Name: High-Protein Ice Cream Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup cold heavy cream; 2 tablespoons whole milk; 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk; Pinch of kosher salt; 1 scoop vanilla protein powder; 1 scoop chocolate protein powder; 1 small banana, mashed; 1 tablespoon almond butter; 1 tablespoon sliced almonds (optional); 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips; 1 1/2 tablespoons espresso powder

If you’re craving something sweet but also want to keep your protein intake on point, this High-Protein Ice Cream Recipe is an absolute game changer. I’m excited to share this with you because it’s creamy, satisfying, and perfect for when you want a treat without the guilt. Plus, it’s so easy to make right at home with just a few ingredients you might already have – and trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it over and over!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Protein-Packed Satisfaction: Combining protein powder with creamy ingredients means you enjoy dessert that feeds your muscles as well as your sweet tooth.
Super Easy Preparation: No fancy ice cream machine needed — just a jar and a bit of shaking!
Customizable Flavors: Whether you love vanilla, chocolate, or espresso, this recipe adapts beautifully to your mood and pantry.
Guilt-Free Indulgence: Made with real, wholesome ingredients — it’s a treat you won’t feel bad about enjoying.

Four glass jars hold different creamy desserts with varying textures and colors. The jar on the left has a thick light brown mixture with small dark brown bits spread inside and on top. Next to it, a jar contains a smooth, pale yellow cream with a slightly shiny surface. On the right side of the wooden round tray, a jar filled with a creamy beige mixture is swirled with darker caramel-colored layers and some small pieces of nuts or seeds on top. Behind this jar, another jar shows a light beige mixture with darker patches visible through the glass and a silver lid. A white marbled surface supports the tray with two white-handled spoons placed on it, and a few small dark bits are scattered near the front. The background is soft peach with texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - High-Protein Ice Cream, healthy protein ice cream, easy protein desserts, homemade high-protein treat, guilt-free ice cream

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this High-Protein Ice Cream Recipe plays a role in giving you that perfect creamy texture with a healthy boost of protein, plus a little natural sweetness and crunch. When I shop for these, I aim for quality protein powders and fresh almond butter to really bring out those flavors.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl with cold heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl with whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl with sweetened condensed milk, a scoop of vanilla protein powder mounded neatly, a small pinch of kosher salt on the white ceramic plate, a whole uncracked brown egg, a peeled small banana sliced in half and mashed slightly on a white ceramic plate, a dollop of almond butter on a white ceramic dish, a small white ceramic bowl with sliced almonds, a small white ceramic bowl with mini chocolate chips, a small white ceramic bowl with espresso powder, and a scoop of chocolate protein powder shaped into a small mound, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - High-Protein Ice Cream, healthy protein ice cream, easy protein desserts, homemade high-protein treat, guilt-free ice cream

Cold heavy cream: This gives richness and creaminess but keeps the ice cream smooth and not icy.
Whole milk: Just a splash to balance the thickness, helps with texture.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and helps with creaminess—it’s my secret to no ice crystals.
Vanilla protein powder: Use a quality brand; vanilla works well as a neutral base.
Kosher salt: Just a pinch to enhance flavor without tasting salty.
Banana: Mashed banana lends natural sweetness and creaminess while giving a healthy energy boost.
Almond butter: Adds nuttiness and healthy fats, which smooth out this treat even more.
Sliced almonds (optional): For a little crunch—because texture is everything!
Mini chocolate chips: Chocolate + protein ice cream? Yes, please.
Espresso powder: A hint of coffee flavor for those days when you want a little caffeine kick and depth.
Chocolate protein powder: Boosts chocolate flavor and protein content—go with your favorite brand.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love mixing things up to keep this High-Protein Ice Cream Recipe fresh and exciting. You should feel free to experiment with flavors and ingredients too — this recipe is super versatile!

Fruit Swaps: I sometimes replace banana with mashed berries for a tart twist that still complements the creamy base beautifully.
Nut Butter Variations: Hazelnut or peanut butter work wonderfully if you want to switch up the nutty flavor profile.
Protein Powder Choices: Vanilla and chocolate are staples for me, but you can try other flavors like strawberry or caramel depending on what you have on hand.
Dairy-Free Option: Try substituting coconut cream for the heavy cream and almond milk for whole milk to make this vegan-friendly while still high in protein.

How to Make High-Protein Ice Cream Recipe

Step 1: Combine and Shake to Create Creamy Base

Start by grabbing a small cold mason or jam jar—that cold glass helps your mixture thicken nicely. Add your heavy cream, whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, protein powder (vanilla or chocolate depending on the flavor you’re making), kosher salt, mashed banana, almond butter, espresso powder if using, and a handful of mini chocolate chips or sliced almonds for texture. Then, seal it up tight and shake vigorously for about 4 to 5 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture thickening, and the texture shifts to something like soft whipped cream—that’s your green light to freeze.

