If you adore the comforting flavors of banana bread but are craving something cool, creamy, and packed with protein, the Ninja Creami Banana Bread Protein Ice Cream Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This delightful recipe combines the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg with the smooth richness of cream cheese and protein powder, all churned into a luscious frozen treat. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to satisfy their sweet tooth while keeping things nutritious and high in protein. Trust me, once you try this, your dessert routine will never be the same.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role. From the creamy almond milk to the aromatic spices, every component harmonizes effortlessly to create an irresistible dessert experience.
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk: A smooth, low-calorie base that keeps the ice cream light and creamy.
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder: Adds a boost of protein and a subtle sweetness with rich vanilla notes.
- 1/2 ripe banana, mashed: The star for natural sweetness and authentic banana bread flavor—make sure it’s ripe!
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free vanilla pudding mix: Enhances the texture to be velvety and thick without added sugar.
- 1 tablespoon light cream cheese, softened: Brings creaminess and a gentle tang that mimics classic banana bread.
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Spices things up with that signature banana bread warmth.
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon perfectly with a hint of earthy spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Intensifies the vanilla flavor for a richer taste.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts (optional): Adds crunch and nuttiness, elevating the texture and authenticity.
How to Make Ninja Creami Banana Bread Protein Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Base Ingredients
Start by adding the almond milk, vanilla protein powder, mashed ripe banana, sugar-free vanilla pudding mix, softened cream cheese, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into your blender. Blend everything till the mixture is silky smooth—this ensures every spoonful will be rich and creamy without any lumps.
Step 2: Freeze the Mixture
Pour your smooth batter into the Ninja Creami pint container, making sure not to fill past the max line. Seal the lid tightly and place it in the freezer on a flat surface. Freeze for at least 12 hours or until the mixture is completely solid—this step is key for that perfect ice cream texture.
Step 3: Process in the Ninja Creami Machine
Now comes the fun part! Remove the frozen pint from the freezer, install it in the Ninja Creami machine, and select the Lite Ice Cream or Protein Ice Cream setting. If the texture feels crumbly or dry after the first spin, no worries—add 1 to 2 tablespoons of almond milk and run the spin again until you get a creamy consistency that melts in your mouth.
Step 4: Add Your Mix-In
Create a small well in the center of the ice cream and drop in the chopped walnuts if you’re using them. Then, run the Mix-In cycle on your Ninja Creami to evenly disperse the nuts, adding a wonderful crunch that complements the smooth, spiced ice cream.
How to Serve Ninja Creami Banana Bread Protein Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple by topping with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few extra chopped walnuts for added texture. A drizzle of sugar-free maple syrup or a dollop of Greek yogurt can also bring extra creaminess and a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs beautifully with warm desserts like a lightly toasted whole wheat banana muffin or alongside a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. It also works as a delightful topper on a high-protein waffle for a nutritious breakfast twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in a chilled bowl with a small sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color. You can also layer it in a parfait glass with granola and sliced banana for a visually stunning and delicious treat that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover ice cream in the Ninja Creami pint container sealed tightly in the freezer. It will maintain its creamy texture for up to a week, though it’s best enjoyed sooner to experience the full flavor and creaminess.
Freezing
The recipe needs at least 12 hours of freezing before processing, so planning ahead is essential. Once made, store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer to prevent ice crystals and keep that indulgent texture intact.
Reheating
This ice cream is best served cold and does not require reheating. If it becomes too firm, simply let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes or add a splash of almond milk and reshift in the Ninja Creami to restore creamy smoothness.
FAQs
Can I use dairy milk instead of almond milk?
Absolutely! Dairy milk will make the ice cream even creamier, but almond milk is a fantastic low-calorie alternative and keeps the recipe dairy-free if needed.
What if I don’t have a Ninja Creami machine?
While this recipe shines in the Ninja Creami, you can try freezing the mixture in a shallow dish and stirring every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals, though the texture won’t be quite as smooth.
Can I substitute the cream cheese or omit it?
You can swap the light cream cheese for Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Omitting it will change the creamy texture slightly, but the ice cream will still be delicious.
Is the peanut-free version safe to add other nuts?
Yes! Chopped walnuts are optional and safe as long as you don’t have any nut allergies. You could also try pecans or almonds for different nutty flavors.
How ripe should my banana be?
For the best banana bread flavor, use a very ripe banana with brown spots. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your ice cream will be.
Final Thoughts
You’re going to fall in love with how easy and satisfying the Ninja Creami Banana Bread Protein Ice Cream Recipe is. It’s a perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition, making dessert something to look forward to without any guilt. Give it a try, share it with friends, and watch it become a staple in your freezer for those moments when you want something deliciously wholesome and refreshing.
Print
Ninja Creami Banana Bread Protein Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 12 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 pint
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frozen
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Sugar
Description
This Ninja Creami Banana Bread Protein Ice Cream is a creamy, healthy dessert that combines the comforting flavors of banana bread with a protein-packed boost. Made with wholesome ingredients like ripe bananas, vanilla protein powder, and light cream cheese, this ice cream is perfect for those looking for a low-sugar, high-protein treat that satisfies sweet cravings without the guilt.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free vanilla pudding mix
- 1 tablespoon light cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Optional
- 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: Add the almond milk, vanilla protein powder, mashed ripe banana, sugar-free vanilla pudding mix, softened light cream cheese, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to a blender. Blend all ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth with no lumps.
- Freeze the mixture: Pour the blended mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container, making sure to keep the level below the maximum fill line. Secure the container lid tightly and place it on a flat surface in the freezer. Freeze the mixture for at least 12 hours until it is fully solidified.
- Process in Ninja Creami: Once frozen, remove the pint from the freezer and insert it into your Ninja Creami machine. Select the Lite Ice Cream or Protein Ice Cream setting to process the mixture into creamy ice cream.
- Adjust texture if needed: If after the first spin the ice cream texture is crumbly or not creamy enough, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of almond milk back into the pint. Reinsert the pint into the machine and run the spin cycle again until the desired creaminess is achieved.
- Add mix-ins: Make a small well in the center of the ice cream and add the chopped walnuts if using. Run the Mix-In cycle on the Ninja Creami to evenly incorporate the nuts into the ice cream.
- Serve: Once processed with mix-ins, serve the ice cream immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use a very ripe banana to enhance the authentic banana bread flavor.
- For a richer texture, consider adding an extra tablespoon of light cream cheese or a teaspoon of butter extract during blending.
- If you prefer your ice cream sweeter, you can add a low-calorie sweetener of your choice.
- Chopped walnuts add a nice crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
