Peppermint Protein Ice Cream (Ninja Creami Recipe)

The holiday season is all about indulgence—cookies, candies, and desserts galore. But what if you could enjoy all the festive flavors without feeling like you need to roll yourself into the New Year? 

Enter Peppermint Protein Ice Cream, the ultimate holiday treat that combines creamy, minty goodness with a sneaky boost of protein. It’s the perfect way to stay on track while still satisfying your sweet tooth in the most festive way possible.

This recipe is as easy as it is delicious, thanks to the magic of the Ninja Creami. At this time of year we need all the help we can get.

With just a handful of simple ingredients like Fairlife skim milk, almond milk, and vanilla protein powder, you’re only a few steps away from spinning up the creamiest, most flavorful ice cream. Add a hint of peppermint extract, a touch of monk fruit sweetener, and crushed candy canes, and you’ve got a dessert that tastes like Christmas in every bite.

Whether you’re looking for a fun post-workout snack, a guilt-free dessert, or just a new way to enjoy holiday flavors, this Peppermint Protein Ice Cream delivers. It’s low in sugar, high in protein, and packed with festive flair. 

So, grab your ingredients, clear some freezer space, and let’s turn holiday indulgence into something you can feel good about! 

If you love Ninja Creami ice cream recipes you may also enjoy my 33 Healthy Ninja Creami Recipes or my Protein Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS PEPPERMINT PROTEIN ICE CREAM RECIPE

• Holiday Vibes: Peppermint and candy canes bring all the festive feels.
• Protein-Packed: A scoop of vanilla protein powder makes this a dessert that works as a snack, too.
• Easy to Make: Mix, freeze, spin, and enjoy—no complicated steps here.
• Guilt-Free Indulgence: Low sugar, high protein, and all the creamy goodness you crave.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED FOR THE PEPPERMINT ICE CREAM RECIPE

You will need the full ingredient list below to make the delicious ice cream base (the exact measurements, step-by-step instructions, nutrition information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

• Fairlife skim milk – can use milk of choice, however this one contains 14 grams of protein per serving. Whole milk or nonfat milk can also be used.
• Unsweetened almond milk – can use nut milk of choice here such as unsweetened vanilla almond milk, coconut milk, unsweetened oat milk, or cashew milk
• Vanilla protein powder – I love PEScience whey protein powder. Perfect to add some extra protein.
• Instant vanilla pudding mix – jello mix. Can also use xanthan gum instead if desired.
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Peppermint extract – a little goes a long ways. This is for the peppermint flavor.
• Candy cane pieces
• Optional – vanilla bean paste, cocoa powder, heavy cream, maple syrup, guar gum, cream cheese, dark chocolate chips, green food coloring, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THE PEPPERMINT CANDY HOMEMADE ICE CREAM

1. Add fairlife skim milk, almond milk, protein powder, pudding mix, salt, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the ninja creami pint container 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, run under hot water for 60 seconds 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 lite Ice Cream button. Remove the outer bowl lid. If ice cream is still powdery, then add back to machine and press respin button.
5. Check ice cream. The final product should be creamy and have a smooth texture. If your desired consistency isn’t reached you can add a bit of liquid and spin again on the respin setting. 
6. Make a small hole in the center of the ice cream and add your peppermint pieces. Mix again using the “mix-in” button. Enjoy!

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Level It Out: Make sure the frozen pint has a level surface before spinning to avoid damaging the blade.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you like your ice cream sweeter, add a touch more monk fruit sweetener before freezing.
• Chill Time Is Key: Don’t rush the freezing process—24 hours ensures the perfect texture.
• Experiment with Toppings: Add dark chocolate shavings, crushed peppermint bark, or a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate syrup for an extra festive twist.

FAQS

HOW DO I ACHIEVE A CREAMY TEXTURE WITH PROTEIN ICE CREAMS?

The key to a creamy texture is using the right ratio of liquid, protein powder, and pudding mix. The Ninja Creami machine ensures a smooth consistency with its advanced spinning technology.

WHAT’S THE BEST SUGAR SUBSTITUTE FOR THIS PEPPERMINT PROTEIN ICE CREAM RECIPE?

Monk fruit sweetener is a great option for sweetness without added sugar. It blends seamlessly and doesn’t compromise the creamy texture.

IS THIS RECIPE SUITABLE FOR THE FALL SEASON OR JUST THE HOLIDAYS?

Peppermint is perfect for the holidays, but you can enjoy minty ice cream year-round—especially during those hot summer months.

HOW DOES THIS PEPPERMINT PROTEIN ICE CREAM COMPARE TO TRADITIONAL ICE CREAMS?

This protein ice cream is lower in calories, sugar, and fat, while still delivering a creamy texture and satisfying flavor.

HOW DOES THE NINJA CREAMI ICE CREAM MACHINE DIFFER FROM TRADITIONAL ICE CREAM MAKERS?

The Ninja Creami ice cream maker goes beyond the conventional by offering versatile functions, not just limited to ice cream. With its multiple capabilities, it allows you to create a variety of frozen treats, making it a game-changer in the realm of homemade desserts.

Other Festive Desserts For The Holiday Season You May Enjoy Trying!

• Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
• Easy Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares
• Gluten Free Chocolate Fudge Crinkle Cookies
• Easy Oreo Fudge Recipe
• Sugar Free Sugar Cookies
• Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge Recipe
• No Bake Peanut Butter Balls (5 Ingredients)
• Christmas Trees Gluten-Free Brownies
• Chocolate Covered Pretzel Wreaths
• Oreo Cookie Christmas Ornaments
• Ferrero Rocher Cheesecake Brownies
• Santa Rice Krispie Treats
• Easy Reindeer Cake Pops
• Gluten-Free Oreo Cake Balls
• Chocolate Peppermint Protein Truffles

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