chunky monkey protein ice cream (ninja creami)

The Ninja CREAMi has become a viral sensation, and if you’re ready to take your protein ice cream game to the next level, then this Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream recipe is for you. Featuring wholesome ingredients like bananas, vanilla protein powder, and almond milk, this creamy, delicious treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while packing in protein. Here’s a detailed guide to making this recipe, plus some tips and tricks to get the best results using the Ninja CREAMi.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas – The natural sweetness of bananas gives this ice cream its creamy texture.
• 1 cup of milk – You can use unsweetened vanilla almond milk or any milk of your choice, whether dairy or non-dairy. Almond milk keeps it dairy-free and low-calorie, but feel free to use cow’s milk, oat milk, or soy milk.
• ½ cup vanilla protein powder – Opt for a high-quality protein powder like Flavcity or another trusted brand for the best taste and texture.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – This enhances the overall flavor, giving a classic vanilla base to the ice cream.
• ¼ cup chocolate chips or chunks – You can use chopped chocolate, chocolate chips, or chunks of your favorite brand.
• ⅛ cup walnuts (optional) – Walnuts add a nice crunch, but if you’re not a fan of nuts, feel free to leave them out.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

If you’re new to using the Ninja CREAMi, there are a few tips that will help you perfect this Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream:

1. Experiment with your Ninja CREAMi settings: It might take a few tries to get the hang of the machine, but don’t be afraid to try different functions. The “light ice cream” setting is a great option for this recipe, but you can also experiment with “gelato” or “sorbet” settings depending on your preference.
2. Adjust the milk for consistency: If the mixture looks crumbly after the first spin, don’t worry! Just add 1 tablespoon of milk to the mixture and press the “respin” button to get that perfect creamy texture.
3. Customize your mix-ins: While this recipe calls for chocolate and walnuts, you can add other fun ingredients like peanut butter, cocoa powder, or even dried fruit. Just keep in mind that extra mix-ins might affect the texture of your ice cream, so experiment and have fun!

Step-by-Step Directions for Making Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream

Step 1: Prepare Your Bananas

Start by peeling your two bananas and cutting them in half. Place the four halves into your Ninja CREAMi container, positioning them vertically. Bananas are the base for this ice cream, giving it natural sweetness and creaminess.

Step 2: Blend the Liquid Ingredients

In a small blender or blender bottle, combine 1 cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or any milk of your choice), ½ cup of vanilla protein powder, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Blend until the protein powder is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Pour Over the Bananas

Once blended, pour the mixture over the bananas in the Ninja CREAMi container. Make sure the liquid covers the bananas completely, as this will ensure even freezing and blending later.

Step 4: Freeze for 24 Hours

Cover the container and place it on a flat surface in your freezer. It’s important to freeze the mixture for a full 24 hours for the best texture. If you’re in a hurry, freezing for 6-8 hours can still work, but the ice cream might be a little less thick.

Step 5: Blend in the Ninja CREAMi

After 24 hours, take the frozen container out of the freezer and insert it into the Ninja CREAMi machine. Use the “light ice cream” setting to blend the frozen mixture. The first time through, the mixture may look a bit crumbly, which is completely normal.

Step 6: Adjust Consistency

If the mixture is crumbly after the first blend, add 1 tablespoon of milk and press the “respin” button on your Ninja CREAMi. This will help smooth out the mixture and give you that creamy ice cream texture you’re looking for.

Step 7: Add Mix-Ins

Once the ice cream is smooth, it’s time to add in the chocolate chips and walnuts. Sprinkle the ¼ cup of chocolate chips (or chunks) and the ⅛ cup of walnuts into the ice cream. Press the mix-ins down gently with a spoon, and put the container back into the Ninja CREAMi to run on “respin” mode again.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Once the second cycle is complete, your Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream is ready to serve! Scoop it into bowls, top with more chocolate or nuts if desired, and enjoy your creamy, protein-packed treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze leftovers? Yes! If you have leftovers, flatten the top of the ice cream in the container, cover it, and pop it back into the freezer. Keep in mind that once refrozen, the ice cream will become solid again. To enjoy it later, let it sit on the counter for about 15 minutes or run it back through the Ninja CREAMi on the “respin” setting to soften it up.

How is the Ninja CREAMi different from a blender? The main difference between the Ninja CREAMi and a regular blender is that you don’t need to add a lot of liquid with the CREAMi. This machine allows you to make thick, creamy ice cream with minimal liquid, whereas a blender would require more liquid for blending. The texture you get with the Ninja CREAMi is more like soft serve or traditional ice cream, while a blender usually results in something closer to a smoothie.

Do I really need to freeze the base for 24 hours? While the Ninja CREAMi guide recommends freezing for 24 hours, it’s possible to freeze the mixture for a shorter time (around 6-8 hours) and still get good results. However, the texture might be slightly softer and less thick than if you’d frozen it for the full 24 hours.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add peanut butter: For a peanut butter twist, swirl 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter into the mixture before freezing. The peanut butter pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and banana flavors.
• Use dark chocolate: If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using dark chocolate chips or chunks instead of milk chocolate.
• Dairy-free options: Stick with almond, oat, or coconut milk if you’re avoiding dairy. Just make sure to choose an unsweetened variety to keep the flavor balanced.

chunky monkey protein ice cream (ninja creami)

This simple Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream recipe is a great way to enjoy a delicious, protein-rich treat with minimal effort using the Ninja CREAMi.

Ingredients

• 2 bananas (peeled and halved)
• 1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• ½ cup vanilla protein powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup chocolate chips or chunks
• ⅛ cup walnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Peel and slice the bananas in half. Place the four halves upright in your Ninja CREAMi container.
2. In a blender or shaker bottle, combine 1 cup of milk, protein powder, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour the liquid mixture over the bananas in the container.
4. Cover and freeze for 24 hours on a flat surface.
5. Once frozen, place the container in the Ninja CREAMi and select the “light ice cream” setting.
6. If the ice cream looks crumbly after blending, add 1 tablespoon of milk and press “respin.”
7. Add chocolate chips and walnuts, then press “respin” again to combine.
8. Serve and enjoy your creamy, delicious protein ice cream!