Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Ice Cream (Ninja Creami Recipe)

Indulge in the guilt-free pleasure of our Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Ice Cream, a luscious frozen treat containing 41 g protein. This creamy delight not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also elevates your nutrition with a protein-packed twist, ensuring a decadent yet wholesome frozen dessert experience.

Craving a sweet treat without compromising your commitment to a healthy lifestyle? Look no further! 

Our Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Ice Cream recipe is the perfect fusion of indulgence and nutrition, providing a deliciously creamy dessert that packs a protein punch. Let’s dive into the world of guilt-free decadence and satisfy those sweet cravings the healthy way.

If you love homemade ice cream you may also want to try Cookies and Cream Protein Ice Cream or my Snickers Chocolate Protein Ice Cream.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT PROTEIN ICE CREAM

1. Protein-Packed Goodness:With the addition of chocolate protein powder, this ice cream becomes a nutritious treat that satisfies your sweet tooth while supporting your protein intake.
2. Creamy and Decadent:The creamy texture of the frozen bananas, combined with the richness of hazelnut butter and cocoa, creates a decadent dessert experience without the need for added sugar.
3. Simple and Wholesome Ingredients:Embrace the simplicity of wholesome ingredients, eliminating the need for preservatives or artificial sweeteners. It’s a treat you can feel good about.
4. Customizable Delight:Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite toppings or mix-ins. Whether it’s a drizzle of almond butter or a sprinkle of crushed nuts, make it your own.
5. Post-Workout Reward:Celebrate your fitness achievements with a post-workout indulgence. The protein content makes it an excellent option to refuel after exercise.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT ICE CREAM

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

• Fairlife chocolate milk – alternatively you can use a chocolate protein shake and omit the chocolate protein powder. For a less rich chocolate flavor you can add some whole milk or even skim milk to lower the calories slightly.
• Sugar-free chocolate pudding mix – the instant pudding mix is used to make the ice cream thick and creamy. Can also use guar gum or xanthan gum.
• Chocolate protein powder – I love Chocolate Truffle from PEScience, you can use code BAILEY at checkout to save money on all their products.
• Toasted hazelnuts and Ferrero Rocher chocolates for chocolate chunks
• Chocolate hazelnut spread
• Optional – unsweetened cocoa powder, coconut cream or milk, greek yogurt, cocoa butter, peanut butter, heavy cream, medjool dates, melted chocolate, your favorite toppings, etc.

HOW TO MAKE

1. Add the chocolate milk, pudding mix and chocolate protein powder to the ninja creami pint up to the max fill line and mix well with hand held frother.
2. Freeze container for 24 hours until frozen solid.
3. Remove frozen pint and install into your machine. It’s important that your pint has a level surface, otherwise it can damage the blade. 
4. For the first spin, press Ice Cream button. Remove the outer bowl lid and make a small hole in the middle of the pint. Add 2-3 tbsp more almond milk to the center of the hole.
5. Add back to machine, and press respin button. 
6. Now make a hole in the center of the ice cream again and add your hazelnuts, Ferrero Rocher chocolate and chocolate hazelnut spread. Spin again on the “mix-ins” setting.
7. Check ice cream. The final product should be creamy and have a smooth texture. Enjoy!

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR THE BEST HAZELNUT MIXTURE

Quality Protein Powder: Choose a high-quality chocolate protein powder with a flavor you enjoy. This not only adds protein to your ice cream but also enhances the chocolatey goodness.

Run Creami Container Under Hot Water: This may help eliminate adding more liquid to the creami in the respin stage.

Add Some Texture: If you enjoy a bit of crunch, reserve some chopped hazelnuts to fold into the ice cream during the last moments of blending. This adds a delightful texture contrast.

Regular Creami Maintenance: Keep your Ninja Creami well-maintained by cleaning it thoroughly after each use. A clean Creami ensures optimal performance and texture.

FAQS

CAN I MAKE THIS RECIPE WITHOUT A NINJA CREAMI?

While the Ninja Creami is optimized for creating creamy frozen treats, you can adapt the recipe for other ice cream makers or even use a high powered blender. Keep in mind, this will not yield even close to the same results as using the creami.

An ice cream maker does make delicious ice cream, however the consistency will be different. Unfortunately an ice cream machine cannot yield the same results as a Ninja Creami.

CAN I MAKE THIS RECIPE NUT FREE?

To make a nut-free version, consider substituting chocolate hazelnut spread with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free alternative. Ensure all ingredients are safe for your dietary preferences.

HOW CAN I PREVENT THE ICE CRYSTALS FROM FORMING IN THE CREAMI RECIPE?

Adding a small amount of emulsifiers like lecithin or guar gum can help prevent ice crystals and contribute to a smoother texture. Ensure not to overuse, as it may affect the taste.

This is why we add the jello powder in most of our creami recipes as they prevent ice crystals from forming.

CAN I MAKE THIS INTO VEGAN ICE CREAM?

Absolutely! Use a plant-based protein powder and choose a dairy-free milk option like almond, soy, or coconut milk to make this nutella ice cream completely vegan.

HOW TO ADJUST THE SWEETNESS LEVELS IN THIS RECIPE?

Taste the ice cream mixture before freezing and adjust sweetness levels by adding liquid sweeteners of choice. Blend again to ensure an even distribution.

Other High Protein Desserts You May Like To Try!

• Santa Hat Mini Cheesecakes
• Chocolate Magic Shell Yogurt Cup
• Healthy Chocolate Cottage Cheese Fruit Dip
• Easy Protein Rice Krispie Treats
• Peanut Butter Cup Protein Ice Cream
• Edible Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough
• Gluten Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars

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