There are a few people in the world who do not enjoy ice cream. This is one of the most refreshing treats, and it is often a guilty pleasure that even athletes with strict diets cannot resist. However, ice cream does not always have to be an unhealthy snack. That is, if you have the right recipe, you can make your own protein ice cream, enjoy its nutrients, and feel zero guilt.
In this blog, we are going to talk about protein ice cream, its quality attributes, and the way you can make it. You will see that you can enjoy ice cream and still keep up with your wellness and fitness goals.
Table of contents
What Is Protein Ice Cream?
If you have been on the hunt for healthy snack recipes, you have probably come across protein ice cream. It is essentially ice cream with added protein. Because of that, it tends to have less fat and sugar, making it a solid choice for anyone who is keeping an eye on their nutrition and macros.
You can easily make your own protein ice cream bars at home using just a few simple ingredients, which can be a fun little DIY project in the kitchen. On the other hand, if you prefer the convenience of store-bought options, there are lots of brands available. But when you want to be sure about the quality of your ice cream and its nutritional value, we always recommend going for the homemade option.
Nowadays, protein powder supplements are easily accessible, meaning you can easily create your protein-rich treat! So, whether you are looking to enjoy something guilt-free or simply want a tasty treat that aligns with your health goals, protein ice cream might just be your new favorite dessert.
How to Make Protein Ice Cream?
Making protein ice cream is super simple and fun! In essence, you just combine all your wet ingredients, including your favorite protein powder, and then toss in any fun extras like cookie dough bits or fruit.
After that, all you have to do is pop it in the freezer for at least two hours, and you are all set for a tasty treat. This is the general method of making protein ice cream, but there are different recipes and variations, meaning you can easily make a treat that suits your preferences.
Now, you might be wondering how much protein is actually in regular ice cream. This is a very popular question, especially among people who try to achieve particular fitness goals. A standard serving of vanilla ice cream - around 65 grams - offers about 2.3 grams of protein. Of course, that can vary a bit based on how much you scoop out and whether you make your ice cream or buy it.
And yes, you can absolutely make protein ice cream using protein powder! It is a common question, but it is nice to clarify. You just need to add your preferred protein powder to any ice cream recipe, and you will be all set.
What Kind of Protein Powder to Choose for Your Ice Cream?
When you are making homemade protein ice cream, you really want to pick the right type of protein powder to get that nice, creamy texture. If you are after something that feels a bit like soft-serve, go for a whey blend, a whey/casein mix, or straight-up casein protein.
Whey gives you a thinner, creamier base, while casein lends a thicker, denser quality. If dairy is not your thing, you should not worry because there are plant-based proteins like pea protein that can totally do the trick.
However, if you want to be precise with your diet and nutrients, looking into the types of protein powders you can use is a must. Whey protein is great because it mixes into a smoother liquid, resulting in a creamier finished ice cream. If you are lactose intolerant, consider whey protein isolates since they have less lactose and are easier on the stomach.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a richer texture, casein protein is the way to go. You can also mix whey and casein for a texture that is just right. For those who need a dairy-free option, plant-based proteins, especially pea protein, are a solid choice, too.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Protein for Your Ice Cream
When you are selecting a protein powder, think about a few key factors.
First, the texture. If you want a softer ice cream, whey is your best bet, while casein will give you a thicker consistency. Next, there’s flavor. You can control this by choosing unflavored powders or just grab a flavored one for something quick and easy.
Do not forget dietary restrictions, too! If you or someone you are making it for has lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy, you will want to steer clear of whey. Lastly, always check the quality of the ingredients. You should always opt for a quality supplement and remember to read the label. Only then will you know that you are going for the right thing!
Our MuscleTech protein supplements are created for people who want to ensure that they always have the best in their diet. Plus, each of our protein powder products is ideal for recipes, such as ice cream. So, if you intend to use any of them in your treat, you can expect a delightful taste with an abundance of nutrients.
How Can You Enhance Your Protein Ice Cream Taste?
When it comes to upping your protein ice cream game, there are tons of fun ways to customize it based on your favorite flavors. You do not always have to stick to the basics. In fact, adding some ingredients can make your ice cream even more nutritious.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Mix in fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or banana slices
Toss in some nuts or raisins
Throw in some chocolate chips
Add cookie dough bites
Crumble up malted milk biscuits or chocolate cookies for that ice cream sandwich vibe
And for something unexpected, a dash of balsamic vinegar can actually taste amazing with vanilla ice cream, giving it a nice tangy kick! So, if you want to experiment with tastes and flavors, here is your challenge!
