If your Ninja Creami has become a permanent resident on your counter like mine, this recipe round-up is for you. I’m sharing my go-to easy, high-protein, nourishing Ninja Creami recipes – including Swirls! From rich chocolate and peanut butter to coffee and fruity flavors, there’s something here for every craving. Bonus: every recipe can be made dairy-free, gluten-free, & refined sugar-free. I’ll also cover frequently asked questions, helpful tips, & more!
Healthy Ninja Creami’s
If you’ve been on social media lately, you’ve definitely seen the endless stream of Ninja Creami recipes. And if you’re not already convinced you need one… this post might just push you over the edge. When the Creami first came out, I was like, “Nope. Absolutely not. I do not need another bulky appliance taking up space on my counter.” But listen… I cannot lie to you guys. I caved, bought one, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions ever. I use it almost every single day now—no regrets, just lots of creamy frozen treats 😉
WHy I started making protein ice cream at home
Ice cream will always have my heart, but a tiny scoop or two never really does it for me. It can feel like such a tease when you’re trying to stay aligned with your goals while also wanting to genuinely enjoy your food. This is where the Ninja Creami really changed my life (not to be dramatic). I prep a few pints to store in the freezer so whenever a craving hits, I have a more nourishing, but still delicious, option. This is a little round-up of some very easy, high-protein ice cream recipes (plus fun toppings & mix-ins!).
Today i’ll be sharing a round-up of some of my favorite, easy, ninja creami recipes including:
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Espresso Protein Shake Creami
- Peanut Butter Cup Frozen Yogurt Swirl
- Cookie dough ice cream
- Dole Whip
Let’s make them!
Recipe video
Why you’ll love these Ninja Creami recpes
- High-Protein & Satisfying: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and wholesome ingredients, this treat keeps you full, energized, and satisfied!
- Quick & Easy: just blend, freeze, and enjoy!
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with simple, nutritious ingredients for a healthier treat.
- Versatile: the flavors you can make are seemingly endless, so you’ll never get bored!
What’s the difference between the Ninja Creami models?
There are a few Ninja Creami options to choose from, and each one has its own little perks. The original model uses 16-ounce pints and comes with seven classic settings. The Deluxe steps things up with bigger 24-ounce containers and extra programs for things like drinks and slushies. The newest kid on the block is the Ninja Swirl, which has a built-in swirl feature for mix-ins or soft-serve–style treats, plus it’s designed to be a bit quieter and more space-friendly.
The good news? You can make any Ninja Creami recipe with any 3 of these machines, so you really can’t go wrong! Just pick the one that fits your needs most!
Ingredients you’ll need to make high protein ninja creami recipes
Ingredients for Ninja Creami ice creams will change based on what flavor you’re making, but there’s a base recipe that works perfectly every time!
- Milk: The thicker and creamer the milk, the better the ice cream turns out. Many people like using fairlife milk because it’s high protein content creates a super creamy consistency. I like to use a mix of regular cashew milk with canned coconut milk. This creates a similar creamy consistency.
- Protein Powder: This is optional, but adds extra protein to the recipe, along with some flavor and sweetness. You can omit it if you’d like, but if you are adding protein be sure it’s a protein you love the flavor of!
- Sweetener: You don’t have to use much if you’re adding protein and other flavors, but I love using monk fruit drop, maple syrup or honey, or dates!
- Nut butter: Again, totally optional, however I love the flavor and texture of adding nut butter to my creami’s!
- Collagen: Most Ninja Creami recipes add pudding mix, so I wanted something that helped create that creamy texture without having to use it. Adding a small amount of collagen really helps create a fluffy, creamy texture! You don’t have to use it, but I highly recommend!
- Mix-ins: This is where the fun happens! Grab whatever mix-ins fit the flavor you’re going for – chocolate chips or cacao nibs, cookie pieces, chopped nuts, etc.
How to make ninja creami ice cream
- Combine base ingredients and freeze overnight.
- Run on “Ice Cream“. Then add a tablespoon of milk and “re-spin”.
- Add your mix-in’s.
- Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Healthy Ninja Creami‘s
- Always pulse mix-ins—don’t fully blend unless you want everything uniform.
- Plan ahead, future you will thank you! Give your pint a full day in the freezer before spinning so it has time to set up properly. Patience = thickness & creaminess!!
- Leave a little breathing room. Don’t fill your pint to the top. The mixture fluffs up as it spins, so it’s totally normal if it looks a little low before blending.
- If your base is crumbly, re-spin with 1–2 tbsp liquid.
- For extra protein or even creamier results, add 1/4 cup of thick yogurt or cottage cheese to the base.
Frequently asked questions
What if my creami is too frozen to spin or is turning out icy? I highly recommend leaving the pint out on the counter for 15-20 minutes. This helps it defrost a bit and creates a creamier, easy to blend ice cream. If you’re short on time and can’t let the pint rest on the counter for 15–20 minutes, a quick trick is to run the container under warm water for about 30 seconds. After the first spin, glide a spoon or butter knife around the edges to loosen up any frozen bits.
