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How to Make Homemade Protein Ice Cream with Only a Few Ingredients

Many people adore ice cream, particularly children. Birthday parties, enjoyable strolls around the city in summer, or a romantic picnic date all include ice cream as a special ingredient to invigorate the atmosphere. 

However, traditional ice cream contains a lot of added sugar and saturated fats that are not good for your body, which can contribute to weight gain or other health issues. Does this mean you should stop eating ice cream? 

No way! Making high-protein ice cream at home could boost your enjoyment from eating your favorite dessert and may also positively impact your body. 

Today, you’re going to learn how to make homemade protein ice cream with only a few ingredients. 

What Is a Good Recipe for a Homemade Protein Ice Cream?

Are you wondering how to make protein ice cream in a blender? Check out the following recipe that reveals simple techniques to prepare something healthy and delicious at the same time.

Ingredients:

  • 28 ounces canned coconut milk chilled
  • 1 cup protein powder
  • 1-2 tablespoons allulose (or ½ cup Medjool dates)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions: 

  1. Place a large deep pan in the freezer.
  2. In a blender, add the coconut milk and blend until smooth and creamy. Add the protein powder and dates and blend until thick and creamy.
  3. Transfer the protein ice cream to the deep pan. Lightly mix your ice cream every 20-30 minutes for the first hour to ensure it’s not too icy.
  4. Thaw for 15 minutes before eating.
  5. Serve and enjoy.

Nutritional value per serving (recipe makes 16 servings):

Calories Fats Protein Fiber Carbs
145 8g 15g 2g 7g

Can I Make a Homemade Protein Ice Cream?

Yes, it’s possible to make homemade protein ice cream on your own. Essentially, you need to buy protein powder to pack your ice cream with protein. Studies have shown that protein supplements are regarded as safe and effective for promoting health and well-being in healthy adults (2).

Adding them to your homemade recipes can help support muscle mass, manage healthier weight, and promote sleep quality (2). Homemade protein ice cream for weight loss or general health improvement is no longer a myth, especially when you’re in charge of the ingredients you decide to add to your dessert. 

Does Homemade Protein Ice Cream Taste Different from Regular Ice Cream?

It depends on what you put in your recipe. Overall, homemade protein ice creams taste as delicious as purchased ones. For some people, protein ice cream can taste like thicker milkshakes, while others find it less sweet than store-based icy treats, particularly if they follow a sugar-free ice cream recipe. 

In addition, people can use versatile ingredients to give their ice cream a special taste: some prefer chopping bananas into the recipe or using cocoa powder for a chocolate flavor. 

BetterMe: Health Coaching app helps you achieve your body goals with ease and efficiency by helping to choose proper meal plans and effective workouts. Start using our app and you will see good results in a short time.

What Types of Protein Powders Are Best for Ice Cream?

Whey protein is the top powder to complement your recipes. Adding whey to your homemade protein ice cream recipe can pack your body with an array of amino acids that your body requires. 

According to one review, whey protein has antibacterial, antitoxin, and immunomodulating properties that help with the treatment of many ailments. It may help prevent cancer, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes. Whey protein is sometimes considered a necessary supplement for physically active individuals. It may also benefit sedentary adults, newborns, pregnant women, and elderly people (3).

Many other powders can be found in specialized fitness stores where sellers can advise you on specific protein powders suitable to your needs. Anecdotally, whey protein seems to produce the best flavor and texture when it is added to ice cream, but feel free to experiment and find what works best for you.

Vanilla and chocolate powders are among the most popular variations.

Read more: High-Protein Oatmeal Without Protein Powder: Hit Your Macros Without This Supplement 

How to Make a Healthy Homemade Protein Ice Cream

The second recipe for homemade protein ice cream is slightly different as it includes chocolate protein powder and bananas. 

Ingredients: 

  • 2 frozen bananas, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1 scoop protein chocolate powder bout 30 grams
  • ¼ cup cottage cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, for vanilla flavor only.

Instructions:

  1. Add all the ingredients to a high-powered food processor and blend until smooth.
  2. Spoon into a freezer-friendly container, and freeze for at least 1-3 hours, or until frozen.
  3. Scoop and taste your protein chocolate ice cream.

Nutritional value per serving (recipe makes 2 servings):

Calories Fats Protein Fiber Carbs
191 3g 14g 7g 34g

How Does Protein Ice Cream Benefit Muscle Building?

