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Healthy Recipes Nutrition Recipes

The Perfect Treat: Healthy Protein Ice Cream Recipe

by The Power Life Team | August 25, 2021

You don’t need to give up everything sweet and delicious to succeed with a healthy diet. There are plenty of health-conscious desserts on the market today, like protein ice cream. You can even make a version of this popular treat with a healthy protein ice cream recipe. This recipe is easy to make, delicious, and may assist with your fitness goals.

Learn how to make protein ice cream to enjoy a cool, tasty treat tonight.

What Is Protein Ice Cream?

You can find protein ice cream at just about any store these days. It’s typically sold as a healthier alternative to traditional ice creams. These protein ice creams get their high levels of protein from an added form of milk protein — like whey protein.1

How Is Protein Ice Cream Made?

There are many types of protein ice creams available. Protein and sugar levels can vary depending on the ingredients. Protein ice cream may also be a bit lower in calories, because some brands may use sweeteners other than sugar.2

Packaged Protein Ice Cream And Nutrition

protein ice cream recipe | My Power LifeKeep in mind that “healthier” ice cream doesn’t always equate to “healthy.” The ingredients can still influence things like your weight and digestive health.3

That’s why making your own creamy protein ice cream can be a great choice. It’s easy to do, and it gives you control over what ingredients go into your dessert. Fresh fruits and a potent protein powder can make your treat both satisfying and healthy.

Learn How To Make Protein Ice Cream

Homemade ice cream doesn’t need to be a labor intensive project with lots of heavy cream and an ice cream maker. You can easily make a protein-packed ice cream with nothing but a powerful blender and a freezer.

Make It A Part Of Your Post Workout Plan

A big, intense day at the gym can make a lukewarm protein shake seem less than appealing. Queue up protein ice cream. Cool off, and supplement your body’s protein levels, with this one delicious snack.

creamy protein ice cream | My Power LifeThat extra dose of protein can help you make big gains in the gym. That’s because supplemental protein may help support muscle growth and muscle recovery after working out.4

Steps For Making Your Own Creamy Protein Ice Cream

Follow along below to learn how to make protein ice cream at home. The recipe gives you a base ice cream that you can modify with flavors and the protein powder of your choice. If you want to keep the ice cream vegan, be sure to use a plant-based protein powder.

For Basic Protein Ice Cream

  • 1 can full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (no sugar added)
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp salt

Steps For Making Protein Ice Cream

  1. Chill a loaf pan in the freezer for 30 minutes. Open the coconut milk, and place in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  2. Remove the chilled coconut milk, and place in a blender with the rest of the ingredients. Pulse everything on high for 2-4 minutes. You want everything smooth and well incorporated.
  3. creamy protein ice cream | My Power LifeRemove the chilled pan, and pour the ice cream blend into it. Smooth the ice cream with a spatula, and transfer back to the freezer.
  4. Let the blend set for 3 hours in the freezer (or until frozen). Stir occasionally with the spatula if ice develops on top.
  5. Remove five minutes before serving to let the ice cream soften. Scoop with a wet ice cream scooper to serve.
  6. Enjoy, and return to the freezer with a cover or in an airtight container. Keep for up to a week.

Extra Ice Cream Tips

The above protein ice cream recipe is very flexible. You can make modifications where you see fit to enhance nutrition or get it as close to regular ice cream as possible.

Milk Substitutes

This recipe calls for a bit of almond milk, but you can use other dairy alternatives, such as unsweetened rice milk or cashew milk.

Tailored Protein Powder Ice Cream

protein ice cream recipe | My Power LifeYou can add more protein powder to this recipe to suit your fitness goals. For every extra scoop, add a half-cup more of unsweetened almond milk and blend for an extra minute. This will help avoid clumps and keep the ice cream smooth and rich.

Use Natural Sweeteners

Try to use natural sweeteners if you want a touch more sweetness in your ice cream. Add a dash of monk fruit sweetener to help keep it sugar-free.

Different Protein Ice Cream Flavors

You can add just about any healthy fruit or ingredient to this base. These are a few of Tony Horton’s favorite ice cream flavors to make at home. They are low in sugar but high in protein, which makes them an excellent recovery option after a big workout in the gym.

Chocolate Protein Ice Cream

protein ice cream recipe | My Power Life

Add your favorite chocolate protein powder instead of vanilla. You can also add unsweetened cocoa chips for an extra bit of chocolatey goodness.

Studies have determined that chocolate milk products may help support recovery by delivering essential amino acids to your body. So, take advantage by making a frozen version of this powerful post-workout treat.5

Peanut Butter Protein Ice Cream

Peanut butter brings a big dose of minerals that help your muscles contract and support your energy levels. So, add a tablespoon to the base recipe. Unsweetened peanut butter also pairs nicely with a dash of chocolate, so don’t be afraid to use this with either vanilla or chocolate protein powder.6

Strawberry Protein Ice Cream

protein ice cream recipe | My Power LifeStrawberry ice cream epitomizes summertime goodness. Use half a cup of fresh or frozen strawberries for the ultimate warm weather dessert. Aside from all that deliciousness, strawberries are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants which help support total body health.7

Blueberry Protein Ice Cream

Blueberries are another great fruit to blend up into ice cream. These nutrient-dense treats are delicious, and all their antioxidants can even help with muscle recovery. Add half a cup into the blender to enjoy all those tasty potential benefits.8

Ice Cream Doesn’t Need To Be A Guilty Pleasure Anymore

As you can see, ice cream doesn’t always need to be a guilty pleasure. There are healthier sugar-free versions that you can easily make at home to satisfy that sweet tooth. Homemade protein ice cream is a great place to start. A protein ice cream recipe gives you the chance to use ingredients like protein powder to add flavor and supplement your dietary protein intake.

This extra boost of protein can aid with muscle growth and recovery. So, take advantage of a simple, nutrient-rich version of the world’s favorite summertime dessert. You may find that it’s good enough to keep on hand even into the winter.9

Learn More:
How To Feel Energized The Whole Day: Fight Fatigue Naturally
Do Cheat Days Work To Help Achieve Your Fitness Goals?
What To Eat After A Run For The Best Recovery

Sources
1 https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/8-high-protein-ice-cream-000000757.html
2 https://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2017/09/21/are-protein-ice-creams-and-yoghurts-healthy_a_23215728/
3 https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/are-low-calorie-ice-creams-healthy
4 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25169440/
5 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-chocolate-milk-your-best-option-after-a-workout/
6 https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/nutrition/is-peanut-butter-really-as-healthy-and-protein-packed-as-you-think/ar-BBOWryz
7 https://www.health.com/nutrition/health-benefits-of-strawberries
8 https://www.health.com/nutrition/groceries/the-health-benefits-blueberries
9 https://www.menshealth.com/uk/nutrition/a754243/how-much-protein-should-i-eat-to-build-muscle/