Ninja Creami Vanilla Ice Cream (perfect base recipe)
High-protein, low-calorie, vegan, and absolutely delicious. It's the ultimate healthy treat! It’s rich, creamy, and totally customizable with endless mix-in options. Whether you’re new to the Ninja Creami or a seasoned pro, this is the only base recipe you’ll ever need.
My Notes:
Servings: pint ice cream
Ingredients
- 1 scoop vegan vanilla protein powder (I use Good Protein, but Orgain and Vega Sport are also great options.)
- 1 tablespoon cashew butter or almond butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, makes it extra silky)
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 - 3 teaspoons agave or sweetener of choice (optional, if needed)
- 2 cups plain or vanilla plant-based milk (I like soy milk for highest protein and creaminess)
- 1 - 2 tablespoons mix-ins or toppings of choice (optional, see notes)
Instructions
- Mix the base: In a Ninja Creami pint container, add the protein powder, cashew butter, vanilla extract, xanthan gum (if using), salt, and sweetener (if using). Pour in plant-based milk to just below the fill line (this will be approximately 2 cups). Mix thoroughly using a whisk, fork, strong milk frother, or immersion blender until fully combined and smooth.Sweetness tip: If your protein powder is already sweet, you might not need any extra (I usually skip it). But feel free to sweeten to taste. The base should be a bit sweeter than you want the final ice cream to be, since freezing dulls sweetness. Any sweetener will work here, such as agave, maple syrup, sugar, or a calorie-free option.
- Freeze flat: Freeze with the lid off for 24 hours, or until completely solid. This helps the mixture freeze flat and evenly (no hump!). Once frozen, pop the lid on for longer storage.
- Spin it: Remove from the freezer and run the outside of the container under hot water for 1–2 minutes to help prevent icy edges. Insert into the Ninja Creami and select the “Lite Ice Cream” setting.
- Re-spin if crumbly: If the texture is dry or powdery, add a splash (1–2 tablespoons) of plant-based milk and press “Re-spin.” Repeat if needed until creamy.
- Optional mix-ins: Want to level it up? After the final spin, dig a hole in the center and add 1–2 tablespoons of your desired mix-ins (see notes for ideas). Return the container to the machine and press the “Mix-in” button.
- Serve or store: Enjoy immediately for best texture. If storing leftovers, level the surface with a spoon, freeze flat, and re-spin with a splash of plant milk when ready to enjoy again.
Notes
Mix-In Ideas:
Note: Chunky ingredients like cookies, nuts, and chocolate work best as mix-ins, while softer or sticky add-ins like jam, caramel, or nut butter are better as toppings after spinning.🍫 Chunky & Indulgent
- Crumbled cookies or Oreos
- Brownie chunks
- Chopped candy bars
- Cookie dough balls
- Peanut butter cups
- Chocolate chips or chocolate chunks
- Vegan caramel
- Vegan Nutella
🥜 Nutty & Crunchy
- Granola
- Pretzels
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, peanuts, almonds)
- Sunflower or pumpkin seeds
- Peanut butter, almond butter, or any nut/seed butter
- Cereal
🍓 Fruity & Chewy
- Fresh berries
- Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, chopped dates, coconut flakes)
- Candied orange peel or candied ginger
- Banana slices
- Jam, jelly, or marmalade
- Lemon curd
- Swirl of berry compote or fruit preserves
✨ Fun & Colorful
- Sprinkles
- Vegan gummies or chopped jelly candies
- Mini marshmallows (a personal fave)
- Edible glitter or colored sugar
Nutrition
Serving: 1 entire pint of ice cream | Calories: 493kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 569mg | Potassium: 864mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 2255IU | Vitamin C: 79mg | Calcium: 793mg | Iron: 6mg
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