Indulge in your favorite dessert with a high-protein twist! This chunky monkey homemade protein ice cream is made with a base of frozen bananas and swirled with chocolate sauce. You can devour it from a bowl or pop it into an ice cream cone for the best summer indulgence.
With 8 grams of protein, this protein ice cream recipe will soon become a staple in your house!
What to enjoy some dessert but also trying to stick to your goals? Welcome to the best of both worlds!
This chunky monkey, high-protein ice cream gives you all the classic feel of dessert without maxing out your diet.
Thanks to the frozen banana base it’s ultra-creamy and extremely hard not to eat while you’re making it. Pecans add a bit of crunch to the ice cream but the indulgent part is that it’s swirled with homemade chocolate for an indulgent feel.
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I know you'll ENJOY boosting your protein intake with this protein ice cream recipe! Learn more about the benefits of a high protein diet and why you want to amp up it up.
Why You'll Love It
The protein ice cream recipe is allergy-friendly. It works for a dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo, and vegan diet.
It's easy to make and you don't need an ice cream maker for it (no churning!).
The chunky monkey flavor is rich and indulgent but not too sweet.
Enjoy the protein powder ice cream as soft serve or traditional, compact ice cream in a cone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
If you have a well-stocked gluten-free pantry, you probably already have everything you need! One of the perks of this chunky monkey protein ice cream is that it comes together so easily.
Frozen bananas: make sure your bananas are frozen as this is what gives the ice cream its creamy texture. Peel them before popping them in the freezer.
Vanilla protein powder: the kind of protein powder you choose will affect both the flavor and texture of the ice cream (learn more below)
Pecans: any chopped nuts you have n hand will work to swirl in.
Dairy-fee yogurt: you only need a little bit but it helps immensely with the texture. Coconut or a nut-based yogurt will work but Greek yogurt will not.
Cacao powder: not to be confused with cocoa powder (learn the difference between cacao powder and cocoa), this is the base of the chocolate swirl. And bonus points that it’s also loaded with nutrients!
Maple syrup: make sure to use the real thing for maximum flavor.
Nut butter: almond hazelnut is our personal favorite but almond butter is great too! Make sure to use fresh nut butter though or it won’t blend into the chocolate sauce.
How To Make The Protein Ice Cream Recipe
- Slice the frozen bananas.
- Place the yogurt, protein, and bananas in a blender.
- Process until smooth, you will need to use a tamper.
- Portion into 8x3 pan and mix in nuts and chocolate chips.
- In small bowl whisk chocolate ingredients.
- Swirl the chocolate into the ice cream and smooth out.
- Pop in the fridge for 30-45 minutes to firm up.
Step By Step Photos
Important Teaching Tips
Bananas don’t freeze fully solid. To help out your blender, slice them into chunks before blending. It will be easier to process them this way!
You will have to stop and scrape down the sides while blending or use a food processor as the protein ice cream mixture is THICK.
Make sure to use fresh nut butter. The hard part at the bottom of a jar will not blend into the chocolate sauce.
The protein ice cream firms up after about 45 minutes in the freezer enough that you can use an ice cream scoop it into gluten-free ice cream cones! If you want soft serve, only freeze for 20-30 minutes and serve in bowls.
Do not add unsweetened almond milk to help process the bananas. Adding almond milk (or any liquid) will turn this into more of a smoothie and less of a creamy, protein ice cream.
How To Store It
High-protein ice cream is best eaten the day of making it. That's how you can enjoy the ultra-soft, and creamy texture.
However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the freezer. It will last roughly 4 weeks.
To enjoy it again, you'll have to let it thaw on the counter for 5-10 minutes before scooping and it’s best served in bowl. Not as creamy but harder.
Likewise, you could also let it thaw for 5 minutes and then re-blend it to recreate the soft-serve texture.
Crucial Products
The protein powder you choose will affect the taste and flavor of the protein ice cream (and things like protein brownies).
For best results use Genuine Health’s Fermented Vegan Protein Powder. This protein helps fuel your goals, recover and stay full.
Made with 20 grams of plant-based protein, this vegan protein powder is dairy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO and certified organic. It’s also been voted one of the best-tasting vegan protein powders.
But best of all is that this protein is fermented. This helps break down the “anti-nutrient” in grains, nuts, seeds and legumes that often causes bloating.
This protein powder literally gives you the best of both worlds and makes the protein ice cream recipe awesome.
Shop the Genuine Health Store on Amazon.
The protein powder used is pea-protein based. If using a non-pea protein powder (Like Botanica or Orgain) the ice cream will not be as thick.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth & Fuel Your Body
The ultimate collection of high-protein, no-bake snacks for busy moms.
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Inside the Strong and Sweet Guide, you’ll discover exactly how much protein you need each day, how to choose the right protein powder, and enjoy over twenty-five easy ultra-simple snack recipes, each packed with 17 grams of protein or more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream
While you may be able to, it hasn’t been tested. Whey protein absorbs liquid differently than vegan protein powder so the ice cream may not be as thick.
Of course! Chocolate protein (or caramel protein) tastes delicious in protein ice cream and is a great way to switch up flavors.
Store the protein ice cream in the freezer. If you want you can thaw it briefly on the counter and scoop it into bowls to eat. However, it also makes an INDULGENT smoothie base! Blend it with some fruit add more liquid for a thick, creamy, smoothie.
