Description
A refreshing, creamy peppermint protein ice cream made with a blend of 2% milk, almond milk, Greek yogurt, vanilla protein powder, and a hint of hot chocolate flavor. This low-calorie, high-protein frozen treat is easy to prepare using a Ninja Creami or a blender, perfect for a healthy dessert or post-workout snack.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
- 1 cup 2% milk
- ½ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 85 g non-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (about 31g)
- 1 reduced calorie hot chocolate packet
- 1 tsp stevia (or sweetener of choice, to taste)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 candy cane (crushed)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add all ingredients under “Ice Cream Base” into your Ninja Creami pint and whisk or froth thoroughly to combine. Alternatively, blend the ingredients in a blender until smooth, then pour into the pint container.
- Freeze: Seal the pint with the lid and freeze on a level surface for 24 hours to ensure the mixture is fully frozen.
- Thaw Slightly: After freezing, run the pint under hot water for 1-2 minutes to slightly soften the ice cream base for a smoother texture during processing.
- Process Ice Cream: Place the pint into the Ninja Creami and run on the ‘Lite Ice Cream’ mode to churn the mixture into ice cream.
- Respin for Smoothness: If needed, respin 1-2 more times until the ice cream reaches a creamy and smooth consistency.
- Add Candy Cane Mix-In: Use a spoon to create a well in the center of the ice cream if it hasn’t formed naturally. Add most of the crushed candy cane into this well, reserving some for garnish.
- Mix Candies: Place the pint back in the Ninja Creami and run the ‘Mix-In’ setting to evenly distribute the crushed candy canes throughout the ice cream.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the reserved crushed candy cane on top for a festive finish and enjoy your peppermint frosty protein ice cream!
Notes
- Ensure the ice cream base is fully frozen before processing for best texture.
- Adjust sweetener quantity to taste, especially if using a different type of sweetener.
- If you don’t have a Ninja Creami, you can try blending and freezing the mixture, stirring every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals.
- Use crushed candy canes or peppermint candies for the mix-in to maintain the peppermint flavor and add crunch.
- This recipe makes one serving; multiply ingredients accordingly for more servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American