Totally dairy-free and made in just minutes with 11 grams or more of protein per serving, this protein powder ice cream recipe is the perfect way to curb a craving.
Adding protein to your favorite desserts helps to not only increase your daily intake but also cut the sugar crash afterward. Flavored in peanut butter and chocolate chip, the protein ice cream comes out ultra-thick and makes for the best possible indulgence.
Get the best of both worlds with this peanut butter protein powder ice cream recipe!
All the comfort of a refreshing, soft serve ice cream and all the fuel of a high-protein snack! In fact, protein desserts are one of my favorites because they help you control portions while still indulging your sweet tooth.
And thanks to the frozen banana base, this protein powder ice cream is ultra-creamy and extremely hard not to eat while you’re making it. With only five ingredients, it comes together really quickly too (just like this protein frozen yogurt).
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I can tell you you'll ENJOY boosting your protein intake with this homemade protein ice cream! Learn more about the benefits of a high protein diet and why you want to amp up it up.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Allergy-friendly (dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo, vegan)
- Easy to make (no ice cream maker and no churning)
- Indulgent
- No ice cream machine needed
- Easy to customize the flavors based on what you're craving that day
And though this recipe is made with vanilla powder, you can easily make peanut butter chocolate protein ice cream to curb a craving too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
If you have a well-stocked gluten-free pantry, you probably already have everything you need to make protein ice cream! One of the perks of this no-churn 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 (just like mangos in this mango ice cream). 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).
Coconut cream: you want the thick, white cream from canned coconut milk but make sure not to use any of the liquid or water from the can!
Peanut butter: opt for natural peanut butter for the best flavor and make sure it’s fresh so that it swirls in evenly (same goes for desserts like these chocolate chip protein cookies)
Chocolate chips: mini chocolate chips make it so that each bite has some crunch to it. Double-check that they’re dairy-free if you need this to be allergy-friendly.
You won't see almond milk on the list for this ice cream recipe. This is because adding almond milk or more liquid would turn this protein ice cream into a smoothie and not a creamy dessert.
Important Tips To Make It
Bananas don’t freeze fully solid. To help out your blender, slice them into chunks before blending. It will be easier to process this way!
You will have to stop and scrape down the sides while blending or use a food processor as the mixture is THICK. Do not add any liquid though or your ice cream will turn into a smoothie.
The ice cream firms up after about 45 minutes in the freezer enough that you can scoop it into gluten-free ice cream cones! If you want soft serve, you can eat it right after processing or only freeze it for 20 minutes and serve it in bowls.
hack: If you know you want to freeze it to scoop, pre-freeze your loaf pan to cut down on time!
You can easily make chocolate protein ice cream by subbing chocolate flavored powder in place of vanilla protein powder.
How To Make Protein Powder Ice Cream
How To Serve It
This peanut butter protein powder ice cream comes out at the perfect soft serve. So long as the bananas were fully frozen you can whip it up and use an ice cream scoop to portion it into bowls as is.
However, if you like your ice cream just a bit more firm, freeze it for 30-45 minutes. Then, use an ice cream scoop to scoop it into gluten-free ice cream cones.
Choosing Protein Powder
The kind of protein powder you choose will matter as not all vegan protein powders are made the same. Some absorb more liquid than others and so the texture and flavor can be different. Learn more about how to choose a protein powder for your goals.
This peanut butter protein ice cream was made with Genuine Health’s Fermented Vegan Vanilla Protein Powder.
Made with 20 grams of plant-based protein, this vegan protein powder is dairy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, and certified organic.
Know that using Genuine Health protein will result in thicker ice cream. Using a protein powder like Orgain or Botanica will result in a creamier one.
Flavor Variations
Since this protein powder ice cream has only 5 ingredients, it's really easy to switch up the flavors.
Chocolate: swap out vanilla protein powder for chocolate or add 1 tablespoon of cacao powder to the mix.
Strawberry: omit the peanut butter but swirl in some fresh or chopped frozen strawberries instead.
