This Lemon Ice Cream Ninja Creami is a creamy, zesty, high-protein treat with the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Refreshing, easy to make, and packed with citrusy goodness!

If sunshine had a flavor, it would be this Lemon Ice Cream. Bright, tangy, creamy, and refreshing—this Ninja Creami creation is basically lemon pie in frozen form.

We’re talking zesty citrus goodness, vanilla protein for a little muscle-building magic, and a silky-smooth texture that’ll make you question why you ever settled for store-bought ice cream.

The secret? A lemon pudding mix that enhances the creaminess and locks in that signature lemony zing.

Plus, a splash of fresh lemon juice because we don’t do artificial flavors around here (okay, sometimes we do, but this one’s the real deal).

And for those who love a little something extra, graham cracker crumbs make the perfect mix-in—because why not turn this into a lemon pie moment?

This is the ultimate sweet-meets-tart protein-packed treat, perfect for hot summer days, post-workout desserts, or just when you need a spoonful of happiness. Let’s make it!

If you love high protein desserts you may also like to try my Protein Cookie Dough Bark or my Chocolate Sea Salt Protein Balls.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS NINJA CREAMI LEMON ICE CREAM RECIPE

1. Zesty Lemon Kick: It’s like sunshine in a bowl. The lemon Jell-O pudding mix brings a bright, tangy flavor that’s a total game-changer. You’ll be puckering up in the best way possible.

2. Creamy but Light: Thanks to the Fairlife 2% or skim milk and unsweetened almond milk, this ice cream is as creamy as your favorite gelato but doesn’t sit heavy. It’s like eating a cloud, if clouds were lemon-flavored and edible.

3. Protein Packed: With a scoop of protein powder in the mix, this isn’t just a treat; it’s a muscle-friendly boost. It’s basically doing your body a favor, one scoop at a time.

4. Guilt-Free Indulgence: Low in sugar but high in satisfaction, it’s your ticket to indulging without the side of guilt. It’s all the pleasure of ice cream, minus the “I guess I’ll skip dessert” debate.

5. Ninja Creami Magic: The Ninja Creami ice cream machine turns this concoction from a frozen block into the smoothest creamy treat you’ve ever had. Watching it churn is half the fun – it’s like a magic show in your kitchen.

6. Easy to Make: Just blend, freeze, and Creami-fy. It’s so simple, yet the results are so incredibly fancy. You’ll feel like a culinary wizard.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE NINJA CREAMI LEMON ICE CREAM

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this delicious ice cream (the exact measurements, nutrition information and full recipe are in the full printable recipe card below):

Fairlife 2% milk – can use milk of choice, however this one contains 14 g protein per serving. Skim milk or whole milk can also be used.
Unsweetened almond milk – can use nut milk of choice here such as coconut milk, unsweetened oat milk, or cashew milk.
Vanilla protein powder
Fresh lemon juice
Instant lemon pudding mix – can also use guar gum as well to prevent icy crystals.
Optional – lemon zest, heavy cream, maple syrup, cream cheese, fresh fruit, egg yolks, corn syrup, monk fruit, whipped cream, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THE NINJA CREAMI LEMON GELATO

Add all ingredients except graham wafers to the ninja creami pint container up to the max fill line and mix well with hand held frother.
Freeze container for 24 hours until frozen solid.
Remove frozen pint and run it under hot water for 60-90 seconds.
Install the pint into your machine and press the Lite Ice Cream button for the first spin.
Check the texture. If it’s still a bit powdery, pop it back in and press the Re-Spin button.
Check ice cream. The final product should be creamy and have a smooth texture. If your desired consistency isn’t reached you can add 1 tbsp of milk and spin again on the respin setting.
Once it’s silky smooth, dig a hole in the center and add graham wafers. Spin once more on mix in setting and enjoy!

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

Blend your base until it’s silky smooth. No lumps, no bumps. This ensures that when it’s frozen, it turns into that dreamy texture we’re all craving.

Patience, my friend. Ensure your mixture is fully frozen (24 hours is golden) before hitting that Creami button. Trying to churn anything less than rock solid could mess with the creamy magic.

Don’t overfill your pint container. Leave a little space at the top. As it churns, the ice cream needs some room to fluff up and get creamy.

