If you love butterscotch, this one’s for you. It’s sweet, creamy, and packed with protein, but still tastes like dessert. I’ve made this so many times when I want something cold and cozy at the same time. The Ninja Creami makes it super smooth, almost like real ice cream from a shop. And the best part? It’s simple.
Servings: 1 pint (about 2–3 servings)
Freeze Time: 8–12 hours
Spin Time: 5–10 minutes
Why I Love This Recipe
The first time I made this, I couldn’t believe it was high in protein. It tasted like something you’d order at an ice cream shop. That rich, buttery flavor with a hint of brown sugar? So good.
Now it’s one of my go-to treats when I want something sweet but still balanced.
Here’s why I keep making it:
- It tastes like classic butterscotch pudding turned into ice cream
- It’s creamy, not icy
- It’s high in protein, so it actually fills you up
- You only need a few simple ingredients
- It feels like a treat, but fits into a healthy routine
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- ½ cup Fairlife 2% milk (or any high-protein milk)
- 1 scoop (about 30 grams) vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free butterscotch pudding mix (dry powder)
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free butterscotch syrup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar substitute (like Swerve Brown)
- Pinch of salt
Tools You’ll Need
- Ninja Creami machine
- Ninja Creami pint container
- Blender or milk frother
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or butter knife (for leveling)
The Recipe and Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Base
In a blender, add:
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- ½ cup Fairlife 2% milk
- 1 scoop (30 grams) vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free butterscotch pudding mix (dry powder)
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free butterscotch syrup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar substitute
- Pinch of salt
Blend for 20–30 seconds until completely smooth. Make sure the protein powder and pudding mix are fully dissolved. No lumps.
Step 2: Freeze
Pour the smooth butterscotch mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container. Do not go past the max fill line.
Place the lid on and freeze on a flat surface for 8–12 hours, until completely solid.
Step 3: Spin in the Ninja Creami
Remove the frozen pint. The mixture should be solid and light brown.
Place the pint into the Ninja Creami outer bowl. Lock it into the machine and press the “Lite Ice Cream” button.
Let it spin once. If it looks crumbly, add 1 tablespoon almond milk and spin again using “Re-Spin.”
Step 4: Serve
After spinning, the texture should be smooth and creamy. Scoop into a round bowl. Drizzle extra sugar-free butterscotch syrup on top if you like.
Macros Information (Per Serving – about 1/3 of pint)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 9g
- Fat: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
Macros will vary depending on your protein powder and milk.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Protein powder helps thicken the base and gives structure when frozen. The pudding mix contains stabilizers that reduce ice crystals, which makes the texture creamy instead of icy. The small amount of sweetener and syrup lowers the freezing point slightly, so the ice cream stays scoopable after spinning.
That’s how you get that soft-serve texture without heavy cream.
Common Mistakes
- Not freezing long enough. It must be fully solid.
- Overfilling the pint container. Stay at the max line.
- Skipping the re-spin. One extra spin makes it super creamy.
- Not blending well. Any dry protein powder will create lumps.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use chocolate protein powder for a chocolate-butterscotch twist
- Swap almond milk for regular milk or oat milk
- Add 1 tablespoon mini sugar-free chocolate chips after spinning
- Mix in crushed protein cookies using the “Mix-In” setting
Make Ahead Tips
You can freeze several pints at once and keep them ready in the freezer. Just spin when you’re ready to eat. Perfect for meal prep.
Leftovers and Storage
Flatten the top before refreezing. When ready to eat again, let it sit out for 5 minutes, then re-spin. Add 1 tablespoon milk if needed.
What to Serve With
- Crushed graham crackers
- A warm protein brownie
- Sliced bananas
- A spoonful of peanut butter
FAQ
Can I use whey protein?
Yes. Whey blends smoother, but plant protein works too. Just blend extra well.
Why is my ice cream powdery after spinning?
That’s normal sometimes. Just add 1 tablespoon milk and re-spin.
Can I make it sweeter?
Yes. Add a little more brown sugar substitute before freezing.
Do I have to use pudding mix?
It helps a lot with texture. Without it, the ice cream may be more icy.
Final Thoughts
This Ninja Creami butterscotch protein ice cream is proof that healthy can still taste amazing. It’s creamy, rich, and super easy. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep a pint in your freezer at all times. Make it, spin it, and enjoy every spoonful. Let me know how it turns out for you!
