Smooth, creamy, and no churning required! This vanilla protein ice cream is a delicious way to indulge while still boosting your daily protein intake. Made with just five ingredients this protein ice cream can be eaten in a bowl or scooped into an ice cream cone to cool down on a hot day.
Sinfully indulgent but blissfully healthy, this homemade ice cream is a summertime staple!
Think amping up your protein intake is boring? Think again!
This vanilla protein ice cream is a great way to take in 12 grams of protein while still enjoying something classic.
Loaded with sprinkles, as a Certified Nutrition Coach, it definitely brings me back to being a kid.. only healthier!
Most no-churn ice creams use frozen bananas as the base to get their creamy texture. However, this protein ice cream is coconut milk-based which makes it even more indulgent.
Grab a bowl or your favorite gluten-free ice cream cone and enjoy it on a hot summer day!
· Allergy-friendly (dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo)
· Easy to make (no ice cream machine!)
· Super-rich
· Can be eaten in a cone not just a bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need
Coconut milk: for this protein ice cream recipe you’ll need a can of full-fat coconut milk. Make sure to pop it into the fridge overnight so that it gets extra hard and drain all the water from it before blending.
Collagen powder: is what gives this homemade ice cream a protein boost! The cleanest form of protein means that this protein ice cream is also great for kids.
Pasteurized egg yolks: Opt for the “creations” brand which comes in a carton and double-check its pasteurized. This means that no unhealthy bacteria can get in.
Vanilla stevia: made by Nunaturals this is an amazing way to get that classic vanilla flavor while adding a low-calorie sweetener.
Honey: raw honey is best and you don’t need a lot!
Sprinkles: make sure to grab allergy-friendly ones as needed.
How To Make Protein Ice Cream
- Drain the water from the coconut milk and add all the ingredients except the sprinkles to a blender.
- Process 30s-90s until just combined.
- Pour into an 8x4, lined (or silicone!) baking pan.
- Whisk in the sprinkles.
- Freeze 30-60 minutes until desired texture is achieved.
- Use an ice cream scoop to portion out the ice cream.
Step By Steph Photos
Important Teaching Tips
The kind of coconut milk you choose matters. Make sure it’s full fat and that it gets solid in the fridge overnight. If your coconut milk is soft or runny- your ice cream will be too!
This means, make sure to drain all the water out of the can and only scrape out the white, coconut cream for the ice cream.
The pasteurized egg is what makes the ice cream creamy enough to scoop. If you omit it, your coconut milk will just freeze solid.
If you do not have vanilla stevia do not increase the honey. Instead, use ½ teaspoon regular vanilla extract + a few drops or ½ bag of powdered stevia.
Different coconut milks freeze differently. Pop the protein ice cream into the freezer for 30-60 minutes checking on it after 30. Some will be the perfect texture for scooping at 30 minutes and some will be too soft. What you don’t want is it getting too hard where it crystallizes.
This high-protein ice cream is not made with protein powder. Likewise, you cannot substitute protein powder for collagen powder. If you do want to make a protein powder ice cream, stay tuned! I have two more recipes coming out 😉
What To Do With Leftover Protein ice Cream
This ice cream is best eaten after that first freeze when it is creamy and scoopable.
After being in the fridge a while it gets really hard. You can of course let it thaw on the counter a bit and portion it into bowls but it’s truly not the same.
Instead, we use protein ice cream to make smoothies! Break off a piece and blend it up with some fruit and milk for the CREAMIEST smoothie you’ve ever had.
Products You NEED
The protein ice cream recipe is made with collagen powder (not protein powder!). The healthiest form of protein you’ll find.
Collagen is a beneficial part of bone broth and is wonderful for your hair, skin, and nails. Learn more about collagen and why you may want to boost your intake. However, unlike bone broth, it doesn’t taste like well, bone broth.
Similarly, collagen powder is odorless and flavorless. Plus, if ethically sourced is one of the purest forms of protein you can give to your kids!
I grab my collagen from Perfect Supplements because they source their collagen from pasture-raised (grass-fed) cows. So, I trust it.
Grab some collagen powder and use code mamabear10 to save some money.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vanilla Protein Ice Cream
Protein powder has not been tested with this recipe. Likewise, vegan protein powder alters the color of the ice cream making is not as “white” which can be off-putting. And of course, all protein powder blends absorb liquid differently so there’s no guarantee on texture.
This protein ice cream is high protein and low carb making is an extremely healthy dessert option! Because of it’s high protein content it can be used as a dessert or a snack.
Protein ice cream is best eaten after the initial freeze. Storing it in the freezer will cause it to crystalize and become extremely solid. You can thaw it a bit but the texture will be different and the ice cream won’t be “scoopable”. Instead, use the extra ice cream from the freezer in smoothies.
To make chocolate protein ice cream just add 1.5 tablespoons of cacao powder to the ice cream mixture when blending.
No. The coconut milk from a can is not milk-like in texture. Unlike almond milk, canned coconut milk doesn't contain any other ingredients to alter the texture, it is extremely creamy in nature making it ideal for this homemade ice cream recipe. Subbing with unsweetened almond milk will alter the texture of the protein ice cream and it may only freeze solid.
