This creamy protein ice cream is made with frozen bananas and comes collectively in minutes—no ice cream maker wanted! It’s full of protein, and straightforward to customise with chocolate or vanilla taste.
For those who’ve ever browsed the freezer aisle for a more healthy ice cream possibility, it may be powerful to search out one which’s really good for you and tastes wonderful. That’s why I began making my very own protein ice cream at dwelling—and actually, it’s so a lot better than store-bought!
This model is creamy, naturally sweetened with bananas, and made with easy, healthful substances you’ll be able to be ok with. No funky components, synthetic preservatives, or refined sugar right here!
It’s additionally larger in fiber and protein (16g per serving!) than most store-bought pints, making it excellent as a post-workout snack, a day deal with, or a better-for-you dessert. Plus, it’s completely customizable—go chocolate or vanilla relying in your temper!
Why You Gotta Strive This One
I’ve been making banana ice cream for years and completely find it irresistible, however I discovered a solution to make it even higher – including protein. Not solely does this stability the macros and make it extra filling, the protein powder additionally provides quantity of taste!
And the most effective half is that you simply don’t want any fancy gear like a Ninja Creami and even an ice cream maker, however the protein ice cream comes out so creamy and scrumptious. I’m hooked!
Components Wanted
We’re utilizing my banana ice cream as the bottom for each recipes. From there, you’ll simply want just a few additional substances relying on whether or not you’re making the chocolate or vanilla model.
- frozen bananas – peel and slice earlier than freezing in order that they’re simpler to mix! Take a look at my information on find out how to freeze bananas for extra suggestions.
- dairy-free milk – any dairy-free milk works right here! I normally use unsweetened almond milk, however be at liberty to make use of no matter you might have readily available.
- protein powder – Use vanilla or chocolate protein powder relying on the flavour you’re making. I like to recommend a plant-based protein powder (that’s what I examined this recipe with). I like each the vanilla and chocolate Truvani protein powder—it’s clear, scrumptious, and plant-based. Use code eatingbirdfood for 10% off!
- almond butter or peanut butter – that is used within the chocolate model so as to add creaminess and richness. Select a nut butter with minimal substances (simply nuts and salt). Want a nut-free possibility? Sunflower seed butter or tahini works properly too.
- cocoa powder and chocolate chips/cacao nibs – these increase the chocolate taste and add texture. I like utilizing Lily’s chocolate chips as a result of they’re dairy-free, low in energy and sweetened with stevia so there’s zero sugar added.
- vanilla extract/vanilla bean paste and cinnamon – these carry out the comfortable, candy taste within the vanilla variation. Vanilla bean paste is additional luxurious if in case you have it readily available!
Make This Ice Cream Your Personal
Top-of-the-line issues about this protein ice cream is how versatile it’s. After getting your chocolate or vanilla base, the choices are vast open. Listed below are some enjoyable methods to make it your personal:
- Add-ins: Stir in a handful of chocolate chips, cacao nibs, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut proper earlier than serving. For additional crunch and texture, strive granola or a crushed protein bar on high.
- Add a swirl: Drizzle in a swirl of peanut butter, date caramel, or berry jam (strive my strawberry chia jam for added fiber!) simply earlier than freezing. It’ll make your ice cream look additional particular.
- Toppings bar: It is a enjoyable one in the event you’re serving to mates or youngsters: scoop your ice cream into bowls and arrange a toppings bar with chopped nuts, chocolate chips, coconut, and contemporary fruit so everybody can construct their very own!
How one can Make Protein Ice Cream
To make both taste, you merely add all the substances into your meals processor and mix! It’s that simple.
Mix the bottom – Add frozen banana chunks, almond milk, almond butter, cocoa powder, and chocolate protein powder to a high-speed blender or meals processor. Mix till clean and creamy, stopping to scrape down the perimeters if wanted.
Add the extras – Pulse in chocolate chips or cacao nibs for a little bit crunch. Take pleasure in straight away or freeze for a firmer scoopable texture.
Brittany’s Suggestions for the Greatest Protein Ice Cream
- Chop bananas earlier than freezing: Lower your bananas into cash or chunks earlier than freezing in order that they’re simpler to mix from totally frozen. This retains the “good cream” texture and avoids the necessity to thaw in any respect.
- Add extra milk: In case your blender is struggling, simply add a tablespoon extra milk slowly because it blends. It’ll assist the motor alongside with out turning it right into a smoothie.
- Cowl tightly: Be sure your ice cream is tightly coated when storing within the freezer to forestall freezer burn!
How one can Serve
There are two methods to serve this protein ice cream – as smooth serve or a scoop-able ice cream. I personally like consuming it straight away as smooth serve, nevertheless it’s additionally scrumptious frozen and served extra like conventional ice cream.
Mushy Serve: For smooth serve consistency, you’ll be able to spoon the combination into one or two bowls and serve instantly after processing along with your desired toppings.
Frozen: For a scoop-able ice cream, switch the ice cream to a freezer-safe dish (I like utilizing a loaf pan lined with parchment paper) and freeze for a minimum of 2 hours. As soon as able to take pleasure in, pull the ice cream from the freezer, scoop and serve along with your favourite toppings.
How one can Retailer Leftovers
This protein ice cream shops rather well within the freezer—simply have in mind it should harden fairly a bit because it’s made with out added sugar or stabilizers.
To retailer, switch the ice cream to an hermetic, freezer-safe container and freeze for as much as 1 month. Be sure the container is properly sealed to forestall freezer burn!
If it’s too exhausting straight from the freezer, let it sit at room temperature for 10–quarter-hour to melt. You can even pop it again into the blender with a splash of milk to carry again that creamy texture. One other tip is to dip your ice cream scoop in scorching water earlier than scooping—it helps the ice cream come out easily with out sticking! For simpler portioning, strive freezing it in particular person containers.