Other High-Protein Recipes You'll Love
- Vanilla protein ice cream
- Blueberry protein muffins
- Chocolate chip protein muffins
- Protein granola
- Peanut butter protein powder ice cream
- Chocolate chip granola
- Easy granola bars
- Flourless peanut butter protein muffins
- Make-ahead breakfast recipes
- Overnight cookie dough protein oats
- Chocolate chia protein balls
- Peanut butter and jam protein balls
- Chocolate fudge protein balls
- Fudgy protein brownies
- Chocolate chip granola bars
- High protein cookies
- High protein snacks
- Healthy desserts
Easy High Protein Ice Cream
Equipment
- Silicone baking loaf mold
Ingredients
- 4 Bananas frozen
- ¼ cup Vanilla Protein Powder vegan
- ¼ cup Chopped nuts
- 1 tbs Mini chocolate chips
- 3 tbs Coconut yogurt
- Chocolate Swirl
- 1 teaspoon Cacao powder
- 1 tbs Almond butter
- 1.5 tbs Maple syrup
Instructions
- Slice the frozen bananas.
- Place the yogurt, protein, and bananas in a blender in that order as it helps the blender not have to work as hard.
- Process until smooth, you will need to use a tamper.
- Portion into 8x3 baking loaf pan and mix in the nuts and chocolate chips.
- In small bowl whisk chocolate sauce ingredients.
- Swirl the chocolate into the ice cream and smooth out.
- Pop in the freezer for 30-45 minutes to firm up.
- Scoop and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Megan
Shelby, this recipe is so innovative and so delicious!! Thanks for a fun healthy ice cream recipe! Love the flavor!
fitasamamabear
Oh, thank you! The flavor is a staple in our house lol
Natalie
Can't go wrong with bananas and chocolate for a kids' dessert! Thanks it's great.
fitasamamabear
Right?1 Easy and yummy combbo lol
Kalin
This sounds incredible! I love chunky monkey - it's so fun and delicious
Giangi Townsend
Chocolate, banana... my two favorite and heaven with each bite. So delicious.
fitasamamabear
Right?! It's the perfect combo lol
Kris
Oh my goodness was this tasty! You would never guess that it's protein-packed!
fitasamamabear
That's definitely the best part!
Greta
In this high temperature is a perfect cooler for everybody who loves ice cream. Loved it!!!! Will do it again!!!
fitasamamabear
Yes! Such a yummy way to enjoy the heat and stay cool!
Katie
LOVE THIS!! This protein ice cream was fantastic!
fitasamamabear
Life win hehe
Janessa
Oh my gosh, we all loved this! Sure to be our go to treat all summer long.
fitasamamabear
Happy to hear it!
Clair
I loved that I could make this healthy ice cream without an ice cream maker!!
The kids loved it!!! And it was so easy to make.
fitasamamabear
Right?! I have an ice cream machine but never use it haha
Kim
This ice cream was so delicious and I just love that it was healthy too. No guilt while eating it!
fitasamamabear
Heck yea!!
nancy
the frozen banana and chocolate really made a lovely combo for an easy homemade treat! thanks
fitasamamabear
It's a tasty combo!
Asha
Yummy! Talk about a fun and tasty way to get your protein this summer. So rewarding after breaking a sweat from a great barre workout.
fitasamamabear
Ohh I love barre! But yes, it's a nice way to fuel up!
Nancy
This chunky one with pecans really hit the spot. I totally had the whole batch myself. My Family can’t even fault me cuz they are allergic to nuts
fitasamamabear
Bahaha omg amazing. It is super hard to share though!
Donny
I love anything chunky monkey but adding protein powder made this even better!
fitasamamabear
It's really the best possible flavor lol
Stacey
Thank you, this is a very special, creamy frozen treat and the kids love all the goodies in the ice cream.
fitasamamabear
I love when kiddos approve!
Lena
I love simple, flavorful, and family-friendly recipes like this! My whole family loved this ice-cream, it tasted amazing!
fitasamamabear
Isn't it awesome when it's fam approved?
Jill
I love this flavor so much! There's so much goodness going on in each bite but the almond butter is my favorite part - had to add a touch more than called for! 😉
fitasamamabear
Almond butter makes everything better lol
Glenda
Delicious! I only had cashew butter and it was extraordinary! It was so simple to make and you can be I'll be making more.
Joan
I love making banana ice cream for a sweet treat during the week. The chunky monkey flavor was just what I needed to change up my regular pb topping. I'll be making this again!
fitasamamabear
It makes it so easy to whip up when you want it!
jennifer
8g of protein in ice cream, I knew I had to make it right away. And, honestly with that amazing ingredient list .... I would totally eat for breakfast on my way out the door for a yum! Kinda like a thicker smoothie IMO, yah know LOL
fitasamamabear
Haha it's the bets of both worlds!
Bean
Love love love this! I can't believe this is really a protein ice cream. It tastes just as creamy and yummy as the store-bought ones. Definitely making this again.
fitasamamabear
Haha it's SO creamy!
Hyacinth
This tastes really goood, definitely rich, and just has that perfect amount of sweetness. 🙂 The fact that it is high in protein is what I like the most!
fitasamamabear
Glad you loved it!
Hannah
I love a dessert thats healthy. Guilt free and don't have to think twice about having seconds. I love the frozen banana base, chocolate swirls! Delicious!
fitasamamabear
Glad you enjoyed it!
Emily
The banana base was creamy and had just the right amount of sweetness. And the pecans added a satisfying crunch.
fitasamamabear
I love the pecans! My favorite part- and wicked when toasted.
Amelia
Served this as a dessert for date night. The ice cream was creamy, not overly sweet, and the swirls of chocolate are so delish!
fitasamamabear
So happy you liked it!