja Creami pint container, making sure not to exceed the max fill line. Carefully secure the lid, then place the pint on a flat surface in your freezer. Let it freeze completely for at least 12 hours to achieve the ideal consistency needed for the Ninja Creami machine.
Step 3: Process in the Ninja Creami
Once frozen solid, remove the pint from the freezer and place it into the Ninja Creami machine. Select the Lite Ice Cream or Protein Ice Cream setting, depending on your model, and let the machine make magic happen. If the texture is a bit powdery after the first spin, simply add 1 to 2 tablespoons of almond milk and respin it until creamy perfection is achieved.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips
Create a small well in the center of your softened ice cream, add the mini dark chocolate chips, then run the Mix-In cycle. This step distributes the chocolate chips evenly, giving you bursts of chocolate in every scoop. Now your Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Ice Cream Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra mini dark chocolate chips on top or add a fresh mint leaf for that fresh garden touch. A light drizzle of sugar-free chocolate syrup can also add visual appeal and a flavor boost without adding sugar.
Side Dishes
This protein ice cream pairs wonderfully with a handful of fresh berries or a crunchy granola topping for added texture. You can also serve it alongside a warm almond flour cookie to balance cold and warm sensations beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Ice Cream Recipe in a hollowed-out chocolate bowl or atop a stack of protein pancakes. Using small glass jars with layered mint and chocolate elements creates a gorgeous parfait look that’s perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your ice cream will keep well in the freezer if stored in an airtight container. Make sure to press a piece of parchment paper on top before sealing to prevent ice crystals and maintain that smooth texture you love.
Freezing
You can freeze your Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Ice Cream Recipe for up to two weeks without losing flavor or texture. Just be sure to keep it completely sealed and avoid temperature fluctuations to preserve its creamy consistency.
Reheating
No need for reheating, but if the ice cream is too hard straight from the freezer, let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping. This softening period allows it to melt just enough for the perfect creamy scoop without losing structure.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of milk for this recipe?
Absolutely! While unsweetened almond milk keeps it light, you can swap in fairlife milk, oat milk, or even coconut milk. Just keep in mind the fat content might affect creaminess slightly.
Is peppermint extract necessary or can I use fresh mint?
Peppermint extract provides a concentrated mint flavor that’s hard to beat. Fresh mint can add a subtle flavor, but it won’t deliver that same punch, so if you prefer fresh, consider doubling the amount and blending it well.
Can I use regular sugar instead of sugar-free syrup?
Yes, but keep in mind that using regular sugar will increase the calorie and sugar content. The sugar-free syrup also helps maintain the protein focus and keeps this ice cream low in sugar.
How do I adjust the sweetness if I prefer it less sweet?
Start by reducing the sweetener by half and blend a small test batch. You can always add more sweetener later, but it’s easier to control sweetness this way to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe without a Ninja Creami?
The Ninja Creami makes the texture ultra-smooth and creamy, but you can try freezing the mixture in a container and stirring it every 30 minutes as it freezes to reduce ice crystals. The texture won’t be exactly the same but still delicious!
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Ice Cream Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to healthy dessert. It’s light, refreshing, loaded with protein, and absolutely bursting with flavor. So go ahead and whip up a pint—you deserve to treat yourself to something that tastes indulgent but fuels your body at the same time!
Print
Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 12 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 pint
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frozen
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Sugar
Description
This Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Ice Cream is a deliciously refreshing and healthy dessert option. Packed with protein and low in sugar, it combines creamy peppermint-flavored ice cream with rich dark chocolate chips for a guilt-free treat perfect for a post-workout snack or anytime indulgence.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free vanilla pudding mix
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 tablespoons sugar-free maple syrup or preferred sweetener
- 1 tablespoon light cream cheese, softened
- pinch of salt
- 2 to 3 drops green food coloring (optional)
Mix-Ins
- 2 tablespoons mini dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Blend Ingredients: Add the almond milk, protein powder, pudding mix, peppermint extract, sweetener, cream cheese, salt, and food coloring if using to a blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
- Freeze Mixture: Pour the smooth mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container, ensuring the liquid stays below the maximum fill line. Secure the lid tightly and place the container on a flat surface in the freezer. Freeze for at least 12 hours or until the mixture is fully solid.
- Process in Ninja Creami: Remove the pint from the freezer and insert it into the Ninja Creami machine. Select the Lite Ice Cream or Protein Ice Cream setting to process. If the ice cream texture appears powdery or crumbly after the first spin, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of almond milk and run the spin cycle again until creamy.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Using a spoon, create a small well in the center of the processed ice cream. Add the mini dark chocolate chips to the well. Select the Mix-In cycle on the Ninja Creami to evenly distribute the chocolate chips throughout the ice cream.
- Serve: Once the mix-in cycle is complete, serve the mint chocolate chip protein ice cream immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust peppermint extract carefully as it is very potent—a little goes a long way.
- For a creamier texture, substitute almond milk with Fairlife milk or increase the cream cheese by one tablespoon.
- Chocolate chunks can be used instead of mini chocolate chips if preferred for a chunkier texture.
