Homemade Protein Ice Cream – The Fitnessista

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

Hello friends! How’s the day going? I hope you have a wonderful morning. How about a little ice cream for breakfast?

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

(I added peanut butter and chocolate chips to this batch and it was to die for)

Homemade protein ice cream

We all know that protein is important. Not only is it the most filling 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 maintain muscle, which is especially important as we age. We want to build and protect our muscles to help our bones and also protect our metabolism as muscle is “hungrier” than fat and has higher energy needs.

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

This protein ice cream is a creamy and DELICIOUS dessert that packs a fantastic dose 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 make it at home!

Is protein ice cream healthy?

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

However, if you want to add another high-protein option to your day and like something that tastes like a sweet treat, give it a go! You can eat it every day 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 work best. This step is important and make sure to use a protein powder 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 crucial. You can use vanilla protein powder or chocolate protein powder depending on what kind of ice cream flavor you want to make.

Full-Fat Coconut Milk – You can also use unsweetened almond milk BUT the coconut milk gives it the rich flavor and texture. If you’re not dairy-free, you can definitely use whole milk (which I recommend over skim milk for flavor, texture, and nutrients).

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: 4 ounces semi-sweet 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 loaf pan, but it will have a different texture.

step 2

In a saucepan on the stove, add milk, chocolate chips, vanilla, and sea salt and bring to a simmer. While the chocolate chips melt, stir in the protein powder. Dip a spoonful into the mixture (make sure to let it cool before tasting!) and add any sweetener as needed.

step 3

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

step 4

Scoop out any portion and enjoy! Add one 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 celebratory treat

Top with peanut butter or toss some in the ice cream maker

Add chocolate chips or melt some chocolate chips on top

Stir in some fruit jam

Top with fresh berries

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

Add almond extract to vanilla protein ice cream for a nice almond flavor and top with slivered almonds

Add unsweetened shredded coconut and pecans

Here’s the full recipe!

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Have you ever tried protein ice cream? What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream of all time?

It was a super satisfying treat, especially with the mix-ins!

xo

gina