Cinnamon Tostone Crunch Protein Ice Cream

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My first thought when beginning to type this was REESE’S PUFF! REESE’S PUFF! PEANUT BUTTER CHOC— and then I was like… does Cinnamon Toast Crunch have a theme song? And if it does, why can’t I think of it? Because what if I want to make a Reese’s Puff protein ice cream in the future?! I won’t be able to start it off with a song if I do it here first!! Honestly, I’m typing this in real time… or is that obvious? Basically, what I’m trying to say is I’m about to stop typing to go look for a Cinnamon Toast Crunch commercial on TikTok… please hold.

Wait LMAO! The Cinnamon Toast Crunch mascot cereal piece square is a cereal killer lmaooooo! Why did I not remember this, and why are the first videos that pop up lowkey scary 😂. And I guess there’s no jingle? Or is “part of this good breakfast”? Or whatever the guy said at the end supposed to be their little slogan… IDK. But what I do know is I’m all off track, and this is supposed to be about ice cream. You are actually probably wondering why I brought up cereal in the first place, now that I think about it.

WELLLL, let me introduce you to Cinnamon Tostone Crunch Protein Ice Cream. She’s sweet, she’s spicy, she’s got that salty-crunchy magic from Tostone Chips. She’s also high-protein, low sugar, and shockingly easy to make. AND SHE IS COSPLAYING CINNAMON TOAST CRUNCH! SHE IS CINNAMON TOAST CRUNCH BUT SHE IS A MOMMY? MAMI? MAMACITA!! Mamacitaaaa, citaaaaa, citaaaAaaaAAaaa. Ayeeee iykyk.

Anyway, for those who don’t get it… Cinnamon Toast Crunch… Cinnamon Tostone Crunch… a play on words? Yes? No? Maybe so? K.

Honestly, I’m lowkey forgetting about the ice cream again lmao!! But I mean, I’m done talking about it for real? Like obviously it tastes amazzinnnnggg!! Do I really even need to say that? I wouldn’t be posting it if it didn’t! And obviously protein… I think I said that… a little healthier for you… nag nag nag, IM BORED. Let’s get into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Ice Cream

• Cereal vibes—but grown: It gives Saturday morning cartoon energy, but with protein.
• Creamy, cozy, and crunchy: Cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar flavors + crunchy salted tostones = elite combo.
• Easy to make: One blend, one freeze, quick spin, and done.
• Totally customizable: Use your fave protein powder, add extra mix-ins, or layer it with plantain slices for a next-level treat.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for your base and toppings:

Ice Cream Base

• 360 mL (1 ½ cups) 2% milk
• 31g vanilla protein powder
• 14g sugar-free vanilla pudding mix
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp stevia
• 2 tsp (8g) brown sugar substitute (like Swerve or Truvia Brown)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt (about ¼ tsp)

Mix-Ins & Toppings

• 28g Tostones Chips (salted) – (You’ll use half of the tostones in the spin and toss the other half in cinnamon sugar for topping.)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp brown sugar substitute

How to Make Cinnamon Tostone Crunch Protein Ice Cream

1. Blend It Up

Add the milk, protein powder, pudding mix, cinnamon, stevia, brown sugar substitute, vanilla extract, and salt into a blender. Blend until completely smooth—no clumps allowed.

2. Freeze It

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

3. Soften for Spinning

Take the pint out of the freezer and run it under hot water for 1-2 minutes on all sides (including the bottom). This helps the Ninja Creami blade glide through it smoothly.

4. Spin It

Pop the pint into your Ninja Creami and run it on Light Ice Cream mode. After the first spin, if the texture looks powdery or crumbly, re-spin 1–2 more times until it’s creamy and smooth.

5. Add the Crunch

Once your base is creamy, use a spoon to create a well in the center of the pint (if one didn’t already form while spinning). Add half (14g) of tostones into the center and spin on Mix-In mode.

6. Top It Off

Take your remaining 14g of tostones chips and toss them with 1 tsp cinnamon + 1 tsp brown sugar substitute. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar tostones on top of your finished ice cream for a perfectly crunchy finish.

Tips for the Best Texture & Flavor

• Use a good-tasting protein powder: Vanilla is the base flavor here, so your protein powder needs to taste good on its own. If it’s chalky or bland, your ice cream will be too.
• Don’t skip the salt: Salt balances everything—sweetness, cinnamon, vanilla. If your mix tastes dull or overly sweet, this tiny pinch is probably what’s missing.
• Be generous with the cinnamon: It’s not just a background flavor—it’s the whole point. That warm, spiced flavor is what makes this taste like Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
• Make sure your Tostones Chips are crispy: If they’ve softened, throw them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes. You want that crunch to contrast with the creaminess.
• Re-spin more than once: After the first spin, your base might look powdery or icy. That’s normal—just keep re-spinning until it smooths out into a true ice cream texture.
• Coat your toppings right before serving: No need to mix your cinnamon-sugar coating into the tostones too early—do it last minute so they stay crisp and flavorful.

Ways to Eat It (Besides Straight from the Pint)

• On top of a protein brownie – Warm up a protein brownie and top it with a scoop—think lava cake meets cinnamon crunch ice cream.
• Blended into a milkshake – Add a splash of milk and blend for a thick, creamy cinnamon tostone milkshake moment.
• As an ice cream sandwich – Sandwich it between two protein cookies or cinnamon rice cakes for a crunchy, chewy dessert.
• Topped over baked fruit – Scoop it onto baked apples, pears, or banana slices for a warm/cold combo that hits like pie à la mode.

Customization Ideas

• Make it dairy-free: Use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat. Just make sure it’s not flavored in a way that competes with the cinnamon.
• Add crunch: Throw in extra mix-ins like cinnamon granola, crushed cereal, or chopped-up protein bars for added texture.
• Loosen it up: If you want a softer, more soft-serve feel, add a splash of milk during your final spin.
• Make it sweeter: Not sweet enough for your taste? Add more stevia, monk fruit, or a sugar-free syrup that fits your macros.
• Add a swirl: Drizzle in a sugar-free caramel or cinnamon glaze before serving to take things to the next level.

More Ninja Creami Protein Flavors to Try

Once you’ve fallen in love with this Cinnamon Tostone Crunch magic, here are a few more flavors waiting for you in the rotation:

• Milk & Cookies Protein Ice Cream – A cookies-and-cream classic with a protein twist.
• Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream – Banana, chocolate, and walnut goodness.
• Fried Protein Ice Cream – A cinnamon-spiced, crunchy-coated dream.
• Peanut Butter Ritz Protein Ice Cream – Sweet and salty perfection.
• Chocolate Vanilla Swirl with Cookie Crunch – Two-tone heaven with a cookie crumble kick.

FAQs

Can I use a different milk?

Yep! You can use Fairlife, almond, oat, or even skim milk. 2% gives the best combo of creaminess and lightness, but use what works for your goals.

What if I don’t have Tostones Chips?

You can use other crunchy mix-ins, but the salted, fried plantain vibes of tostones really bring that sweet-salty balance to life. Totally worth grabbing a bag.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

The base can be frozen for a few days before spinning. After spinning and mixing in the tostones, it’s best eaten fresh for the crunch factor.

What if my ice cream is too crumbly?

That’s normal after the first spin. Re-spin it 1–2 times, and add a tiny splash of milk if needed to loosen it up.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Tostone Crunch Protein Ice Cream is proof that healthy doesn’t have to be boring. This recipe is creamy, sweet, a little salty, and way more fun than your average protein treat. It’s giving comfort, nostalgia, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting.

Save it, pin it, make it your personality for the week—I won’t judge. Enjoy!