Homemade protein ice cream may benefit muscle-building for one reason – it’s packed with decent protein content. One systematic review and meta-analysis highlights the role of dietary protein in gaining muscle among trainees (5).

Protein ice cream alone won’t lead to muscle building. Muscle hypertrophy is a complex process that requires resistance training and a well-balanced diet with fats, carbs, and protein. Other excellent sources of protein include: 

  • Lean meat
  • Fish and shrimps
  • Eggs
  • Milk and cheese
  • Soybeans and tofu
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Beans and lentils

Furthermore, individuals need to add strength training to their fitness routines involving kettles, resistance bands, stationary weight machines, and body weight exercises. Only by combining all the aforementioned points can you build muscle. 

Whether you’re a workout beast or just a beginner making your first foray into the world of fitness and dieting – BetterMe has a lot to offer to both newbies and experts! Install the app and experience the versatility first-hand!

Are There Vegan Options for Protein Ice Cream?

Yes, there are vegan-friendly versions of protein ice cream. Check out the recipe below.

Vegan Protein Ice Cream Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces firm tofu
  • 3 cups soy milk for extra protein
  • 3 scoops chocolate protein powder, around 100g
  • 4 tablespoons cacao powder
  • ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
  • A large pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a high-speed blender. Blend on high until smooth.
  2. Pour the contents into 3 separate containers. Freeze for approximately 6-8 hours or overnight.
  3. In an ice cream setting, blend the contents of a container until a smooth and creamy ice cream forms. Allow the container to sit out for about 20 minutes before blending to get a creamy result.
  4. Serve and enjoy!

Nutritional value per cone (recipe makes 10 cones):

Calories Fats Protein Fiber Carbs
126 1g 9g 3g 9g

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Will I gain weight if I eat ice cream once a week?

It will depend on the amount of ice cream you ingest and how it fits into your overall diet. If you eat a generally healthy balanced diet and have a reasonable serving of ice cream once a week, it’s unlikely that you’ll gain weight. 

  • What's the worst carb for belly fat?

The worst carbs for belly fat involve high-sugar cereals, ultra-processed snacks, and sugary sodas. Try to decrease your intake or look for healthier alternatives if you want to trim the belly fat.

  • Is there a protein ice cream recipe without protein powder?

Yes, it’s possible to make protein ice cream without adding protein powder. You’ll just need to add whole protein-based products, such as nuts, seeds, tofu, and other ingredients to your taste. 

  • Can I make protein ice cream with Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can make protein ice cream with Greek Yogurt by simply mixing protein powder with yogurt and other ingredients.

The Bottom Line

You now know how to make homemade protein ice cream with only a few ingredients. This review has covered three different recipes, including a vegan-friendly option. Protein ice cream is best made with whey, chocolate, or vanilla powder.

It won’t result in muscle building without other diet and lifestyle considerations, but it can surely become a staple substitution for other desserts. You can build more muscle with a balanced diet and consistent strength training.

Generally, protein ice cream is easy to prepare and tasty for everyone who appreciates this dessert. 

DISCLAIMER:

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not serve to address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on for making any kind of decision-making. Any action taken as a direct or indirect result of the information in this article is entirely at your own risk and is your sole responsibility.

BetterMe, its content staff, and its medical advisors accept no responsibility for inaccuracies, errors, misstatements, inconsistencies, or omissions and specifically disclaim any liability, loss or risk, personal, professional or otherwise, which may be incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and/or application of any content.

You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or your specific situation. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of BetterMe content. If you suspect or think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor.

SOURCES:

  1. Protein Ice Cream (2024, thebigmansworld.com)
  2. Efficacy and safety assessment of protein supplement – micronutrient fortification in promoting health and wellbeing in healthy adults – a randomized placebo-controlled trial (2023, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  3. “A REVIEW ON WHEY PROTEIN: BENEFITS, MYTHS AND FACTS” (2022, researchgate.net)
  4. Protein Ice Cream (2024, tastesbetterfromscratch.com)
  5. Systematic review and meta-analysis of protein intake to support muscle mass and function in healthy adults (2022, onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  6. 5-Ingredient Vegan Chocolate Protein Ice Cream (Ninja Creami) (2024, makingthymeforhealth.com)
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