Made with vegan protein powder, frozen bananas, and swirled with chocolate sauce, this protein ice cream recipe is the perfect summer indulgence. Enjoy the chunky monkey ice cream as soft serve from a bowl or scoop it into a gluten-free cone, either way, you're gaining 8 grams of protein with just one serving!
What to enjoy some dessert but also trying to stick to your goals? Welcome to the best of both worlds!
This chunky monkey, vegan protein ice cream gives you all the classic feel of dessert without maxing out your diet, which is the whole idea of my Strong and Sweet Protein Guide.
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 nice 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 use this ice cream recipe to bump up your intake.
Why You'll Love It
Allergy-friendly: The protein ice cream recipe is naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan. It can be made paleo as well depending on your protein powder.
Easy to make: You don't need an ice cream maker for the ice cream to come together (no churning!).
Delicious: The chunky monkey flavor is rich and indulgent but not too sweet. Plus, you can enjoy the protein powder ice cream as soft serve or traditional, compact ice cream in a cone.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Peek the photo below, but 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. Vegan protein powder will create a thicker ice cream. If you're using a paleo-protein you may need to add a touch more.
Pecans: Any chopped nuts you have in hand will work to swirl in.
Dairy-fee yogurt: You only need a little bit but it helps immensely with the texture. Regular dairy-free yogurt normally works best as Greek yogurt is a bit too thick.
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: 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.
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 vegan 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 Make The Vegan Protein Ice Cream
Step 1: Slice the frozen bananas and add them, with the other ice cream ingredients to a high-powered blender or processor.
Step 2: Process until combined and semi-smooth. You will need a tamper and to scrape down the sides.
Step 3: Whip together the ingredients for the homemade chocolate sauce.
Step 4: Portion the ice cream mixture into a silicone loaf pan.
Step 5: Swirl the chocolate sauce into the protein powder ice cream.
Step 6: Sprinkle on the pecans and let sit in the freezer to firm up.
How To Store It
The vegan protein 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.
Flavor Variations
Of course, this chunky monkey nice cream is delicious as-is, however, there are a few fun flavor swaps you can make if you want to change the taste.
Protein powder: I use a vanilla vegan protein powder for the recipe but changing to a chocolate, espresso, or caramel protein powder would be absolutely amazing.
Nuts: In place of pecans use hazelnuts, toasted pistachios, or even toasted coconut for texture.
Caramel: Drizzle some dairy-free caramel sauce on top to amp up the indulgence.
Choosing A Protein Powder
The protein powder you choose will affect the taste and flavor of the protein ice cream (and things like protein brownies). Vegan protein powder absorbs liquid like crazy and fermented protein absorbs even more. Learn more about how to choose a protein powder.
For this vegan protein ice cream, I used Genuine Health’s Fermented Vegan Protein Powder. This protein helps fuel your goals, recover, and stay full.
If you're not using a fermented protein powder, you may need to add 1 tablespoon more to really nail down that thick, ice cream-like texture.
Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).
Frequently Asked Questions
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
Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream
Video
Equipment
- Silicone baking loaf mold
Ingredients
For the ice cream
- 4 Bananas frozen
- ¼ cup Vanilla Protein Powder vegan
- 3 tbs Dairy-free yogurt
For the chocolate sauce
- 1 teaspoon Cacao powder
- 1 tbs Almond butter
- 1.5 tbs Maple syrup
Toppings
- 1 tbs Mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup Chopped nuts
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, use a tamper and scrape the sides as needed.
- 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!
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Stacey says
Thank you, this is a very special, creamy frozen treat and the kids love all the goodies in the ice cream.
fitasamamabear says
I love when kiddos approve!
Donny says
I love anything chunky monkey but adding protein powder made this even better!
fitasamamabear says
It's really the best possible flavor lol
Nancy says
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 says
Bahaha omg amazing. It is super hard to share though!
Asha says
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 says
Ohh I love barre! But yes, it's a nice way to fuel up!
nancy says
the frozen banana and chocolate really made a lovely combo for an easy homemade treat! thanks
fitasamamabear says
It's a tasty combo!
Kim says
This ice cream was so delicious and I just love that it was healthy too. No guilt while eating it!
fitasamamabear says
Heck yea!!
Clair says
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 says
Right?! I have an ice cream machine but never use it haha
Janessa says
Oh my gosh, we all loved this! Sure to be our go to treat all summer long.
fitasamamabear says
Happy to hear it!
Katie says
LOVE THIS!! This protein ice cream was fantastic!
fitasamamabear says
Life win hehe
Greta says
In this high temperature is a perfect cooler for everybody who loves ice cream. Loved it!!!! Will do it again!!!
fitasamamabear says
Yes! Such a yummy way to enjoy the heat and stay cool!
Kris says
Oh my goodness was this tasty! You would never guess that it's protein-packed!
fitasamamabear says
That's definitely the best part!
Giangi Townsend says
Chocolate, banana... my two favorite and heaven with each bite. So delicious.
fitasamamabear says
Right?! It's the perfect combo lol
Kalin says
This sounds incredible! I love chunky monkey - it's so fun and delicious
Natalie says
Can't go wrong with bananas and chocolate for a kids' dessert! Thanks it's great.
fitasamamabear says
Right?1 Easy and yummy combbo lol
Megan says
Shelby, this recipe is so innovative and so delicious!! Thanks for a fun healthy ice cream recipe! Love the flavor!
fitasamamabear says
Oh, thank you! The flavor is a staple in our house lol