Hot Honey Cornbread Protein Ice Cream

Before I knew exactly where I was going with this recipe, I just knew it was going to be cornbread-inspired because the cravings for it were just not letting up this week LOL. There’s something about the combination of sweet, buttery cornbread and a drizzle of warm honey that just hits every time. Now imagine that, but as a creamy, high-protein ice cream with a littleeeeee kick. That’s exactly what this Hot Honey Cornbread Protein Ice Cream delivers—sweet, buttery, and slightly spicy with warm crumbles of cornbread on top. It’s comforting yet refreshing, indulgent yet light, and honestly, just too good to pass up.

If you’ve never tried a sweet-and-spicy combo in your ice cream, don’t be intimidated. The cayenne isn’t overwhelming—it just adds a subtle warmth that balances out the sweetness. And if you’re unsure about it, you can start with a smaller amount and adjust to your liking. The final drizzle of hot honey ties everything together, giving you that sticky-sweet heat that truly makes this ice cream chef’s kiss.

Now, let’s get into it!

A Flavor Combo You Didn’t Know You Needed

• High in Protein – This creamy treat packs in protein without sacrificing flavor.
• Sweet & Spicy Perfection – The buttery vanilla base pairs beautifully with the warm spice of cayenne.
• Quick & Easy Cornbread Topping – No need to bake an entire batch of cornbread—this shortcut method keeps it simple.
• Balanced & Customizable – Adjust the spice and sweetness to suit your taste.

Ingredients

For the Ice Cream Base:

• 1 ½ cups (360 mL) 2% milk
• 1 scoop (31g) vanilla protein powder
• 1 tbsp (14g) sugar-free vanilla pudding mix
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp butter extract
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp stevia (or preferred sweetener, to taste)
• Pinch of salt

For the Cornbread:

• ⅓ cup (33g) cornbread mix
• 4 tsp (20mL) water

For the Topping:

• Hot honey (or regular honey if preferred)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Ice Cream Base

1. In a blender, combine the milk, protein powder, pudding mix, vanilla extract, butter extract, cayenne pepper, stevia, and salt.

2. Blend until fully mixed and smooth.

3. Pour the mixture into your Ninja Creami pint container.

4. Freeze for at least 24 hours on a level surface.

Spin the Ice Cream

1. Once fully frozen, remove the pint from the freezer.

2. Run the container under hot water for 1-2 minutes.

3. Place it in the Ninja Creami and spin on Light Ice Cream mode.

4. Respin 1-2 more times until creamy.

5. Place the ice cream back in the freezer while you prepare the cornbread topping.

Make the Cornbread Topping

1. In a small bowl or ramekin, mix 33g of cornbread mix with 20mL of water until combined.

2. Microwave for 30 seconds until it’s fully cooked.

3. Using a fork or spoon, crumble it into pieces—as small or as chunky as you prefer.

Assemble & Serve

1. Take the ice cream out of the freezer..

2. Sprinkle the warm crumbled cornbread over the top.

3. Drizzle with hot honey (or regular honey if you prefer a milder flavor).

4. And enjoy!

Customizations

• Cornbread Ice Cream Mix-In – Instead of just using cornbread as a topping, add crumbled cornbread directly into the ice cream after the final respin and spin on the Mix-In setting.
• Cinnamon Sugar Twist – Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to the ice cream base and sprinkle the crumbled cornbread with a little cinnamon sugar before topping.
• Brown Butter – Swap the butter extract for 1 teaspoon of real browned butter for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
• Honey Butter Drizzle – Instead of hot honey, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 teaspoon of honey and drizzle that over the top for a rich, buttery sweetness.
• Maple Cornbread Ice Cream – Replace the hot honey with maple syrup and use maple syrup to sweeten the ice cream base for a warm, fall-inspired version.
• Dairy-Free Option – Use almond milk or cashew milk instead of 2% milk and ensure your cornbread mix is dairy-free.

Tips for the Best Results

• Getting the Perfect Consistency – If the ice cream is too firm after freezing, run the pint under hot water for a full 2 minutes before spinning. If it’s still too icy, add a splash of milk before respinning.
• Using the Right Cornbread Mix – Some mixes are sweeter than others. If yours isn’t sweet, you might want to add a little honey or extra sweetener to the batter.
• Serving Warm Cornbread on Cold Ice Cream – For the best contrast, crumble the cornbread while it’s fresh and warm, so it slightly melts into the ice cream.
• Drizzling the Honey Just Right – If your hot honey is thick, microwave it for 5-10 seconds so it’s easier to drizzle evenly.
• Storing Leftovers – If you have extra cornbread, keep it in an airtight container and warm it up slightly before adding it to leftovers.

More Ninja Creami Recipes to Try

If you’re into the cozy, buttery, and slightly spiced flavors of hot honey cornbread, you’ll love these other unique Ninja Creami creations:

• Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Protein Ice Cream – Rich, buttery, and indulgent, this one has a melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs perfectly with cornbread vibes.
• Honey Graham Protein Ice Cream – A warm, honey-kissed flavor with graham cracker goodness—perfect if you love sweet, toasty notes.
• Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookie Protein Ice Cream – Cozy, spiced, and full of brown sugar warmth, this is another nostalgic, bakery-style treat.
• New York Cheesecake Protein Ice Cream – If you love a creamy, tangy contrast with your sweets, this cheesecake-inspired flavor is a must-try.
• Snickerdoodle Protein Ice Cream – Warm cinnamon, sugar, and buttery cookie goodness—period.
• Rice Crispy Treat Protein Ice Cream – Buttery, marshmallow-y, and crunchy, this one is super fun and easy to make!

FAQ

Can I make this without a Ninja Creami?

Yes! You can pour the blended ice cream base into an airtight container and freeze it. Every 30-45 minutes, stir it vigorously with a spoon until it’s creamy. It won’t be as smooth as a Ninja Creami version, but it will still be delicious.

Can I use a different protein powder?

Absolutely. Just note that some protein powders are thicker or sweeter than others, so you may need to adjust the sweetener or liquid slightly.

What if I don’t like spicy desserts?

You can leave out the cayenne and just enjoy a sweet honey cornbread ice cream. It’ll still be amazing!

Is there a way to make this even more indulgent?

Yes! Try mixing the honey with a little melted butter before drizzling on top for an extra rich flavor.

Can I prep the cornbread ahead of time?

You can, but it’s best when warm. If making it ahead, store it in an airtight container and warm it up slightly before serving.