Step 2: Freeze and Shake Again for Perfect Ice Cream Texture

Pop your jar into the freezer for 2 hours initially. Then take it out, scrape down the sides with a spatula, and shake again vigorously for 1 minute. This step is essential to keep it creamy and avoid ice crystals. Put it back in the freezer and freeze an additional 1 to 2 hours until it’s the consistency of classic ice cream. If you happen to freeze it overnight (because who can wait?), just let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before scooping—it softens beautifully.

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Pro Tips for Making High-Protein Ice Cream Recipe

Use Cold Ingredients: Starting with chilled cream and milk helps your ice cream thicken quicker and yields a smoother texture.
Don’t Skip the Shaking: Shaking between freezes breaks up ice crystals and creates a creamier result—trust me, it’s worth the effort.
Sweetness Adjustment: Taste your mixture before freezing; depending on the protein powder and sweetened condensed milk you use, you might want to adjust sweetness gently.
Let It Soften Before Serving: This makes scooping easier and brings out the flavors better—10-20 minutes at room temp works perfectly.

How to Serve High-Protein Ice Cream Recipe

The image shows four glass jars from above, each filled with creamy desserts of different layers and toppings. Two jars have a smooth tan layer topped with small dark chocolate chips scattered on top, giving a bumpy texture. One jar contains a light beige creamy layer with a scoop taken out, showing its soft texture inside. Another jar features a smooth tan layer with a swirl of darker brown nut butter and thin slices of almonds on top. Around the jars are a white bowl filled with dark chocolate chips, a wooden bowl with sliced almonds, and a few spoons, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - High-Protein Ice Cream, healthy protein ice cream, easy protein desserts, homemade high-protein treat, guilt-free ice cream

Garnishes

I love garnishing mine with a sprinkle of sliced almonds or extra mini chocolate chips for crunch and a little texture contrast. Sometimes, I drizzle a bit of honey or almond butter on top for extra richness. Fresh berries also brighten the whole experience and add a nice pop of color.

Side Dishes

If I’m serving this for a special snack or dessert, I like pairing it with a handful of whole grain crackers or a piece of dark chocolate on the side — it’s a nice balance of creamy, crunchy, and rich flavors that keep things interesting.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or get-togethers, I’ve served this High-Protein Ice Cream Recipe in clear mason jars layered with fresh fruit or crushed nuts. It’s fun, visually appealing, and feels a little fancy without the fuss. You could even add a sprig of mint or edible flowers for a beautiful touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer. I like using small jars or freezer-safe containers that close tightly to prevent freezer burn or absorbing other odors. When I’m ready to enjoy more, it tastes just as delicious after reheating properly.

Freezing

Freezing this High-Protein Ice Cream Recipe is straightforward. Keep it in your freezer for up to a week for the best flavor and texture. Just remember that homemade ice cream without stabilizers can get a bit icy if left too long, so I recommend enjoying it sooner rather than later.

Reheating

When you want to enjoy leftover ice cream, just let it sit out at room temperature for 10-20 minutes before scooping. This softens it naturally without losing its creamy texture. Avoid microwaving as the heat can mess with the protein structure and change the flavor.

FAQs

Can I use any flavor protein powder in this High-Protein Ice Cream Recipe?

Yes! While vanilla and chocolate are the classics, you can experiment with different flavors like strawberry, caramel, or even mocha. Just keep in mind some powders can be sweeter or have additional ingredients that may affect texture.
Is this recipe suitable for someone who is lactose intolerant?

You can adapt it by swapping heavy cream with coconut cream and whole milk with almond or oat milk. Also, consider lactose-free or plant-based protein powders. These substitutions will make it dairy-free and still delicious.
How long should I shake the mixture to get the best texture?

Shake vigorously for about 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture thickens to a soft whipped cream consistency. This step is essential to get the creamy foundation before freezing.
Can I make this recipe without bananas?

Absolutely! Banana adds natural sweetness and creaminess, but you can omit it or replace it with mashed avocado or sweetened yogurt to maintain texture and flavor balance.
What’s the best way to store leftovers to avoid freezer burn?

Store leftovers in airtight containers or freezer-safe jars with minimal air. Make sure the container seals tightly and keep the ice cream away from foods with strong odors. Also, consuming within a week keeps quality high.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this High-Protein Ice Cream Recipe combines indulgence and nutrition in one creamy bite. When I first tried making it, I was surprised by how satisfying and easy it was to pull off without fancy tools. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself after a workout or just want a healthier dessert option, this recipe will quickly become your go-to. So, grab your ingredients and give it a whirl — your taste buds (and muscles!) will thank you.