Nut butter swaps: peanut butter is delicious but so is almond hazelnut. Switch up the nut butter to alter the flavor.
How To Store It
It's is best eaten the day of making it. However, you can store leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to one week.
To enjoy enjoy it again you’ll have to thaw it on the counter for 5-10 minutes before scooping and it’s best served in a bowl. Not as creamy but harder.
Of course, you can also reblend it to make it creamier.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth & Fuel Your Body
The ultimate collection of high-protein, no-bake snacks for busy moms.
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With the Strong and Sweet Protein Guide, you’ll get over 25 high-protein, snack recipes that taste like dessert and pack in 17+ grams of protein per serving. These snacks are perfect for fueling your energy and keeping those sweet cravings in check—without adding more stress to your already busy day.
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Grab your copy today and start enjoying snacks that power your day and satisfy your cravings!
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 Peanut Butter 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 powder (or caramel protein) tastes delicious in protein ice cream and is a great way to switch up flavors.
Similar to whey in the sense that collagen powder doesn’t absorb liquid and so the ice cream may come out a bit thinner. Likewise, it adds no flavor to the ice cream recipe so you’ll want to consider that.
Store the high 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 and unsweetened almond milk for a thick, creamy, smoothie.
Other High Protein Recipes You'll Love
- Chunky monkey homemade protein ice cream
- Vanilla protein ice cream
- Blueberry protein muffins
- Chocolate chip protein muffins
- Protein granola
- Chocolate peanut butter protein cups
- 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 Protein Powder Ice Cream Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 Bananas frozen
- 2 tbs Natural peanut butter plus more for topping
- ¼ cup Vegan vanilla protein powder
- 2 tbs Coconut milk
- 2 tbs Mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Add protein, peanut butter and cream to bottom of blender.
- Slice the frozen bananas to make it easier & add them to the blender.
- Process until smooth using a tamper as needed.
- Spread the mixture into an 8x4 silicone loaf pan and smooth it out.
- Stir in the chocolate chips and additional peanut butter if using.
- Enjoy as it or freeze for 20-40 minutes if you want to scoop it into a cone.
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Jennifer
This is WAY better than any ice cream I've ever had! It was so fruity, the chocolate was so good in it, and the boost of extra protein is just what I needed!
fitasamamabear
Mega win. Glad you loved it!
Gen
What a fantastic idea! I am going to be making this all the time. Super delicious way to get more protein. Thank you!
fitasamamabear
Gotta have protein desserts: best of both worlds!
Liz
Oh man this is so good and such a great way to add more protein to my day! I'm a vegetarian so I love this as a way to hit my macros!
fitasamamabear
Ah yay! Glad I could give you an indulgent protein hit!
Allyssa
Highly recommended! Super loved this very helpful recipe! Thanks a lot for this amazing and super easy to make ice cream recipe! It's really tasty and very flavorful! Will surely have this again!
Emily
This recipe had me at peanut butter and chocolate chips. It came out great and really hit the spot!
fitasamamabear
It's really the best flavor combo lol
Megan
Such a yummy recipe!! Love the protein boost and still getting to have a treat. My boys love the PB addition!
fitasamamabear
Peanut butter is a life staple lol glad they loved it!
Janessa
This protein peanut butter ice cream is so good! Such a great treat or snack for summer. I can't wait to try to make it with chocolate and caramel protein powders.
fitasamamabear
Glad you enjoyed it!
Donny
I always have these ingredients on hand so I had to make it in my food processor and it turned out great! Couldn't even taste the protein powder.
fitasamamabear
You're a rockstar to have a well-stocked kitchen/pantry!
Stacey
So creamy & delish and I love all the yummy chocolate & peanut butter goodies in the ice cream. I want to eat this for every meal when the weather is so hot here.
fitasamamabear
It's literally the best flavor combo lol love that you enjoyed it!
