Irish Cream Protein Ice Cream

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When you think of Irish cream, your mind probably goes straight to that rich, velvety liqueur with hints of chocolate, coffee, and vanilla. Or does it go to a bar… downtown… six years ago… on St. Patrick’s Day… where you had the best Irish cream shooters to ever exist? Oh, just me? Oh… okay. Well, anyway!

This Irish Cream Protein Ice Cream will be everything your Irish coffee, mudslide, espresso martini, White Russian dreams are made of. And yes, it’s on the healthier side—made with simple ingredients and a Ninja Creami, of course.

Sooooo, whether you’re looking for a little high-protein sweet treat or just an excuse to use your Ninja Creami (because let’s be real, it’s the best kitchen appliance ever and can never be topped!!!), this recipe is a must-try.

Let’s get into it!

What Makes This Ice Cream So Good?

There’s something about the combination of chocolate, coffee, vanilla, and a subtle nuttiness that makes Irish cream so special. This ice cream captures all of that, without the actual alcohol, so you can enjoy it anytime. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• High in Protein – Thanks to the vanilla protein powder, you get a protein boost in every scoop.
• Smooth & Creamy – The sugar-free pudding mix gives it that thick, custard-like texture.
• Perfectly Sweet & Balanced – A mix of vanilla, almond, and rum extracts recreate that signature Irish cream flavor.
• No Added Sugar – It’s naturally sweetened with stevia (or your sweetener of choice).
• Super Easy – Blend, freeze, and spin. That’s it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Irish Cream Protein Ice Cream, you’ll need:

• 1 ½ cups (360 mL) 2% milk – Provides a creamy base with a bit of richness.
• 1 scoop (31g) vanilla protein powder – Adds sweetness and protein.
• 14g sugar-free vanilla pudding mix – Makes the texture extra smooth.
• 1 ½ tsp unsweetened cocoa powder – A hint of chocolate deepens the flavor.
• ½ tsp espresso powder – Enhances the chocolate notes and mimics the coffee flavor in Irish cream.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – A must for balancing the flavors.
• ½ tsp almond extract – This gives the ice cream that signature nutty note that Irish cream is known for.
• ½ tsp rum extract – Brings in the warmth that replaces the usual Irish whiskey in the classic drink.
• 1 tsp stevia (or sweetener of choice, to taste) – Adjust to your sweetness preference.
• Pinch of salt – Just a touch enhances all the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Blend the Base

In a blender, combine all the ingredients: milk, protein powder, pudding mix, cocoa powder, espresso powder, vanilla extract, almond extract, rum extract, sweetener, and salt. Blend until smooth and fully incorporated.

It’s important to blend well so the pudding mix, protein powder, and cocoa powder are completely dissolved into the milk. This ensures a smooth texture in the final ice cream without any clumps.

2. Freeze the Mixture

Pour the blended mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container. Make sure it’s on a level surface in your freezer so it freezes evenly. Let it freeze for at least 24 hours. It’s important to allow the mixture to freeze thoroughly before spinning to get that perfect creamy texture.

3. Prepare for Spinning

When you’re ready to enjoy your ice cream, take the pint out of the freezer and rinse it under hot water for 1-2 minutes.

4. Spin in the Ninja Creami

Place the pint into the Ninja Creami, lock it in place, and spin using the Ice Cream mode.

After the first spin, your ice cream might look a little crumbly, which is completely normal. That’s where the magic of the re-spin comes in.

5. Re-Spin If Needed

Re-spin 1-2 times until you reach your desired consistency. Each spin helps to smooth the ice cream and make it creamy, so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t look perfect after just one cycle. The texture improves with each spin, and you’ll be rewarded with a silky-smooth result.

6. Garnish & Serve

If you care about the aesthetic, top your ice cream with a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream and a light dusting of cocoa powder. The whipped cream adds a velvety finish, while the cocoa powder gives it an extra touch of elegance and deepens the chocolate notes. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Irish Cream Protein Ice Cream

• Don’t Skip the Re-Spins – The Ninja Creami works magic, but you’ll get the best results if you re-spin 1-2 times. This ensures the ice cream becomes super creamy, and the texture is as smooth as possible.
• Adjust Sweetness – Everyone’s taste is different, so feel free to adjust the sweetener to your liking. Taste the mixture before freezing it, and if you want a little extra sweetness, add more stevia or a different sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol.
• Use High-Quality Extracts – Since the flavor comes mainly from the vanilla, almond, and rum extracts, using good-quality extracts makes a difference. A little bit goes a long way in elevating the flavor profile.

Variations & Customizations

Want to switch things up? Try these fun variations:

1. Boozy Version

If you want to make this more like traditional Baileys ice cream, add ½ to 1 oz of actual Irish cream liqueur before freezing. Keep in mind that alcohol can slightly affect the texture. If you want a boozy touch without sacrificing texture, add the liqueur after the first spin to maintain that smoothness.

2. Chocolate Lover’s Twist

Increase the cocoa powder to 2 tsp for a richer chocolate flavor. You can also add sugar-free chocolate chips to the base to make it extra chocolatey. Simply add them in as a mix-in after spinning.

3. Mocha Irish Cream

Amp up the espresso powder to 1 tsp for a stronger coffee kick. This creates a more robust flavor if you love the coffee aspect of Irish cream. You can also add a bit of brewed espresso for an even deeper taste.

4. Nutty Crunch

For a fun crunch, sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or sugar-free chocolate-covered espresso beans on top of your ice cream. The texture adds a fun contrast to the creamy smoothness, and the nuts bring a nice added flavor.

More Ninja Creami Recipes to Try

If you love this Irish Cream Protein Ice Cream, here are a few more must-try flavors that’ll keep your Ninja Creami working overtime:

• Stracciatella Protein Ice Cream – A high-protein take on the classic Italian gelato, with delicate chocolate flakes swirled throughout a creamy vanilla base.
• Tiramisu Protein Ice Cream – Coffee, cocoa, and a hint of mascarpone-inspired richness come together for a protein-packed twist on the beloved dessert.
• Matcha Cookies and Cream Protein Ice Cream – Earthy matcha meets crushed cookies for the perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and creamy.
• London Fog Protein Ice Cream – A blend of Earl Grey tea, vanilla, and creamy goodness, inspired by the cozy latte but in ice cream form.

Each one is packed with protein, easy to make, and guaranteed to hit the spot. Which one are you trying next?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Milk?

Yes! If you prefer a different kind of milk, you can substitute with whole milk, almond milk, or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Whole milk will give the ice cream a richer texture, while almond or oat milk will make it a bit lighter. Keep in mind that using non-dairy milk may affect the consistency slightly, but it will still taste delicious.

Can I Make This Without a Ninja Creami?

The Ninja Creami creates the best texture, but if you don’t have one, I have a feeling that with the addition of a little ice, this would make a great milkshake!

How Long Does This Last?

Store leftovers in the freezer for up to a week. The ice cream should maintain its smooth texture as long as it’s tightly sealed. If it becomes too hard, let it sit out for 5-10 minutes and re-spin.

Final Thoughts

If you love Irish cream, this high-protein, sugar-free ice cream is about to become your new favorite treat. It’s the perfect mix of indulgence and nutrition, easy to make, and sooooo satisfying.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your Ninja Creami, blend up your base, and treat yourself to a scoop (or two, or all) of this deliciously creamy Irish Cream Protein Ice Cream!