I can’t believe Cherry Garcia is a top three Ben & Jerry’s flavor of all time… but honestly, it deserves it. Sweet cherries. Rich chocolate. Creamy vanilla base. It’s a GOAT flavor for sure.
Today we’re making a lighter, high-protein version that still tastes like the real deal. It’s creamy, packed with cherry flavor, loaded with chocolate, and comes in at way fewer calories — with 36 grams of protein per pint. Let’s go.
Servings: 1 pint (1–2 servings)
Freeze Time: 6–8 hours
Active Time: 10 minutes
Why I Love This Recipe
The first time I tried making a high-protein ice cream, I thought it would taste “healthy.” You know what I mean. I was wrong.
When I nailed this version, it felt like cheating. It tastes rich and indulgent, but it fits your goals. That’s the sweet spot.
Here’s why I keep making it:
- It actually tastes like real Cherry Garcia
- It’s thick and creamy, not icy
- 36 grams of protein in one pint
- Way fewer calories than store-bought
- You can customize the chocolate and cherries
If you love ice cream but also love hitting your protein, this one’s for you.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop (about 30g) vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free vanilla pudding mix (dry powder)
- ½ cup no-sugar-added cherry pie filling
- 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate)
Tools You’ll Need
- Ninja Creami machine
- Ninja Creami pint container
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or milk frother
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon
The Recipe & Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Base
In a mixing bowl, add:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop (30g) vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free vanilla pudding mix
Whisk until completely smooth. No clumps. It should look like a thin vanilla shake.
Step 2: Add the Cherry Pie Filling
Stir in:
- ½ cup no-sugar-added cherry pie filling
Gently mix so the cherries swirl through the creamy base.
Step 3: Freeze
Pour the mixture into your Ninja Creami pint container.
Freeze for 6–8 hours, or until completely solid. The surface should be flat and frozen through.
Step 4: First Spin
Place the frozen pint into the Ninja Creami.
Select the Ice Cream function.
After the first spin, it will look thick and crumbly. That’s normal.
Step 5: Add Chocolate & Mix-In
Add:
- 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips
Use the Mix-In function on the Creami.
Now it turns into creamy, scoopable ice cream with chocolate chunks.
Macros Information (Per Pint)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 320–350
- Protein: 36g
- Carbs: 30–35g
- Fat: 8–10g
Macros may vary depending on protein powder and chocolate used.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Protein powder helps create structure.
The sugar-free pudding mix contains thickeners that prevent ice crystals. That’s what makes it creamy instead of icy.
Freezing the base solid allows the Ninja Creami blade to shave it into tiny ice particles. That’s how it mimics real churned ice cream.
The mix-in function gently folds chocolate in without over-blending it.
Common Mistakes
- Not freezing long enough — it must be fully solid
- Overfilling the pint container
- Skipping the pudding mix (it helps texture a lot)
- Panicking after the first crumbly spin — trust the process
What to Serve With
- Extra fresh cherries on top
- A little whipped cream
- Crushed graham crackers
- On top of a warm protein brownie
FAQ
Can I use dairy milk instead of almond milk?
Yes. It will be creamier and slightly higher in calories.
What if it’s still crumbly after spinning?
Add 1 tablespoon almond milk and respin.
Can I use frozen cherries instead of pie filling?
You can, but it won’t be as sweet or jammy. You may need sweetener.
Do I have to use dark chocolate?
No. Milk chocolate or mini chips work too.
Final Thoughts
If you love Cherry Garcia, this version is going to surprise you. It’s thick, creamy, packed with cherry flavor, and loaded with chocolate — but way lighter and high in protein.
Make it once and you’ll see why it’s a repeat recipe. When you try it, come back and tell me how it turned out. I love hearing your twists and tweaks.
