When I first made this, I served this for my kids (ages 3 and 5 at the time), and they couldn’t get enough. I challenge you to tell the difference between this high protein ice cream recipe and regular ice cream! ?
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for chocolate protein ice cream, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Egg Yolks – These form the base of the custard. (If you need a way to use up the whites, try coconut macaroons.) Sweetener – I use Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend as a sugar substitute because it has 0 calories, 0 glycemic index (i.e. won’t spike blood sugar levels), and tastes just like sugar. I don’t recommend most other sugar alternatives because the ice cream will turn out rock hard. Regular powdered sugar works fine if it fits your lifestyle, but why add refined sugar when Besti tastes just as great? 😉 Sea Salt – Just a pinch of salt brings out the sweetness in the recipe. Don’t worry, your protein ice cream won’t be salty. Vanilla Almond Milk – I used store bought unsweetened vanilla almond milk, but you could make homemade unsweetened almond milk as well. Most non-dairy milk options will also work, though you may need to add vanilla extract to create a similar flavor profile. Heavy Cream – For perfect creamy texture and flavor. You can make it dairy-free by using full-fat canned coconut milk instead. Cocoa Powder – Look for unsweetened high quality cocoa for the richest chocolate taste (I like this one). Protein Powder – I use this collagen because I like the benefits, but you could use any protein powder you prefer, such as whey protein powder, a plant-based variety, or even chocolate protein powder if you want it extra chocolaty.
How To Make Protein Ice Cream
This section shows how to make chocolate protein ice cream, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card. If you’re not a fan of chocolate ice cream, replace the cocoa powder with an additional 1/4 cup of protein powder and make these changes for different flavors:
Vanilla – Use vanilla protein powder, or add 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Strawberry – Puree 8 ounces of strawberries in a blender or food processor, then add during the last 5 minutes of churning. Chocolate Chip – Make vanilla protein ice cream (above) and add 1/2 cup chocolate chips during the last 5 minutes of churning. Peanut Butter – Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup peanut butter during the last 5 minutes of churning.
More Easy Ice Cream Recipes
Protein powder is one of the easiest elements to add to healthy snacks and breakfast — I already tried it in warm recipes like protein waffles and fluffy protein bread. Desserts like this high protein ice cream might be my favorite way to use it, though! If you’re looking for more healthy ice cream recipes for a summer treat that also makes you feel great, try these: This is called tempering, and doing this while whisking will prevent the egg from scrambling. To enjoy, let it thaw on the counter for 5-10 minutes and wet your ice cream scoop with warm water for easy scooping. Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email.