Protein Ice Cream Recipes
If you need some ideas to make your homemade protein ice cream tasty and creamy, we have some recommendations that you will love. These recipes are easy and simple, meaning you do not have to be a pro in the kitchen to create something delicious.
1. Banana Protein Ice Cream
If you are in the mood for a delightful treat, here’s a quick and straightforward recipe for banana protein ice cream that serves eight and requires just about a minute of your time for preparation.
Ingredients you will need:
500 grams of frozen bananas
5 scoops of Impact Whey Protein (you can also consider a plant-based option)
250 milliliters of natural yogurt
50 milliliters of your choice of milk
Instructions:
Start by blending all the ingredients together until you achieve a smooth consistency. Make sure to blend just enough. If you overdo it, the mixture may warm up and lose that perfect scoopable texture.
To serve immediately, heat a spoon under hot water, scoop the ice cream into a bowl, and enjoy right away!
If you have some leftovers, transfer the extra ice cream into a sealable Tupperware container and place it in the freezer for later enjoyment.
To maintain a nice creamy texture, stir the ice cream every hour for the first four hours while it freezes. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can just let it sit out for about 15 minutes before you want to dig in. Feel free to top it with your favorite healthy toppings like a sprinkle of cinnamon, cacao nibs, fresh blueberries, or a drizzle of sugar-free syrup!
Variations:
There is plenty of room for customization in this recipe, so you can count on variations for sure!
That is, you can experiment with different types of milk, such as creamy oat or nutty cashew milk, both of which can enhance the texture. For your protein source, consider plant-based options like Vegan Protein Blend or Soy Protein Isolate.
Additionally, you can find protein supplements in an array of flavors, from classic chocolate to unique blends like cinnamon Danish, which means you can get creative and make this ice cream to your taste preferences.
2. Protein Ice Cream Sandwich
There is nothing quite like finishing off your evening meal with a scoop of cold, sweet ice cream - or better yet, enjoying it right after an intense workout to help you cool down and recharge! That is why we are totally smitten with this super-simple protein ice cream recipe.
All you need are just three basic ingredients: some yogurt, ricotta cheese, and a scoop of whey protein. The best part is that it tastes just as delicious as the store-bought versions, but with way less fat and sugar. So, it is simply a win-win recipe you cannot skip!
But, this is not regular ice cream! It is a dessert taken to the next level by being turned into an ice cream sandwich. Just thinking about it brings back all those nostalgic childhood memories of biting into a sweet treat!
Ingredients you will need:
100g yogurt
100g ricotta cheese
1 scoop of whey protein
8 malted milk biscuits
30g chocolate chips
50ml milk (for dunking the biscuits)
Instructions:
Start by mixing the ricotta, yogurt, and protein powder in a bowl until you have a smooth mixture.
Stir in the chocolate chips for that extra burst of sweetness.
In a small tray, layer the malted milk biscuits that you've dipped in milk. Spread a layer of the ice cream mixture on top, smoothing it out with the back of a spoon. Then, add another layer of dipped biscuits on top.
Pop the tray in the freezer overnight. Once it’s set, slice it into four sandwiches and enjoy!
These ice cream sandwiches are the perfect blend of nostalgia and healthy pleasure. Trust us, you will want to make them right away!
3. Peanut Butter Lollies
You are going to love this recipe for its simplicity and taste! It is incredibly easy to make in just five steps, and each delicious lolly is under 300 calories while packing in 12g of protein.
Plus, it is perfect for meal prep, meaning these lollies can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer. Whenever you are in the mood for a refreshing, protein-rich snack, you will have one ready to grab.
Moreover, if you are feeling adventurous, you can easily customize this recipe by swapping in different ingredients. Just remember that any changes might affect the nutritional values, so keep track of what you modify.
So, you can add toppings like cacao nibs, a drizzle of melted chocolate, crushed pretzels, or freeze-dried berries. Pair them with fresh fruit salad, a protein shake, iced coffee, or a smoothie bowl.
Ingredients you will need:
1½ very ripe bananas
100g yogurt
1 scoop of whey protein powder
30g of all-natural peanut butter
15g maple syrup
Instructions:
Start by tossing the bananas, yogurt, protein powder, peanut butter, and maple syrup into a large bowl.
Use a handheld blender to mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
Now, grab your molds and fill them with some chopped peanuts, dark chocolate, and a pinch of salt.
Insert the ice cream sticks and pour your blended ice cream mixture on top of the toppings in the molds.
Pop them in the freezer until they’re solid.
Enjoy one of these tasty treats after your workout for a refreshing protein boost!
Over to You
As you can see, you do not always have to resort to protein shakes to ensure you intake your necessary protein dosage. Creating a protein ice cream with your supplement is a great way to add variety to your diet. So, give this treat a try!
