Honey Roasted Almond Protein Ice Cream

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I feel like if you love honey, if you love sunflower seeds, if you love Cajun seasoning, if you love battered fries like the real good kind at Checkers / Rally’s (YUM), if you love me (awww, I love you too 😘). Sike, I’m playing—just felt like confusing you for a second. But honestly though, if you love honey, roasted, almond, protein, and ice cream… whew, you’re never gonna look back after making this recipe!

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let me just set the scene: this ice cream has a rich, creamy base that’s subtly sweet and perfectly balanced. Then you throw in the star of the show—the honey roasted almonds—and suddenly you’ve got crunchy, nutty, sweet pockets of “mm mm mm” in every bite. So if you’ve been craving a dessert that feels indulgent but won’t make you feel guilty after, this is it.

Let’s get into it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I know some people shy away from “healthy ice cream” recipes because they’re worried it’ll taste like frozen yogurt sadness, but hear me out. This isn’t just protein powder slathered into frozen milk. We’re talking:

• 2% milk for creaminess without being overly heavy
• Fat-free ricotta to give it that rich, silky texture without turning it into a caloric bomb
• Vanilla protein powder to keep it high-protein (because obviously, we love that macro boost)
• Sugar-free cheesecake pudding mix to add body, flavor, and a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with the nuts
• A hint of almond extract to make those honey roasted almonds taste even more like heaven

And then of course, the mix-in magic: chopped honey roasted almonds. They’re sweet, slightly salty, crunchy, and basically the kind of thing that makes you want to eat the whole pint in one sitting. (No judgment if that happens because that’s definitely what I did.)

Ingredients

Ice Cream Base:

• 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) 2% milk
• ½ cup (124 g) fat-free ricotta
• 1 scoop (31 g) vanilla protein powder
• 14 g sugar-free cheesecake pudding mix
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅛ tsp almond extract
• 1 tsp stevia or sweetener of choice, to taste
• Pinch of salt

Mix-In / Toppings:

• 21 g chopped honey roasted almonds (reserve a few for topping if desired)

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Blend the Base

Grab your blender and throw in all the ice cream base ingredients: milk, ricotta, vanilla protein powder, sugar-free cheesecake pudding mix, vanilla extract, almond extract, sweetener, and salt. Blend until smooth. You want everything to be fully incorporated, silky, and ready to freeze.

Step 2: Pour Into the Ninja Creami Pint

Once blended, pour your mixture into a Ninja Creami pint. Make sure it’s on a level surface, because we want the ice cream to freeze evenly. Pop it in the freezer for 24 hours. This gives the base enough time to set up properly for spinning.

Step 3: Prep for Spinning

After the 24 hours are up, rinse your pint under hot water for 1–2 minutes. You don’t need to do anything fancy—just a quick rinse all around the pint, including the bottom, is enough.

Step 4: Spin It

Spin your ice cream on light ice cream mode. Once the first spin is done, check the consistency. If it’s not quite what you’re looking for, re-spin 1–2 times until it’s creamy and smooth. You’re looking for that soft, scoopable texture that’s perfect for topping with almonds.

Step 5: Add the Honey Roasted Almonds

Here’s where the magic happens. Create a small well in the center of the ice cream (if one didn’t form naturally during spinning). Add most of your chopped honey roasted almonds into that well, reserving a few for the top if you want a visually appealing finish. Then spin on mix-in mode so the almonds get evenly distributed throughout the ice cream.

Step 6: Top & Enjoy

Finally, sprinkle the remaining chopped almonds over the top for that satisfying crunch. Now comes the best part: dig in. Creamy, nutty, subtly sweet… every bite is exactly what you’re hoping for.

Customization Ideas

One of my favorite things about protein ice cream is that it’s 100% customizable. Here are a few ideas to make this Honey Roasted Almond version your own:

• Chocolate drizzle: Add a few sugar-free chocolate chips or a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate syrup over the top.
• Caramel twist: Mix in a teaspoon of caramel extract or top with a low-calorie caramel sauce for a decadent treat.
• Nutty upgrade: Swap some almonds for pistachios or pecans if you want a different nutty vibe.
• Extra crunch: Throw in a few crushed cereal pieces or granola for texture.
• Mini mix-ins: Add dark chocolate chunks or dried cranberries for a sweet-salty bite.

Honestly, the base is so smooth and flavorful that it pairs well with just about anything crunchy or nutty.

How to Serve

• As a single treat: Scoop into a bowl and enjoy with your reserved almonds on top.
• Protein parfait: Layer the ice cream with granola or berries for a sweet, high-protein parfait.
• Milkshake version: Blend a few scoops with almond milk for a creamy, nutty protein shake.
• Dessert topping: Place a scoop on a slice of warm low-calorie cake or a brownie for an instant dessert upgrade.

Ninja Creami Tips

• Spinning & consistency: Don’t be afraid to re-spin 1–2 times. The base may be soft, but multiple spins give that silky texture.
• Mix-ins: Add them after you’ve reached your desired consistency. Otherwise, they may get a little too broken up during the respin process.
• Freezing: After spinning and adding mix-ins, you can eat it right away or freeze again for a firmer texture.

Why This Recipe Works

• High protein: Keeps you full and supports your macros.
• Low sugar: Thanks to stevia and sugar-free cheesecake pudding mix.
• Textural contrast: Creamy ice cream with crunchy, nutty mix-ins.
• Flavor balance: Sweet, nutty, slightly buttery with a hint of almond—just enough complexity without being overwhelming.

Ninja Creamy Recipe Inspiration

If you love this Honey Roasted Almond flavor, here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:

• Butter Pecan Protein Ice Cream: Sweet, nutty, and classic.
• Cinnamon Tostone Crunch: Cinnamon, crunch, and fun.
• Cannoli Protein Ice Cream: Sweet, creamy, and pastry-inspired.
• Miso Caramel Protein Ice Cream: Unique and salty-sweet deliciousness.

FAQs

Q: Can I use whole milk or almond milk instead of 2% milk?

A: Totally! Whole milk will make it slightly richer and creamier. Almond milk works too, though the texture will be a little lighter.

Q: Can I use a different protein powder?

A: Yes, just make sure it’s a vanilla or neutral flavor. Some chocolate protein powders can overpower the almond and honey flavor.

Q: Can I toast my own almonds instead of using honey roasted?

A: Absolutely! Toast them lightly in a pan and drizzle with a touch of honey or maple syrup if you want that same sweetness.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?

A: You could swap the milk for almond or oat milk and the ricotta for a plant-based soft cheese or even blended silken tofu, but note the texture may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

I don’t say this lightly, but this Honey Roasted Almond Protein Ice Cream is genuinely one of my favorites. It’s creamy, indulgent, nutty, and subtly sweet—the perfect post-workout treat, afternoon pick-me-up, or anytime dessert.

The best part? You can enjoy it guilt-free and feel like you’re indulging in something a little fancy. Plus, the Ninja Creami makes it super easy to whip up without turning your kitchen into a sticky mess or spending hours waiting for ice cream to freeze and churn.

So grab your blender, your Honey Roasted Almonds, and let’s make some ice cream magic happen. Your taste buds (and protein goals) will thank you.