Home » Recipes » Popular » Ninja Creami Ice Cream » Dairy-Free Vanilla Protein Ice Cream (Ninja Creami)

Dairy-Free Vanilla Protein Ice Cream (Ninja Creami)

This Dairy-Free Vanilla Protein Ice Cream is creamy, high in protein, and made in the Ninja Creami for the perfect texture. A delicious, guilt-free frozen treat!

Side view of homemade protein ice cream in small white bowl with gold spoon.

Ice cream that’s dairy-free, packed with protein, and actually tastes amazing? Oh, it’s happening. 

This Dairy-Free Protein Vanilla Ice Cream is the guilt-free, creamy, and ridiculously easy treat that’s about to become your new favorite obsession.

This isn’t your average store-bought dairy-free ice cream that’s either rock solid or tastes like sadness. Nope. 

We’re blending homemade almond milk, vanilla protein powder, and a little sugar-free jello mix to get that thick, luscious, soft-serve texture that scoops like a dream. 

And the best part? It’s stupid easy to make—just mix, freeze, and let the Ninja Creami ice cream maker work its magic.

If you’re a fitness junkie looking for a macro-friendly treat, or just an ice cream lover who doesn’t do dairy, this recipe is about to change your dessert game. 

It’s creamy, protein-packed, and ridiculously customizable—because who doesn’t love a little extra drizzle or crunch?

So, if you’re ready for a next-level ice cream experience without the dairy (or the guilt), grab your Ninja Creami and let’s get spinning.

If you love homemade protein ice cream you may also want to try my 33 Healthy High Protein Ninja Creami Recipes.

Side view of ninja creami dairy-free vanilla protein ice cream in pint container.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS DAIRY-FREE VANILLA PROTEIN ICE CREAM RECIPE

  • Super Creamy & No Icy Chunks – This ice cream has the perfect smooth texture—not the rock-solid stuff you get from store-bought dairy-free ice cream.
  • High in Protein, Low in Guilt – With plant-based vanilla protein powder, this isn’t just a dessert—it’s a sneaky way to hit your protein goals while still enjoying a sweet treat.
  • Ridiculously Easy – No ice cream maker drama, no complicated steps—just mix, freeze, spin, and devour.
  • Dairy-Free & Gut-Friendly – Made with homemade almond milk, so it’s easy on the stomach while still being rich and delicious.
  • Totally Customizable – Throw in chocolate chips, crushed nuts, a drizzle of almond butter, or whatever your heart desires using the Mix-In button.
  • It Actually Tastes Like Ice Cream – No weird chalky protein shake vibes here—just vanilla-packed, thick, creamy goodness in every spoonful.
  • Perfect for Hot Days & Sweet Cravings – Whether you’re cooling off after a workout or just want a dessert that feels indulgent without the sugar crash, this ice cream delivers.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE CREAMY VANILLA ICE CREAM

You will need these basic ingredients below to make the delicious ice cream (the exact measurements, step-by-step instructions and full recipe are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post):

  • Homemade almond milk – Light, creamy, and dairy-free. Can use any non-dairy milk of your choice such as soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, coconut cream, etc.
  • Sugar-free vanilla jello pudding mix – The secret to that thick, luscious texture.
  • Plant-based vanilla protein powder – Adds flavor + protein to make it a guilt-free indulgence. I used the Isolate from PEScience in Vanilla Cupcake flavor – use code BAILEY at checkout to save money on all products.
  • Vanilla extract – Because vanilla should always be the star.
  • Pinch of sea salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
  • Optional – maple syrup, guar gum, whole milk, heavy cream, canned coconut milk, full-fat coconut milk, fresh fruit, granulated sweetener, etc.

Side angle of dairy-free frozen ice cream ready for the ninja creami ice cream machine.

HOW TO MAKE THE DAIRY-FREE VANILLA HOMEMADE ICE CREAM RECIPE

  1. Mix Everything Together – Pour all ingredients into the Ninja Creami pint container up to the max fill line. Use a handheld frother to mix until fully combined.
  2. Freeze Like a Pro – Cover and freeze for 24 hours until frozen solid.
  3. Prep for Spinning – Remove the pint from the freezer, run it under hot water for 60 seconds, and make sure the surface is level to protect the blade.
  4. First Spin – Install the pint into the Ninja Creami and press the Lite Ice Cream button.
  5. Check the Texture – If it’s already creamy, congrats! If it looks powdery or crumbly, hit the Respin button and let it blend again.
  6. Customize & Enjoy – Stir in dark chocolate chips, crushed cookies, peanut butter, or any other mix ins of your choice with the Mix-In button. Or just grab a spoon and dig in.

Top down view of vanilla dessert in a ninja creami pint container.

