Butter Pecan Protein Ice Cream

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Do you pronounce it:

A. PEE-CAN

B. PUH-KAHN

If your answer is anything but (A), please kindly exit to your left! I’m joking… I’m joking… maybe.

Honestly, I think I’d cry if I were ordered to pronounce it “PUH-KAHN” for the rest of my life. I’d rather just not say it at all. I’d probably be like, Can I get some of that butter p-word ice cream? Can I have some butter nut that starts with a “p” and not pistachio ice cream, please?

Anyway, I also recently found out that Butter Pecan ice cream was my late grandmother’s favorite. When my dad told me, we were out at this little ice cream shop, and I was like, Butter Pecan is good, but I would never order it out because it’s not adventurous enough.

But guess what? When I eat my Creamis… I eat them in the house!

So now guess what we’re making today?

Oh, you already knew?

This post has a title? I’ve been talking about pecans for the last however long? Well, pretend you didn’t read any of that pecan talk for a second… I’ll give you a moment to get into that headspace.

So now, guess what we’re making today?!

BUTTER PECAN PROTEIN ICE CREAM! YAAAAYYY!!

Let’s get into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in protein – With no weird aftertaste, just classic butter pecan flavor.
• Super creamy – The pudding mix works magic for a smooth texture.
• Easily customizable – Swap mix-ins, adjust sweetness, or make it dairy-free!
• Ninja Creami-friendly – No churning or complicated steps required.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s go over what makes this ice cream so good:

• 2% milk (1 ½ cups / 360ml) – Creamy but not too heavy. Whole milk works too for extra richness.
• Vanilla protein powder (1 scoop / 31g) – The base for a protein-packed treat.
• Sugar-free vanilla pudding mix (7g) – Thickens and smooths out the texture.
• Sugar-free butterscotch pudding mix (7g) – Adds a buttery, caramel-like depth.
• Butter extract (2 tsp) – The secret to that classic butter pecan flavor.
• Stevia (1 tsp) – Just enough sweetness without sugar.
• Salt (a big pinch) – Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
• Chopped pecans (3 tbsp / 21g) – Honey-roasted pecans take it to the next level, but any kind works!

How to Make Butter Pecan Protein Ice Cream

Step 1: Blend the Ice Cream Base

In a blender, combine the milk, protein powder, pudding mixes, butter extract, stevia, and salt. Blend until smooth—this ensures all the dry ingredients fully dissolve.

Step 2: Freeze for 24 Hours

Pour the blended mixture into a Ninja Creami pint and place it in the freezer on a level surface for at least 24 hours.

Step 3: Prep for Spinning

Once frozen solid, remove the pint from the freezer and run it under hot water for 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Spin on Light Ice Cream Mode

Place the pint into the Ninja Creami and spin on Light Ice Cream mode. The mixture may look powdery or crumbly at first—don’t worry!

Step 5: Re-Spin Until Creamy

If the ice cream looks dry or crumbly, re-spin it 1-2 times until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 6: Add the Pecans

Create a well in the center (if one isn’t already there), then add the chopped pecans, reserving a few for the top.

Step 7: Spin on Mix-In Mode

Run the Ninja Creami on Mix-In mode to evenly distribute the pecans.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Top with any remaining pecans, grab a spoon, and enjoy your butter pecan protein ice cream!

Troubleshooting Guide

Why is my ice cream crumbly?

This is common with protein ice creams. The solution is to re-spin 1-2 more times or add a splash of milk before re-spinning.

What if my ice cream is too soft?

If it’s melting too quickly, freeze it again for about 30 minutes before eating.

My mix-ins didn’t blend in properly!

Make sure you create a deep well before running the Mix-In cycle. Otherwise, mix-ins may sit on top.

Tips for the Best Butter Pecan Protein Ice Cream

• Make sure the pint is level in the freezer – This helps it freeze evenly.
• Don’t skip the pudding mix – It gives the ice cream a creamier texture.
• Re-spin as needed – If the ice cream is crumbly, just re-spin it until smooth.
• Run the pint under hot water before spinning – This softens the edges for a better first spin.
• Toast the pecans for extra flavor – Even if they’re not honey-roasted, lightly toasting them brings out a deeper nutty taste.

Variations & Customizations

• Swap the pecans – Try walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts.
• Use a different milk – Whole milk for extra creaminess, or almond milk for a lighter option.
• Boost the sweetness – Drizzle sugar-free caramel syrup before serving.
• Bourbon Butter Pecan – Add ½ teaspoon of bourbon or rum extract to the ice cream base for a subtle, deep warmth that enhances the buttery, nutty flavors without adding alcohol.
• Go for a crunch – Mix in crushed butter cookies or sugar-free caramel chips.

More Ninja Creami Recipes to Try

If you love this Butter Pecan Protein Ice Cream, here are a few more must-try Ninja Creami flavors to add to your lineup:

Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookie Protein Ice Cream

A cozy, cookie-inspired ice cream with warm brown sugar flavor, cinnamon, and chewy oatmeal cookie vibes—all while staying high in protein.

Honey Graham Protein Ice Cream

Think golden graham crackers blended into a creamy, protein-packed treat. This one is perfect on its own or as a base for mix-ins like crushed graham crackers or chocolate chips.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Protein Ice Cream

Tropical pineapple meets rich vanilla cake flavors, with a hint of caramelized sweetness. If you love fruity desserts, this is a must-try!

Salted Pretzel Protein Ice Cream

The ultimate sweet-and-salty combo! This flavor combines creamy vanilla ice cream with crunchy, salted pretzel pieces, making every bite a delicious contrast of textures.

Each of these flavors brings something unique, so whether you’re in the mood for cozy, nostalgic, tropical, or salty-sweet, there’s a Ninja Creami recipe for you! Let me know which one you try next!

FAQ: Butter Pecan Protein Ice Cream

Can I use a different protein powder?

Yes! Any vanilla protein should work, but some brands mix differently. If your ice cream turns out icy, try adding a little more pudding mix or using a creamier milk.

What if I don’t have butter extract?

Butter extract is key for that signature flavor. If you don’t have it, substitute vanilla extract + a small amount of melted butter for a similar effect.

Can I make this without a Ninja Creami?

This recipe is designed for the Ninja Creami, but you can try blending, freezing, and stirring periodically to break up ice crystals. The texture won’t be the same, but it’ll still taste great!

Do I have to use sugar-free pudding mix?

Nope! Regular pudding mix works just as well if you’re okay with a little extra sugar.

How do I store leftovers?

Store it in the Ninja Creami pint with the lid on. When ready to eat again, let it sit at room temp for a few minutes or run a quick re-spin to restore the creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This butter pecan protein ice cream is the perfect balance of creamy, nutty, and high-protein goodness. If you try it, let me know how you like it!