If you love banana bread and you’re into high-protein treats, this one’s a game changer. It tastes like a slice of banana bread straight out of the freezer—cool, creamy, and crazy good.
Plus, it’s packed with protein and made for the Ninja Creami, so you get that perfect texture every single time.
What You’ll Need
- 1 ripe banana (peeled and mashed)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (about 30g)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp sugar-free maple syrup
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- Pinch of salt
Why I Love This Recipe
I made this one night when I was craving banana bread but didn’t feel like baking. I threw it together, popped it in the freezer, and the next day—it blew my mind. It’s cold and creamy, but still feels like banana bread in a spoon. It’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again.
- Tastes just like banana bread—sweet, cozy, and cinnamony
- High-protein and super filling
- No need to turn on the oven
- Great for meal prep
- Only 7 ingredients
Makes 1 serving
Prep time: 5 minutes
Freeze time: 12–24 hours
Spin time: 2–3 minutes
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Bananas bring in natural sweetness and creaminess once frozen. Protein powder helps bulk it up while still keeping it smooth. Cinnamon and vanilla give that baked banana bread flavor. The Ninja Creami works best when the mix is fully frozen solid and then spun—it breaks down the frozen block and whips air into it, giving it a soft-serve-like texture.
Recipe + Instructions
Step 1: Mash the Banana
In a small bowl, mash 1 ripe banana until completely smooth.
Step 2: Add Protein and Flavor
Add 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tbsp sugar-free maple syrup, and a pinch of salt to the mashed banana. Stir well.
Step 3: Pour in Almond Milk
Pour in 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk and stir everything until smooth and evenly mixed.
Step 4: Freeze
Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container. Make sure the mixture is below the max fill line. Seal and freeze for at least 12 hours or overnight.
Step 5: Spin in Ninja Creami
After freezing, insert the pint into the outer bowl, lock in place, and run the Lite Ice Cream cycle once. If needed, respin up to 2 times to get a creamy texture.
Step 6: Serve and Top (Optional)
Scoop the creamy banana bread protein ice cream into a bowl. Optional: sprinkle a few crushed walnuts or cinnamon on top.
Pro Tips
- Use a very ripe banana for max sweetness
- Let the frozen pint sit out for 10 minutes before spinning if it’s rock hard
- If it looks crumbly after spinning, add 1 tbsp almond milk and run a Re-Spin
- Want it sweeter? Add more maple syrup or a dash of stevia
- You can double the recipe, but freeze in separate pints
Tools You’ll Need
- Ninja Creami + pint container
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight freezer-safe container (Ninja pint)
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap almond milk for oat or regular milk
- Use chocolate protein powder for a twist
- Add a tablespoon of chopped nuts or dark chocolate before spinning
- For a dairy-free version, just make sure your protein powder is plant-based
- Add 1 tbsp Greek yogurt for a richer texture
Make-Ahead Tips
- Freeze multiple pints at once for easy grab-and-spin treats all week
- Mash banana and mix ingredients ahead, store in fridge for up to 24 hours before freezing
Leftovers & Storage
- Store any extra ice cream right in the Ninja Creami pint and refreeze
- To re-serve, let it thaw for 10 minutes and run a Re-Spin
- Don’t microwave to soften—it’ll mess with the texture
Common Mistakes
- Not letting it freeze long enough—needs at least 12 hours
- Overfilling the pint—never go past the max line
- Not mixing ingredients smoothly before freezing
- Using a banana that’s not ripe enough—it won’t taste sweet
- Skipping the Re-Spin if it looks crumbly—it needs that second go sometimes
What to Serve With
- A warm slice of banana bread on the side
- Hot coffee or chai tea
- A handful of roasted almonds
- Top with extra protein granola or nut butter drizzle
FAQ
Can I use frozen banana?
Nope! You want a fresh ripe banana, then freeze the whole mix.
Do I have to use protein powder?
Yes—for texture and thickness. But you can use any brand you like.
Can I make this without a Ninja Creami?
Not really. This recipe depends on the Creami’s ability to turn frozen blocks into smooth ice cream.
Why does mine look crumbly?
That’s normal. Add 1 tbsp almond milk and hit Re-Spin.
How long can it stay frozen?
Up to 1 month, tightly sealed in the Ninja pint.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Protein Ice Cream is one of those recipes that just works. It’s fast, filling, and full of flavor. Once you try it, you’ll want to stock your freezer with backup pints. Give it a go, and let me know how it turned out in the comments!
