Homemade protein ice cream

Share a recipe for homemade protein ice cream that is rich and delicious. the perfect healthy protein packed dessert or snack!

Hello friends! How’s the day going? I hope you had a wonderful morning. How about some ice cream for breakfast? It’s one of my favorite healthy dessert recipes and you can enjoy it as a post-workout 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 chips to this batch and it was a dreaaaaaammmmmmm)

Homemade protein ice cream

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

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

This protein ice cream is a creamy and DELICIOUS dessert that packs an amazing 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?

This high-protein ice cream recipe is a great healthy treat, especially since it includes some healthy fats (from coconut milk) and you can add any toppings you like, like peanut butter, nuts, or fruit. Keep in mind that this shouldn’t be a substitute for *real* traditional ice cream if that’s what you’re craving, but it’s not that “other” fake ice cream made with frozen bananas either. If you crave regular ice cream like Ben and Jerry’s and try to make it as a substitute, it won’t fill the void. 😉 Enjoy the real deal, enjoy it and move on with your life.

However, if you’ve already had a protein shake and want to add another protein option to your day and would like something that tastes like a sweet treat, give it a whirl! You could definitely eat it every day as part of a balanced plan that includes lean protein, smart carbs, and healthy fats.

Components

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

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

Vanilla extract

Sea salt

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

For Chocolate Protein Ice Cream: 4 oz semisweet chocolate chips

How to Make Homemade Protein Ice Cream

Step 1

Make sure your ice cream maker bowl is frozen! If not, prepare it the day before you make the ice cream. You can also make the ice cream in a 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 to a simmer. While the chocolate chips are melting, whisk in the protein powder. Dip a spoon into the mixture (be sure to let it cool before tasting!) and add any sweetener of your choice as needed.

Step 3

Pour the mixture into the ice cream maker and turn it on. It will take 20-30 minutes for it to reach the texture of soft serve. For firmer ice cream, place the mixture in a pan and freeze for 3-4 hours. (You can also use a blender or food processor in a pinch.)

Step 4

Scoop out as many portions as you like and enjoy! Add any of the toppings or mix-ins below to customize your flavors!

Ice Cream Topping Ideas:

Add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract and crushed candy canes for a festive treat

Drizzle with peanut butter or swirl a bit in the ice cream maker

Add chocolate chips, melt some chocolate chips on top or add some cocoa powder

Swirl in 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 vanilla protein ice cream for a beautiful almond flavor and top with sliced ​​almonds

Add unsweetened and unsweetened shredded coconut and pecans

Here is the full recipe!

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Have you tried protein ice cream before? What is your favorite ice cream flavor of all time?

It was an extremely satisfying treat, especially with the mix-ins!

xo

Gina