Nancy
Lovely creamy ice cream with no chalky tastes.
fitasamamabear
Glad you enjoyed it!
Sunrita
This is such a fun and delicious way to add protein. The chocolate tasted yummy and the texture was so creamy. Loved the recipe.
fitasamamabear
It IS super creamy! Definitely one of my favorite parts.
GRETA
This is such a good idea. Loved that it has a protein powder and also peanut butter. My two favorites. This will be my ultimate ice cream. Tastes good and is so creamy. Loved it.
fitasamamabear
Haha two of my personal favorites too!
Elizabeth S
This was so good! It is going to be on repeat in our house. Thank you!
fitasamamabear
Wahoo!
Shay L.
What a delicious way to sneak in some extra protein! Can't wait to try this after I get some more bananas!
fitasamamabear
Right?! The best of both worlds.
Sonia
This is the perfect summer snack! It is so delicious and healthy at the same time!
fitasamamabear
Double win!
Addison
I have such a sweet tooth but love high protein desserts! This ice cream is so creamy and delicious!
fitasamamabear
Hehe I have a sweet tooth too 😉
Jo Keohane
Protein in dessert is a great idea! I loved this recipe - definitely a keeper. Thank you for posting.
fitasamamabear
It makes it a nice balance!
Addison
I love healthy desserts and this ice cream was so delicious! I loved the flavor, texture and consistency!
fitasamamabear
It's a creamy one eh? Makes it so yummy!
Elizabeth S
Another delicious protein powder recipe for the win. I seriously think this is going to be in my freezer at all times. YUM!
fitasamamabear
Haha it IS wicked to have on hand 😀
Vladka
Bananas make a great addition to the protein powder ice cream. I was surprised by its great texture too.
fitasamamabear
They make the texture extra creamy!
Ksenia
The texture of this ice cream was so good, and the flavour blew me away. I just loved the idea of having such a nice snack, but also getting my proteins on at the same time!
fitasamamabear
Right? Best of both worlds!
Giangi Townsend
I am amazed how something so easy can taste so delicious. Better than any ice cream and super easy to prepare. My husband love it, and he has made it too when i was gone. Thank you!
fitasamamabear
Yea easy is crucial in my house lol
Stephanie
The first ice cream I've made that I didn't feel guilty about! The end result was delicious, creamy and satisfying.
fitasamamabear
Wahoo! Best feeling ever right lol
Cpg
OMG Chocolate/ Peanut Butter-...healthful; easy, delicious- Brilliant! 5 stars
Anna
I realy like homemade icecrem since I was a child
fitasamamabear
Agreed, so easy and so yummy!
Cindy
What a great way to get some added protein! Delish!
fitasamamabear
Glad you liked them!
Danica
Can't get enough this creamy goodness! Love the guilt-free feeling of eating icecream because of your recipe. This is my new fav way of getting that extra protein boost! Thanks for the recipe!
fitasamamabear
Haha it's the best kind of indulgence!
Sage Scott
So yummy! I used half vanilla plant-based protein powder and half peanut butter plant-based protein powder, because there's no such thing as too much peanut butter in my world!
fitasamamabear
Hahah never a thing as too much PB!
Andi
Had some ripe strawberries on hand so I decided to try the strawberry variation. It was better from the usual chocolate. It's so flavorful and creamy. Such a simple and delicious recipe!
fitasamamabear
Mmmm that sounds so fresh and yummy!
Dixie
Used chocolate-flavored protein powder instead of vanilla, and it turned out fantastic. The texture is spot on just like soft serve. Added some extra peanut butter swirls on top for good measure. Can't go wrong with more peanut butter, right?
fitasamamabear
Definitely a tasty swap!
Meghan
Love that this can be made without an ice cream machine! It was super easy and the combination of bananas and chocolate is BOMB.
fitasamamabear
Right?! No extra appliances lol
Missy
This smoothie is so delicious and nutritious. Super simple and easy, it's my go-to post-workout treat!
fitasamamabear
So happy you loved it!