STORING THE LEFTOVER DAIRY-FREE VANILLA ICE CREAM

  • Keep It in the Ninja Creami Pint – Store any leftovers right in the same pint container and pop it back in the freezer for later.
  • Let It Sit Before Respinning – When ready to eat, let the frozen ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before respinning. This helps it soften just enough for a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Use the Respin Button – If the ice cream is too solid or crumbly after freezing, place it back in the Ninja Creami and press Respin to restore its creamy consistency.
  • Avoid Freezing After Adding Mix-Ins – If you’ve already used the Mix-In button for toppings like chocolate chips or nuts, the texture may not be as smooth when frozen again. For the best results, add mix-ins fresh each time you serve.
  • Consume Within a Week – While it stays good for up to a week, this ice cream is best enjoyed within 3-4 days for optimal texture and flavor.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

  • Use a Handheld Frother for a Smooth Base – Mixing your ingredients with a handheld frother ensures everything is fully dissolved and blended before freezing, preventing any gritty texture.
  • Freeze for a Full 24 Hours – Don’t rush the process! Let your ice cream freeze solid for the best consistency when spun in the Ninja Creami.
  • Keep the Pint Surface Level – Before freezing, make sure the ice cream mixture has a flat, even surface. An uneven top can damage the Ninja Creami blade.
  • Run the Pint Under Hot Water Before Spinning – Let the frozen pint sit under warm water for 60 seconds before placing it in the machine. This softens the outer edges and helps with eliminating the ice crystals.
  • Always Start with Lite Ice Cream Mode – This is the best setting for dairy-free bases, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
  • Respin if Needed – If your ice cream looks crumbly or powdery after the first spin, don’t panic—just press the Respin button to bring it back to life.
  • Enhance the Creaminess – If you want an extra thick, creamy texture, add a splash of almond milk before respinning.
  • Customize It! – Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or a swirl of almond butter using the Mix-In button for a fun flavor boost.
  • Store Smart – Keep leftovers in the Ninja Creami pint and Respin before eating for the best consistency.

Side angle of 3 scoops of ice cream in small white bowl with gold spoon.

FAQS

WHAT MAKES THIS A PERFECT ICE CREAM BASE FOR THE NINJA CREAMI?

This recipe has the perfect base with homemade almond milk, plant-based protein, and instant pudding mix, which help create a smooth, creamy ice cream texture without dairy.

HOW MANY GRAMS OF PROTEIN ARE IN THIS DAIRY-FREE PROTEIN ICE CREAM?

The exact grams of protein will depend on the protein powder used, but most plant-based protein powders add around 20-25g per scoop, making this a great high-protein dessert option.

CAN I USE A TRADITIONAL ICE CREAM MACHINE INSTEAD?

Not recommended! Traditional ice cream machines require a different ice cream base with more fat to churn properly. The Ninja Creami machine works best for this dairy-free protein ice cream.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY ICE CREAM LOOKS CRUMBLY AFTER THE FIRST SPIN?

No worries! Just use the Lite Ice Cream function, then hit Respin to get that creamy ice cream texture. If needed, add a splash of almond milk for extra creaminess.

CAN I SWEETEN THIS ICE CREAM WITH SOMETHING OTHER THAN PUDDING MIX?

Yes! You can use Medjool dates, coconut sugar, or another refined sugar-free option, but the instant pudding mix helps with texture, so results may vary.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE NINJA CREAMI AND A TRADITIONAL ICE CREAM MAKER?

The Ninja Creami ice cream machine uses a spinning blade to “shave” the frozen base into a creamy texture, unlike traditional ice cream makers that churn a soft mixture. It’s a game-changer for refreshing sorbets and frozen treats!

Some Of The Best Ninja Creami Recipes And Fruit Sorbets You May Enjoy!

Yield: 1 pint

Dairy-Free Vanilla Protein Ice Cream (Ninja Creami)

Side view of homemade protein ice cream in small white bowl with gold spoon.

This Dairy-Free Vanilla Protein Ice Cream is creamy, high in protein, and made in the Ninja Creami for the perfect texture. A delicious, guilt-free frozen treat!n

Prep Time 5 minutes
Chill Time 1 day
Total Time 1 day 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups homemade almond milk
  • 1 tbsp sugar-free vanilla jello pudding mix
  • 1 scoop plant-based vanilla protein powder
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Pour all ingredients into the Ninja Creami pint container up to the max fill line. Use a handheld frother to mix until fully combined.
  2. Cover and freeze for 24 hours until frozen solid.
  3. Remove the pint from the freezer, run it under hot water for 60 seconds.
  4. Install the pint into the Ninja Creami and press the Lite Ice Cream button.
  5. If it looks powdery or crumbly, hit the Respin button and let it blend again. You can repeat this process until desired creaminess level is reached. If it’s already creamy, continue to adding your mix-ins.
  6. Once desired creaminess is reached, make a deep hole in the center of the ice cream. Add in dark chocolate chips, crushed cookies, peanut butter, or any other mix ins of your choice. Use the Mix-In button to blend everything together. Enjoy immediately!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 203Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 197mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 2gSugar: 11gProtein: 27g

The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

IF YOU TRIED THIS VEGAN ICE CREAM PLEASE LEAVE IT A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS EASY RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails

bailey

About Bailey

I love to bake, cook, exercise, and document all of the above. Nutrition is not low fat. It is not low calorie. It’s not feeling deprived or being hungry all the time. It’s nourishing your body with real, whole foods so that you are consistently satisfied and energized to live your life to the fullest! Read more…

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *