Banana Pudding Protein Ice Cream

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If you’re a banana pudding fan, this Ninja Creami Banana Pudding Protein Ice Cream is about to be your new favorite. It’s got everything you love about the classic dessert—rich banana flavor, creamy texture, and those iconic Nilla wafers—all while keeping it high in protein and lower in calories. And personally, I hate the flavor of artificial banana, so I did my best to make sure this recipe doesn’t taste like a banana-flavored Laffy Taffy… the worst flavor of Laffy Taffy… the flavor of Laffy Taffy that would make me cry if I got it in my candy bucket on Halloween… okay, I’m done. Let’s get into the recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High-Protein: One serving packs over 36g of protein to keep you full and satisfied.
• Authentic Banana Pudding Flavor: The combination of banana cream pudding mix, vanilla pudding mix, and Nilla wafers replicates that classic taste.
• Customizable Texture: You decide how creamy or light you want it by adjusting the milk.
• Lower in Calories: A fraction of the calories of traditional banana pudding, but just as satisfying.
• Super Easy: A few simple ingredients, a blender, and a Ninja Creami—that’s it!

Ingredients

For the Ice Cream Base:

• 1½ cups (360ml) 2% milk
  • OR 1 cup (240ml) 2% milk + ½ cup (120ml) unsweetened vanilla almond milk (for a lighter option)
• 1 scoop (31g) vanilla protein powder
• 7g sugar-free banana cream pudding mix
• 7g sugar-free vanilla pudding mix
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon stevia (or sweetener of choice, to taste)
• Pinch of salt

For the Mix-Ins & Toppings:

• 4 Nilla wafers (2 for mixing in, 2 for topping)
• A few banana slices

How to Make Banana Pudding Protein Ice Cream

Step 1: Blend the Base

In a blender, combine your milk of choice, protein powder, pudding mixes, vanilla extract, sweetener, and salt. Blend until smooth and fully combined.

Step 2: Freeze

Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint and freeze on a level surface for 24 hours.

Step 3: Spin It!

• Remove the pint from the freezer and run warm hot over the sides and bottom for 1-2 minutes.
• Place it in your Ninja Creami and spin on Lite Ice Cream mode.
• If the texture isn’t quite right, re-spin 1-2 times until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add the Nilla Wafers

• Create a well in the center of your ice cream (or if one naturally formed, use that).
• Add 2 Nilla wafers into the well and spin on Mix-In mode to incorporate them into the ice cream.

Step 5: Top & Serve

• Crush 2 more Nilla wafers over the top.
• Add a few banana slices for that classic banana pudding look.
• Enjoy immediately!

Tips for the Best Banana Pudding Ice Cream

• For a richer ice cream: Use all 2% milk instead of the almond milk option.
• For a lighter version: Stick with ½ almond milk + ½ 2% milk to cut some calories while keeping a creamy texture.
• Want even more banana flavor? Add a few banana slices before freezing. It’ll turn out even thicker and creamier
• Nilla wafer texture tip: If you prefer them to stay crunchier, only use them as a topping instead of mixing them in.

Make It Your Own: Customization Ideas

One of the best things about this Banana Pudding Protein Ice Cream recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to switch up the mix-ins, add extra toppings, or put your own spin on the flavors, here are some fun ways to personalize your ice cream:

1. Switch Up the Cookies

• Golden Oreos: If you love a sweeter, slightly crunchier bite, swap Nilla wafers for crushed Golden Oreos.
• Graham Crackers: For a slightly less sweet but still classic banana pudding vibe, try crushed graham crackers instead.
• Biscoff Cookies: Want a warm, spiced twist? Biscoff cookies add a hint of cinnamon and caramel flavor.

2. Add Fresh Fruit

• Strawberries: Mix in chopped strawberries or layer them on top for a fruity, refreshing twist.
• Blueberries: If you like a little tartness to balance the sweetness, blueberries work surprisingly well.
• Caramelized Bananas: For an even richer banana flavor, sauté banana slices with a little cinnamon before adding them as a topping.

3. Change the Flavor Profile

• Chocolate Banana Pudding: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the base for a chocolate-banana twist. You could also mix in mini chocolate chips or drizzle some sugar-free chocolate syrup on top.
• Peanut Butter Banana Pudding: Stir in 1 tablespoon of powdered peanut butter to the base or drizzle some peanut butter on top.
• Cinnamon Banana Pudding: A sprinkle of cinnamon in the mix or on top gives it a cozy, spiced flavor.

4. Make It Extra Creamy

• Add ½ a frozen banana to the base before blending for a naturally sweeter, even creamier result.
• Swap some of the milk for Greek yogurt (about ¼ cup) to boost protein and add a slightly tangy, cheesecake-like flavor.

5. Crunchy or Smooth? Your Choice!

• If you love a crunch in every bite, mix in extra cookies instead of just topping with them.
• Prefer smooth and creamy? Leave the mix-ins out and just enjoy the velvety banana pudding flavor on its own.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect version of banana pudding ice cream!

More Ninja Creami Recipes to Try

If you love this Banana Pudding Protein Ice Cream, here are a few more Ninja Creami recipes you might want to try next:

• New York Cheesecake Protein Ice Cream – If you’re into rich, creamy desserts, this one’s a must-try. It’s got that classic cheesecake flavor with a lot of protein.
• Honey Graham Protein Ice Cream – Think of it like the ultimate graham cracker-inspired treat, perfect if you love the cookie-like base of banana pudding.
• Rice Crispy Treat Protein Ice Cream – A fun and nostalgic option with marshmallowy sweetness and a light, crispy texture.

Each of these flavors brings something different but still delivers on that creamy, high-protein goodness. Try them out and let me know which one you like best!

FAQ

Can I use a different milk?

Yes! You can swap the 2% milk for whole milk for an even creamier result, or use all almond milk for a lower-calorie option (though it won’t be as rich).

What if my ice cream is too icy or crumbly?

Re-spin it 1-2 more times to get the perfect texture. If it’s still not creamy enough, try adding a splash of milk before re-spinning.

Can I use regular pudding mix instead of sugar-free?

Yes, but it will change the macros slightly. Regular pudding mix has more sugar, so you may want to adjust the sweetener.

Do I have to use a Ninja Creami?

This recipe is specifically designed for the Ninja Creami, but if you don’t have one, you could try blending the ingredients with a little ice or frozen banana to make a shake!

How do I store leftovers?

If you don’t finish it in one go, freeze the leftovers in the same Ninja Creami pint. When ready to eat again, let it thaw for a few minutes and re-spin to restore the creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Pudding Protein Ice Cream is the perfect treat. The combination of vanilla protein powder, banana cream pudding mix, and Nilla wafers gives you the full banana pudding experience—without all the sugar and excess calories.

If you’re looking for a fun dessert alternative, or just love banana pudding, it’s an easy, satisfying way to hit your protein goals while indulging in something that actually tastes good!