Homemade Protein Ice Cream

Sharing a recipe for homemade protein ice cream that’s rich and delicious; the perfect healthy dessert or protein-packed snack!

Hi friends! How is the day going? I hope you’re having a wonderful morning. How about a little ice cream for breakfast?

I have a super easy and delicious recipe to share with you today for homemade protein ice cream!

(I added peanut butter and chocolate chunks to this batch and it was a dreaaaaammmmmm)

We all know that protein is important. Not only is it the most satisfying macronutrient, protein is also the building block for our cells. It’s important in the fitness/health world because it can help us build and retain muscle, which is especially crucial as we age. We want to build and protect our muscle to help our bones and also protect our metabolism, as muscle is “hungrier” than fat and has a higher energy demand.

I tend to recommend around 1g per lb of ideal bodyweight (depending on SO many factors, like body composition, age, goals, preferred eating strategy, etc) but I like to aim for 1 palm-sized serving at each meal and snack.

This protein ice cream is a creamy and TASTY dessert, which packs an awesome serving of protein. It’s a great way to add variety to your protein sources while enjoying a sweet treat. I’m sharing the recipe with you today so you can recreate it at home!

Is Protein Ice Cream Healthy?

Protein ice cream is a great healthy treat, especially since this one includes some healthy fats (from coconut milk) and you can add any toppings you like, including peanut butter, nuts, or fruit. Please keep in mind that this should not be a substitute for *real* ice cream, if that’s what you’re craving. If you’re craving Ben and Jerry’s and try to make this as a substitute, it won’t fill the void for ya. 😉 Have some of the real deal, enjoy it, and move on with your life.

However, if you’re looking to add another protein-packed option to your day and would like something that tastes like a sweet treat, give this a whirl! You could absolutely eat it everyday as part of a balanced plan that includes lean protein, smart carbs, and healthy fats.

Ingredients

Protein powder of choice – whey protein and pea protein will work the best. This step is important and make sure to use a protein powder you love! If you’re looking for ideas, try out Truvani or Now Foods (use FITNESSISTA for 20% off). Pick a protein powder that has a good texture and tastes good – this is crucial. You can use vanilla protein powder or chocolate protein powder, depending on what flavor ice cream you’d like to make.

Full-fat coconut milk – you can also use unsweetened almond milk BUT the coconut milk is going to give it the rich flavor and texture. If you are not dairy-free, you could absolutely use whole milk (which I recommend for flavor, texture, and nutrients over skim milk)

Vanilla

Sea salt

Stevia to taste* (You can also use maple syrup if you don’t like the taste of Stevia. I avoid other artificial sugars because the sugar alcohols upset my stomach)

For chocolate protein ice cream: 4oz semi sweet chocolate chips

How To make Homemade Protein Ice Cream

Step 1

Make sure that the bowl of your ice cream maker is frozen! If it’s not, get that ready the day prior to making the ice cream. You can also make the ice cream in a loaf pan, but it will have a different texture.

Step 2

In a saucepan on the stove, add the milk, chocolate chips, vanilla, and sea salt, and bring up to a simmer. As the chocolate chips melt, whisk in the protein powder. Dip a spoon into the mixture (make sure to let it cool before tasting!) and add any sweetener you’d like as needed.

Step 3

Pour the mixture into the ice cream maker and turn it on. It will take 20-30 minutes until it has the texture of soft serve. For a firmer ice cream, place the mixture into a loaf pan and freeze for 3-4 hours.

Step 4

Scoop out any servings you’d like and enjoy! Add any of the toppings or mix-ins below to customize your flavors!

Mix-ins and topping ideas:

Add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract and crushed candy canes for a holiday-ish treat

Top with peanut butter or swirl some into the ice cream maker

Add chocolate chips or melt some chocolate chips on top

Swirl in some fruit jam

Top with fresh berries

Mix some ground espresso beans into the ice cream maker (and use coffee instead of water!)

Add almond extract to the vanilla protein ice cream for a beautiful almond flavor and top with sliced almonds

Add unsweetened shredded coconut and pecans

Here is the full recipe!

Homemade Protein Ice Cream

A delicious healthy dessert option with a dose of protein. Add in any mix-ins and customize it however you’d like!

Author: Gina Harney // The Fitnessista
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

3 scoops Protein powder of choice – whey protein and pea protein will work the best. This step is important and make sure to use a protein powder you love! If you’re looking for ideas, try out Truvani or Now Foods (use FITNESSISTA for 20% off). Pick a protein powder that has a good texture and tastes good – this is crucial. You can use vanilla protein powder or chocolate protein powder, depending on what flavor ice cream you’d like to make.

2 cans of full-fat coconut milk – you can also use unsweetened almond milk BUT the coconut milk is going to give it the rich flavor and texture. If you are not dairy-free, you could absolutely use whole milk (which I recommend for flavor, texture, and nutrients over skim milk)

1 teaspoon vanilla

Pinch of sea salt