If you’re craving a healthier dessert that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, this extra creamy protein ice cream is for you. All you need is a basic ice cream maker, a few pantry staples, and your favorite mix-ins. It’s fun to customize, easy to make, and secretly packed with protein—so you can enjoy a new flavor every week, completely guilt-free.
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Why Everyone Will Love This Ice Cream
- Extra Creamy Texture – Smooth, rich, and satisfying—just like traditional ice cream, without the heaviness.
- Protein-Packed Goodness – Fuels your body while satisfying your sweet tooth. It’s dessert you can feel good about.
- Healthier Ingredients – Made with pantry staples and no artificial junk. Simple, clean, and nourishing.
- Customizable Flavors – Add your favorite mix-ins and try new combos each week. Think cookie dough, berries, cocoa, or peanut butter!
- Easy to Make at Home – No fancy equipment needed. Just a basic affordable ice cream maker and a few minutes of prep.
Ingredient Notes for Extra Creamy Protein Ice Cream
Protein Powder – I use Just Ingredients French Vanilla Protein Powder it’s the only clean protein I’ve found that tastes great, isn’t chalky, and doesn’t cause bloating. It comes in lots of flavors, and I’ve used it for years in baking too! Use my code “Cookieeclub” to save 10% off of your order.
Sugar or Sweetener – like organic cane sugar for the perfect level of sweetness, but this recipe also works beautifully with raw honey or pure maple syrup – use ½ cup or coconut sugar – use ¾ cup. I’ve tested all four and they’re all delicious!
Dairy Options – I haven’t tested this with dairy-free swaps because we use dairy at home, and it gives the ice cream its signature creamy, fluffy texture. That said, you could try nut milk, dairy free yogurt, and or coconut cream. And if needed, Just Ingredients Vegan Protein Powder is a great plant-based option! Don’t forget to use my code “Cookieeclub” for 10% off.
Next-Level Mix-In Ideas for Protein Ice Cream
For Chocolate Lovers – Dark chocolate chunks (70% or higher). Cacao nibs for crunch & antioxidants. Chocolate-covered almonds or espresso beans. Simple Mills Brownie Thins or homemade fudge swirl. Mini chocolate peanut butter cups (like Unreal or Lily’s).
Fruity & Fresh – Freeze-dried strawberries, blueberries, or mango. Chopped dates or figs (great with honey or cinnamon bases). Swirl in fresh berry compote or fresh clean berries. Toasted coconut flakes with pineapple chunks (hello, piña colada vibes!)
Cookie & Crunch-Inspired – Crushed graham cracker cookies. High-protein cookie dough bites. Gluten-free sandwich cookies or chocolate wafers. Cinnamon cereal or protein granola for crunch.
Nutty & Salty – Chopped roasted almonds, pecans, or pistachios. Peanut butter swirl or almond butter chunks. Salted pretzel pieces (amazing with chocolate or caramel bases). Tahini drizzle for a nutty, sophisticated twist.
Seasonal Flavor Ideas – Pumpkin pie spice + crushed ginger snaps (fall fave). Peppermint bark pieces (for a winter spin). Crushed candy canes or freeze-dried cranberries. Lemon zest and crushed vanilla wafers for summer.
6 Extra Creamy Protein Ice Cream Variations
Strawberry – Protein Powder: Strawberry. Mix-In: 1 cup organic strawberries, washed and diced. Add the strawberries when it’s time to fold in mix-ins for a fresh, fruity texture.
Cookies & Cream – Protein Powder: French Vanilla. Mix-In: 1 cup chopped organic chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreo-style) made without additives or preservatives like Simple Mills Brownie Thins. Stir them in at the mix-in stage for that classic creamy crunch.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough – Protein Powder: French Vanilla. Mix-In: 3–4 Sweet Loren’s cookie dough balls (broken into chunks) or crushed Simple Mills Chocolate Chip Cookies. Add bite-sized pieces into the mixer when it’s time to incorporate mix-ins.
Mint Chip – Protein Powder: Mint Chocolate. Flavor Boost: 1 tsp pure peppermint extract. Mix-In: 1/4 cup cocoa nibs or mini chocolate chips.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup – Protein Powder: Chocolate. Mix-In: 1 cup min Trader Joes PB cups. Fold into the ice cream at the mix-in step for a sweet and salty combo.
Espresso – Protein Powder: French Vanilla or Salted Caramel. Flavor Boost: 2 shots of espresso or 1/4 cup of cold brew. Mix-In: chocolate covered coffee beans, optional.
Extra Creamy Protein Ice Cream
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the ice cream maker core (freezer bowl) in the freezer the night before to ensure it’s fully frozen and ready for churning.
- Measure the milk and heavy cream into a liquid measuring cup. Pour the mixture into a small saucepan and heat over medium-high until it just begins to simmer.
- While heating the cream, combine the maple syrup (or your preferred sweetener), sea salt, and egg yolks in a liquid measuring cup. Whisk them together until smooth.
- Once the milk reaches a gentle simmer, slowly pour in the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes, whisking often, until the custard thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Pour the custard into a liquid measuring cup or glass bowl and let it cool completely. Once cooled, whisk in any flavorings like vanilla or extracts. Cover and refrigerate overnight for the best results.
- Before churning, prepare your mix-ins so they’re ready to fold into the ice cream at the right time.
- Use a milk frother to blend a scoop of protein powder into the chilled custard until smooth. Then, set up your ice cream machine and pour the custard in to begin churning.
- Once the ice cream starts to thicken and become creamy in the machine, add your prepared mix-ins and let it churn just until evenly combined.
- Scrape the soft-serve ice cream from the machine into a pint-sized glass container. Smooth the top, cover with a lid, and freeze for at least 5 hours to set fully. Then enjoy!