Sometimes one Creami cycle isn’t enough. If it’s not at your desired creaminess, run it through another cycle. Twice churned = twice as nice.

If you want to add a little extra flair, sprinkle in your mix-ins after the first churn. Lemon zest, crushed cookies, or even a swirl of lemon curd can take it to the next level. Just make sure to add these gently by hand or with a brief second blend.

For more tips and tricks check out my 10 Ninja Creami Tips For The Best Protein Ice Cream.

FAQS

CAN I MAKE THIS HOMEMADE LEMON ICE CREAM ON A HOT SUMMER DAY?

Absolutely! The Ninja Creami was practically made for hot days. Its motor base churns your frozen pint of ingredients into a creamy texture that’s perfect for cooling down your taste buds.

DO LOW-FAT BASES WORK WELL IN THE NINJA CREAMI MACHINE?

They do! The Ninja Creami excels with both rich and low-fat bases, turning them into deliciously creamy creations. It’s all about the freeze-and-churn technique, so don’t hesitate to experiment with healthier options.

Keep in mind the higher in fat the milk = richer, smoother ice cream base.

CAN I MAKE SMOOTHIE BOWLS IN THE NINJA CREAMI?

Yes, the Ninja Creami isn’t just for ice cream and sorbet. You can also make thick, creamy smoothie bowls. Use the sorbet function with frozen fruits and minimal liquid to create a thick base perfect for topping with your favorite smoothie bowl ingredients.

HOW DOES THE NINJA CREAMI ICE CREAM MAKER DIFFER FROM REGULAR ICE CREAM MAKERS IN TERMS OF FUNCTIONALITY?

The Ninja Creami Machine 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.

WHAT’S THE BEST SUGAR SUBSTITUTE TO USE IF YOU WANT YOUR LEMON ICE CREAM SWEETER?

I love using monk fruit sweetener, but you can also use erythritol or stevia depending on your preference.

CAN I STORE LEFTOVERS IN THE SAME NINJA CREAMI PINTS?

Yes! Just smooth out the top, freeze again, and when you’re ready to eat, run it through a Re-Spin to bring back that creamy texture.

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

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Ninja Creami Lemon Ice Cream (Protein Recipe)

This Lemon Ice Cream Ninja Creami is a creamy, zesty, high-protein treat with the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Refreshing, easy to make, and packed with citrusy goodness!

Prep Time5

Cook Time1

Total Time1 5

Course: Ninja Creami Ice Cream

Cuisine: American

Servings: pint

Calories: 284kcal

Author: Bailey Campbell

Ingredients

1 cup Fairlife 2% milk
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 tbsp lemon jello pudding mix
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp powdered monk fruit
Optional - graham cracker crumbs to mimic pie flavours

Instructions

Add all ingredients except graham wafers to the ninja creami pint container up to the max fill line and mix well with hand held frother.
Freeze container for 24 hours until frozen solid.
Remove frozen pint and run it under hot water for 60-90 seconds.
Install the pint into your machine and press the Lite Ice Cream button for the first spin.
Check the texture. If it’s still a bit powdery, pop it back in and press the Re-Spin button.
Check ice cream. The final product should be creamy and have a smooth texture. If your desired consistency isn’t reached you can add 1 tbsp of milk and spin again on the respin setting.
Once it’s silky smooth, dig a hole in the center and add graham wafers. Spin once more on mix in setting and enjoy!

Notes

Can use code BAILEY at checkout on all PEScience products such as the Gourmet Vanilla protein powder.

You can use Fairlife skim milk in this recipe instead. Keep in mind the higher in fat the milk = richer, smoother, dreamier ice cream.

You don't necessarily have to wait the full 24 hours of freezing time. Yes, waiting the full 24 hours will give you the best, most consistent results. But if you only froze it for 12-16 hours and you’re desperate for a frozen treat, you’re not out of luck. Skip the respin button and instead, hit the Mix-Ins button after the Lite Ice Cream cycle. This prevents the ice cream from getting overworked and soupy, which can happen when the base hasn’t fully solidified.

If your ice cream comes out powdery or crumbly after the first spin, instead of immediately reaching for the milk, try hitting the respin button first. More often than not, that’s all you need to get it creamy.

I always pre-chop or crush your mix-ins ahead of time.

Nutrition

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.

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