Other Amazing High Protein Recipes
- Blueberry protein muffins
- Chocolate chip protein muffins
- Protein granola
- 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
Super Easy Protein Ice Cream
Equipment
- 1 8x3 Baking pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup Coconut cream from a can
- ½ cup pasteurized egg yolk
- ⅛ cup Collagen powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla stevia
- 1 tbs honey
- 1.5 tbs sprinkles dairy and gluten-free
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients except sprinkles in a blender very quickly (you don’t want too much air).
- Portion into an 8x3 pan and mix in sprinkles.
- Place in freezer to set for 30-45 minutes checking frequently.
- Once desired texture is achieved, remove from the freezer and scoop into gluten-free ice cream cones or bowls.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Shelby aka Mama Bear
Natalie
Oh, I`d love to make this for my kids. Do I have to adjust proteins if I make this for my kids? Thanks!
fitasamamabear
Nope! It's collagen powder so the cleanest form of protein you can get 🙂 My kiddos LOVE it
Kalin
Oh my, this will definitely be a favorite this summer!
fitasamamabear
Such a tasty treat!
Janessa
I'm always looking so more ways to increase my protein intake and this was an absolutely delicious way to do it! I used some of the leftovers to make strawberry "milkshakes" and it was so creamy!
fitasamamabear
You can't go wrong with ice cream, right?! Ah you tried the leftover trick, so good right???
Sean
This was a great recipe and perfect for when you need ice cream quick. The ones I make take hours and this is such a great option for when kids are around! Thanks for the recipe.
fitasamamabear
I have a few that take hours too, it's definitely nice to have a faster option on hand!
Megan
Great is smoothies. Love how little sweetener is used. The palate gets used to more fat and less sweet, and I think it's more satisfying, plus better for blood sugar levels! 🙂
fitasamamabear
SO much less sugar than typical ice cream or nice cream!
Jean
Never thought of protein ice cream but it went great. I will make again.
fitasamamabear
Just a yummy way to boost intake!
Gina Abernathy
A great way for more protein and collagen. Plus, it's a great treat.
fitasamamabear
Definitely a summer hit!
Lynn
I'll be making this recipe all Summer! It was so good!
fitasamamabear
Hehe yay!
Rebekah Kuk
Yum! I loved this. I used chocolate flavored collagen and added mini keto chocolate chips on top. Delicious. And my kids were so excited that I let them have ice cream for a snack. 🙂
fitasamamabear
Aaaand I'm now drooling haha great adds!
Stacey
I love that you added collagen to the yummy ice cream, and the sprinkles are so much fun!
fitasamamabear
Collagen is that "I put that sh*t in everything" thing to me hehe
nancy
great recipe with extra protein - this vanilla protein ice cream was easy to make !!
fitasamamabear
So simple right?!
Katie
This is pure goodness! I'll be making this healthy treat all summer long!
fitasamamabear
Haha right? Best summer snack ever!
laura
quick and simple to make and perfect for hot summer days!
fitasamamabear
Yep! Simple is key lol
Donny
This is such a great way to make ice cream more functional. And I love your tip for making it chocolate!
fitasamamabear
Well, chocolate IS a life necessity lol
Sherry
A quick and easy snack recipe that I made for my kids. They loved it and asked me to make it again!
fitasamamabear
Isn't that the best feeling?
Nancy
Fantastic recipe with added protein and not just empty carbs. Easy to make and kids approved
fitasamamabear
Always a win when kiddos like it!
Glenda
I LOVE no churn ice cream. I expected this one to be more icy and not as creamy. I was definitely wrong! It's delicious AND creamy! A great, healthy option! Thank you!
fitasamamabear
No churn just makes life SO much easier! And let me tell you, the first 6 batches were icy and not creamy hahaha it took a lot of tweaking but it was sooo worth it!
Jeanine
What a great idea for boosting protein intake! Thanks for a great recipe.
fitasamamabear
Right?! Everyone loves ice cream
Rebecca
No churn ice creams are the best! They save so much time. And I love the added protein idea in this recipe. Thanks.
fitasamamabear
Right?! Simple is key right now lol
Sue
This looks terrific, I've been craving ice cream and you've just given me a guilt-free alternative! Thank you!
fitasamamabear
Life win!!!
Jean Nie
so glad to make this protein ice cream, since I dont have an ice cream maker.
fitasamamabear
It definitely keeps it simple!
Sherry
What a great way to help me increase my protein intake and still have an easy no-churn ice cream
fitasamamabear
It's always nice when you can have your cake and eat it too!
Ana
Perfect recipe for summer!
fitasamamabear
Right?!
jennifer
So easy and delicious! Love that you put collagen powder in the recipe, I was excited for a new way to use mine!
fitasamamabear
Collagen keeps me going haha
Bianca
I love how easy this ice cream came together! And it is healthy on top, perfect for those ice cream cravings during those hot days we are having!
fitasamamabear
Exactly, because NO ice cream is definitely not ann option.