Short description
This creamy, protein-packed matcha ice cream is a refreshing twist on traditional ice cream, made with a blend of milk, vanilla protein powder, and ceremonial-grade matcha. With a smooth texture and a slight sweetness, this ice cream is a healthy treat you can enjoy any time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with protein: The addition of vanilla protein powder makes this ice cream not only creamy but also a great source of protein.
- Refreshing matcha flavor: The ceremonial-grade matcha powder provides a smooth, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy base.
- Low in sugar: This recipe uses unsweetened almond milk and a touch of vanilla pudding mix to keep the sweetness in check, making it a healthier dessert option.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like white chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or graham crackers for a fun and flavorful twist.
- Perfect consistency: The Ninja Creami makes it easy to achieve a smooth, creamy texture without the need for an ice cream maker.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup Fairlife 2% milk
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tbsp vanilla Jello pudding mix
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp ceremonial-grade matcha powder
- 1 tbsp Silk vanilla coffee creamer
Directions
- Prepare the mixture: Add all ingredients to the Ninja Creami pint container, ensuring it doesn’t exceed the max fill line.
- Blend: Use a handheld frother to blend the ingredients until they are fully combined and smooth.
- Freeze: Cover the pint container and freeze it for at least 24 hours until solid.
- Run under hot water: After freezing, remove the pint from the freezer and run it under hot water for 60-90 seconds to loosen the mixture.
- Spin in Ninja Creami: Install the frozen pint into your Ninja Creami ice cream maker and press the “Lite Ice Cream” button for the first spin.
- Check the texture: If the texture is still crumbly or powdery, return the pint to the freezer and press the “Re-Spin” button until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Adjust the texture: If the ice cream is too thick, add a small amount of liquid (milk or almond milk) and re-spin until you achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
- Add mix-ins: Once the ice cream is silky smooth, create a hole in the center and add your favorite mix-ins (such as white chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or crushed graham crackers). Use the “Mix-In” button to evenly incorporate them.
- Serve: Scoop, serve, and enjoy your refreshing, creamy matcha ice cream!
Servings and timing
- Serves 2-4 (depending on portion size)
- Prep time: ~5 minutes
- Freeze time: 24 hours
- Spin time: 5-10 minutes (including re-spin if necessary)
Variations
- Flavor boost: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or a few drops of mint extract for a unique twist.
- Sweetness level: Adjust the sweetness by adding a touch of honey, maple syrup, or a low-carb sweetener.
- Different matcha: If you prefer a stronger matcha flavor, you can add more matcha powder, but be mindful not to overpower the other flavors.
- Non-dairy version: Swap the Fairlife milk with a non-dairy milk like oat or coconut milk to make it fully dairy-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover matcha ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week.
- Reheating: The best way to enjoy this ice cream is straight from the freezer, but if it’s too hard, let it sit for a few minutes before scooping.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular milk instead of Fairlife milk?
Yes, you can use regular 2% milk or any milk of your choice, but Fairlife milk is higher in protein, making it a better option for this recipe.
2. Can I use a different type of protein powder?
Yes, you can use any type of vanilla protein powder, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may change depending on the type.
3. Can I skip the vanilla Jello pudding mix?
The vanilla pudding mix helps to thicken and improve the texture, but if you prefer to leave it out, you can. Just know that the consistency might be slightly less creamy.
4. Can I use a different type of matcha?
For the best flavor, it’s recommended to use ceremonial-grade matcha, but you can use culinary-grade matcha as well if that’s what you have on hand.
5. How can I make this recipe sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter ice cream, you can add a little honey, maple syrup, or a low-calorie sweetener like stevia.
6. Can I use a different creamer?
You can use any type of creamer you like, such as coconut milk or almond milk creamers, but Silk vanilla coffee creamer works well to add creaminess and flavor.
7. How do I know when the ice cream is ready?
Once the ice cream is smooth and creamy, it’s ready to serve. If it’s still crumbly or powdery, simply re-spin it until the desired texture is achieved.
8. Can I add other flavors to this recipe?
Yes! You can add things like cocoa powder, cinnamon, or even a scoop of protein powder in a different flavor to customize your ice cream.
9. Can I make this without a Ninja Creami?
This recipe is designed for the Ninja Creami, but you can also use a traditional ice cream maker if you have one. The texture might not be as smooth, though.
10. Can I store the ice cream in a container after spinning?
Yes, you can transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze it for later. Let it sit for a few minutes before scooping if it becomes too hard in the freezer.
Conclusion
This Ninja Creami matcha ice cream is a protein-packed, refreshing treat with a creamy texture and subtle matcha flavor. Perfect for a post-workout snack or a healthy dessert, this recipe is easy to make, customizable, and incredibly satisfying. With the Ninja Creami, you’ll get smooth, silky ice cream in no time — perfect for enjoying on a warm day or whenever you need a little treat!
Print
Ninja Creami Matcha Ice Cream (Protein Recipe)
- Total Time: 24 hours (freeze time)
- Yield: 2-4 servings
Description
This creamy, protein-packed matcha ice cream is a refreshing twist on traditional ice cream, made with a blend of milk, vanilla protein powder, and ceremonial-grade matcha. With a smooth texture and a slight sweetness, this ice cream is a healthy treat you can enjoy any time.
Ingredients
1 cup Fairlife 2% milk
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 tbsp vanilla Jello pudding mix
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp ceremonial-grade matcha powder
1 tbsp Silk vanilla coffee creamer
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: Add all ingredients to the Ninja Creami pint container, ensuring it doesn’t exceed the max fill line.
- Blend: Use a handheld frother to blend the ingredients until they are fully combined and smooth.
- Freeze: Cover the pint container and freeze it for at least 24 hours until solid.
- Run under hot water: After freezing, remove the pint from the freezer and run it under hot water for 60-90 seconds to loosen the mixture.
- Spin in Ninja Creami: Install the frozen pint into your Ninja Creami ice cream maker and press the ‘Lite Ice Cream’ button for the first spin.
- Check the texture: If the texture is still crumbly or powdery, return the pint to the freezer and press the ‘Re-Spin’ button until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Adjust the texture: If the ice cream is too thick, add a small amount of liquid (milk or almond milk) and re-spin until you achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
- Add mix-ins: Once the ice cream is silky smooth, create a hole in the center and add your favorite mix-ins (such as white chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or crushed graham crackers). Use the ‘Mix-In’ button to evenly incorporate them.
- Serve: Scoop, serve, and enjoy your refreshing, creamy matcha ice cream!
Notes
Flavor boost: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or a few drops of mint extract for a unique twist.
Sweetness level: Adjust the sweetness by adding a touch of honey, maple syrup, or a low-carb sweetener.
Different matcha: If you prefer a stronger matcha flavor, you can add more matcha powder, but be mindful not to overpower the other flavors.
Non-dairy version: Swap the Fairlife milk with a non-dairy milk like oat or coconut milk to make it fully dairy-free.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake, Frozen
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
