This High Protein Ninja Creami Nutella Ice Cream is rich, creamy, chocolatey, and packed with protein. It tastes like a treat from an ice cream shop, but it’s made with simple ingredients and fits into a high-protein lifestyle. I love making this when I want something sweet at night without feeling like I went overboard. The Ninja Creami gives it that smooth, scoopable texture that feels just like real ice cream.
Servings: 2 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Freeze Time: 24 hours
Spin Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: About 24 hours 10 minutes
Why I Love This Recipe
The first time I made this recipe, I was honestly surprised by how close it tasted to regular Nutella ice cream. Most high-protein frozen desserts can be icy or chalky, but this one comes out smooth, rich, and creamy after a quick spin in the Ninja Creami.
Now it’s one of my favorite ways to enjoy a protein-packed dessert. It feels indulgent, but it’s made with ingredients I usually already have at home.
What I love most:
- Rich Nutella flavor in every bite
- High in protein
- Easy to make with only a few ingredients
- Creamy texture after spinning
- Great for meal prep
- Satisfies a sweet craving without needing a large serving
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups Fairlife Fat Free Milk
- 1 scoop (30 grams) chocolate protein powder
- 2 tablespoons Nutella
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free chocolate pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Pro Tips
- Mix very well before freezing so the protein powder fully dissolves.
- Freeze the pint on a flat surface for the smoothest result.
- If the ice cream looks crumbly after the first spin, use the Re-Spin function.
- Let the frozen pint sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before spinning.
- For extra Nutella flavor, add a small drizzle during the mix-in cycle.
Tools Required
- Ninja Creami machine
- Ninja Creami pint container
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Small whisk
- Rubber spatula
Substitutions and Variations
- Use vanilla protein powder for a lighter chocolate flavor.
- Replace Nutella with a chocolate hazelnut protein spread.
- Use Fairlife chocolate milk for a richer flavor.
- Add mini chocolate chips as a mix-in.
- Add chopped hazelnuts for crunch.
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla extract for a nuttier flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
- Freeze several pints at once for easy desserts all week.
- The frozen base can stay in the freezer for up to 30 days before spinning.
- Label each pint with the flavor and date.
Macros Information
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
Macros will vary depending on the brands used.
Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Ice Cream Base
Add 1 1/2 cups Fairlife fat free milk, 1 scoop chocolate protein powder, 2 tablespoons Nutella, 1 tablespoon sugar-free chocolate pudding mix, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the Ninja Creami pint container. Whisk until completely smooth and no dry protein powder remains.
Step 2: Freeze
Place the smooth chocolate mixture into the freezer and freeze for 24 hours until completely solid.
Step 3: Spin the Ice Cream
Remove the frozen pint from the freezer. Place it into the Ninja Creami machine and run the Lite Ice Cream setting.
Step 4: Re-Spin if Needed
If the ice cream looks crumbly, add 1 tablespoon Fairlife fat free milk and use the Re-Spin setting. The texture should become smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Serve
Scoop the creamy Nutella protein ice cream into a round white bowl and serve immediately.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Protein powder helps create structure and body.
- Sugar-free pudding mix contains stabilizers that help reduce iciness.
- Fairlife milk provides extra protein while keeping the texture creamy.
- Nutella adds fat, which improves mouthfeel and richness.
- The Ninja Creami shaves the frozen base into tiny particles, creating a smooth ice cream texture.
Common Mistakes
- Not mixing the protein powder completely before freezing.
- Freezing for less than 24 hours.
- Overfilling the Ninja Creami pint container.
- Skipping the Re-Spin when the texture is crumbly.
- Using too much liquid during Re-Spin.
What to Serve With
- Fresh strawberries
- Fresh raspberries
- Sliced banana
- Protein brownies
- Chocolate rice cakes
- Chopped hazelnuts
- Espresso or coffee
Leftovers and Storage
- Store the unspun frozen pint in the freezer for up to 30 days.
- If the spun ice cream refreezes, simply spin it again before serving.
- Keep the pint tightly sealed to prevent freezer odors.
FAQ
Q: Can I use vanilla protein powder?
A: Yes. The ice cream will be less chocolatey but still delicious.
Q: Do I need the pudding mix?
A: It helps improve texture and creaminess, but the recipe can still work without it.
Q: Why is my ice cream crumbly?
A: This is normal. Add 1 tablespoon milk and run the Re-Spin cycle.
Q: Can I add mix-ins?
A: Yes. Chocolate chips, hazelnuts, or crushed cookies work well.
Q: Can I make this without Nutella?
A: Yes. Use another chocolate hazelnut spread or leave it out for a lighter chocolate flavor.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein Ninja Creami Nutella Ice Cream is one of those recipes that feels like a cheat dessert while still delivering plenty of protein. It’s creamy, rich, easy to make, and perfect when you want something sweet after dinner. Give it a try, and don’t forget to come back and leave a comment with your results, favorite mix-ins, or any questions you have. Happy scooping!
