This one’s smooth, sweet, a little salty, and packed with protein. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a treat but still fits into your goals. You toss everything into a blender, freeze it, spin it in the Ninja Creami, and boom—ice cream magic.
Why I Love This Recipe
I made this one night when I wanted something cold and sweet after the gym but didn’t want to wreck all the work I’d done. I blended it up with what I had—Fairlife milk, protein powder, and caramel sauce—and it shocked me how good it was after a quick spin in the Creami. Now it’s on repeat.
- It tastes like real ice cream
- It’s high in protein and super filling
- It’s crazy easy—blend, freeze, spin
- You can mix in toppings or sauces after
- Makes: 1 serving
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Freeze Time: 12–24 hours
- Spin Time: 2–3 minutes
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup Fairlife 2% milk
- 1 scoop salted caramel protein powder (30g)
- 1 tbsp sugar-free salted caramel syrup (like Jordan’s Skinny Syrups)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional mix-in: 1 tbsp sugar-free caramel sauce (added after first spin)
Tools
- Blender
- Ninja Creami machine
- Creami pint container
- Spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Pro Tips
- Always blend your base before freezing—don’t just stir it
- Let the frozen base sit out for 5–10 minutes before spinning
- Re-spin if it looks crumbly—it’ll turn perfect after 2 spins
- Add caramel drizzle or protein bar chunks after first spin for texture
- Freeze overnight (12+ hours minimum) for best spin results
Substitutions & Variations
- Use chocolate protein powder instead of salted caramel for a twist
- Sub Fairlife for any other high-protein milk (like Core Power)
- Use regular caramel syrup if not avoiding sugar
- Add chopped nuts or crushed protein cookies as mix-ins after first spin
Make Ahead Tips
- You can freeze several pints in advance with different flavors
- Label the lid with flavor and date using masking tape
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The key is protein and milk fat balance. Fairlife is ultra-filtered, giving it more protein and less sugar. Protein powder thickens the mix and helps it stay creamy. The small amount of syrup keeps it soft enough to spin smooth. Letting it rest before spinning reduces iciness.
Common Mistakes
- Not blending the base—this makes it gritty
- Spinning too soon after freezing—it’s too solid and won’t mix right
- Using too much syrup—can make it overly soft or icy
- Forgetting the re-spin—first spin is often crumbly, second one is creamy magic
What to Serve With
- Coffee or espresso
- A protein brownie
- Chopped nuts or granola on top
- Fresh banana slices
- Drizzle of nut butter
Instructions
Step 1: Blend the Base
Add 1 cup Fairlife 2% milk, 1 scoop salted caramel protein powder (30g), 1 tbsp sugar-free salted caramel syrup, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into a blender. Blend until completely smooth—about 30 seconds.
Step 2: Freeze the Base
Pour the blended mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container. Seal with lid and place it upright in the freezer for 12–24 hours.
Step 3: Spin in the Ninja Creami
Remove pint from freezer and let it sit on the counter for 5–10 minutes. Place pint into Ninja Creami machine, lock into position, and select “Lite Ice Cream” mode.
Step 4: Check Texture and Re-Spin If Needed
If the texture looks crumbly or powdery, put it back in and press “Re-Spin.” It should turn smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Add Caramel Sauce and Spin Again (Optional)
Scoop 1 tbsp sugar-free caramel sauce into the center of the pint. Press “Mix-In” mode to blend it in.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Scoop ice cream into a round ceramic bowl. Top with extra caramel drizzle or a pinch of flaky salt if you want.
Leftovers & Storage
You can smooth out leftovers in the pint and re-freeze. Let it sit for 10 minutes and spin again before eating next time. If it gets too hard, add 1–2 tbsp milk before re-spinning.
Macros (Estimate per serving)
- Calories: 200–230
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 5–8g (depends on syrup)
- Fat: 4g
FAQ
Can I use regular milk?
Yes, but it’ll have less protein.
Do I have to let it thaw before spinning?
Yes—5–10 minutes helps get the best texture.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try with almond milk and a vegan protein, but texture will be softer.
What if it’s crumbly after two spins?
Add 1 tbsp milk and re-spin. That usually fixes it.
Final Thoughts
This Salted Caramel Protein Ice Cream is a game-changer if you’re after something sweet but smart. It’s easy, satisfying, and honestly—addictive in the best way. Try it out and let me know how yours turns out in the comments. I’d love to hear your spin on it.