What if my ice cream isn’t creamy after one spin? The respin button is your best friend! Don’t worry if one spin isn’t doing it! Hit respin as many times as needed until it’s ultra smooth and creamy!
More healthy Ice cream recipes to try
- Pistachio ice cream
- Pumpkin ice cream sandwiches
- Homemade mint chip ice cream
- Sugar Cookie Ice Cream
- No bake ice cream sandwiches
- Vegan pistachio ice cream
- Snickers ice cream cake
- Strawberry shortcake ice cream bars
- Healthy cookie dough ice cream/frozen yogurt
- Vegan pumpkin ice cream
- Peanut butter cup ice cream
Let me know in the comments below which flavor you make and tag me in your creations on Instagram @danishealthyeats – i’d love to see them! (:
High Protein Ninja Creami Recipe Round-up
Ingredients
Chocolate peanut butter cup
- 1 cup canned coconut milk (I prefer full-fat for extra creaminess)
- 2/3 cup almond milk or another milk of choice
- 1 scoop vanilla or peanut butter flavored protein powder
- 1/4 cup powdered peanut butter
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 2-3 tbsp maple syrup or other sweetener
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of sea salt
- mix ins: chopped homemade or store-bought peanut butter cups *there's lots of healthier brands out there!
DOLE WHIP PROTEIN CREAMI
- 10 ounces pineapple chunks in juice (do not drain, you need the juice! I use a can that has no added sugar/other ingredients)
- 1/4 cup full-fat canned coconut milk *canned coconut milk creates the creamiest texture! I haven't tested anything else & can't say how it'll turn out :/
- 1 serving Vanilla Protein Powder
Peanut butter espresso protein shake (lower calorie)
- 1 1/3 cups milk, of choice (i used thick cashew milk)
- 2 espesso shots
- 1 1/2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tbsp maple syrup, monk fruit, etc. *add another tablespoon if you want your ice cream sweet!
- 1 scoop collagen *optional, but it helps create a creamy/thick consistency!
- 1 scoop vanilla, chocolate, or peanut butter protein powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract & pinch of sea salt
- Any mix-ins: I love cacao nibs!
Cookie dough
- 1 13.5oz can lite coconut milk *can sub dairy-free creamer like NutPods. If you want it creamier, use full-fat.
- 1/2 cup raw cashews (or 1/4 cup cashew butter)
- 3 tbsp maple syrup or honey *if not using protein, you may want to add an extra tbsp
- 1 1/2 scoops vanilla protein powder
- 1 scoop collagen *optional, but it helps create a creamy/thick consistency!
- 1 1/2 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp 1/4 tsp sea salt
Cookie dough chunks
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup protein powder (could sub more almond flour or oat flour)
- 1 tbsp cashew or almond butter
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract & good pinch sea salt
Instructions
Dole whip
- Add the milk and protein powder to a Ninja Creami Jar. Using a milk frother, froth until smooth (you can also blend it in a blender, then pour into the ninja pint). Add the pineapple in the juice and mix well. Cover and freeze overnight.
- Add the jar to the Ninja Creami Maker and spin on “Lite Ice Cream.” Remove and add one-two tablespoons of milk. Return to the Creami Maker and spin on “Re-Spin.” For the "swirl" section, run it on soft serve first, then run it on the soft serve attachment! Enjoy!
Peanut butter espresso
- Add all the ingredients to a blender, belnding until smooth. Pour into a ninja creami pint. Cover and place in the freezer overnight.
- Add the jar to the Ninja Creami Maker and spin on “Lite Ice Cream.” Remove and add one-two tablespoons of milk. Return to the Creami Maker and spin on “Re-Spin.” For the "swirl" section, run it on soft serve first, then run it on the soft serve attachment! Enjoy!
Chocolate peanut butter cup
- Blend all ingredients in a blender, then pour into a ninja creami pint. Cover and freeze overnight.
- Add the jar to Ninja Creami Maker and spin on “Ice Cream.” Remove and add 1-2 tablespoons of milk.
- Return to the Ninja Creami Maker and spin on “Re-Spin.” Crumble the peanut butter cup on top and fold into the ice cream.
Cookie dough
- Blend all of the ice cream ingredients in a high powered blender until smooth. You can taste the mixture & add extra sweetener, if needed (keep in mind the mixture tastes more sweet before freezing/making into ice cream). Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint and freeze over-night or for 8ish hours until completely solid.
- Make the cookie dough – mix together everything in a bowl. If you need to add a splash of milk because your dough is dry, start with 1/2-1 tbsp. If the texture is good for you, don't add any liquid! Fold in the chocolate chips. Roll the dough into small balls and place in an air-tight container or baggie and store in the freezer/fridge until you are ready to prepare your ice cream!
- I like to let my pint sit out on the counter for 10 minutes or so prior to blending. Place the pint in your Ninja Creami and spin on the Ice Cream setting. Add 1 tbsp of milk and "re-spin".
- You can either fold in the cookie dough chunks OR add them to the center of the pint and re-spin it on the "mix-ins" setting. I like to save a few balls to add on top!
