Lemon Bar Protein Ice Cream

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I’m laughing at myself for saying this because it sounds so typical of a recipe blog post, but I remember the first time I had a lemon bar—LMAO. It was maybe two years ago when my friend asked me to come with him to some real estate social downtown at a cigar lounge. And I was like, why would I do that? Lol, I have no connections to real estate, and I do not know these people. But he was acting like it wasn’t a big deal, so I was like, fine, whatever 💀.

So I went, and it was all intimate and whatnot—just like I feared—and I had to act like I was interested—just like I feared 😂. Anyway, at the end of it, there were all these leftover snacks, desserts, wines, cigars, etc., and this man was telling everyone to help themselves and take whatever they wanted. Now, I wasn’t going to take anything because I wasn’t even supposed to be there lol, but as I was walking out, the man was like, “Hey, here, take some of this.” And I’m like, “I don’t even know what to take, are you sure? Nag nag.”

He hands me some things, and among them is an unopened box of lemon bars. I was like, “I’ve never had lemon bars,” and he was like, “Trust me, these are really good.” So I take them and get in the car with my friend—the one who forced me there in the first place—and he proceeds to ask me for one. And I’m like, absolutely not 😂. This is my compensation for being forced here in the first place—LMAO.

So I get back to my apartment, try the lemon bars, and I’m like, OMG, what have I been doing my entire life?! Of course, I finish the whole box within 24 hours, and the rest is history. THE END.

Now that you’ve read my basic blogger intro… I guess I should actually tell you about the recipe LOL. This Lemon Bar Protein Ice Cream gives you all the bright, citrusy goodness of a classic lemon bar, but in a creamy, dreamy, frozen form. It’s full of protein of course, made with simple ingredients, and finished off with a golden Oreo crumble for that buttery “cookie crust” effect.

If you’ve been craving something refreshing but still indulgent, this one is it. Let’s get into it!

What You’ll Need

The ingredients are pretty straightforward—everything comes together in one quick blend before freezing.

Base Ingredients:

• 1¼ cups (300mL) 2% milk – Keeps it creamy while adding protein and a little richness.
• 85g non-fat plain Greek yogurt – Boosts the protein and gives it that slight tang, like a real lemon bar.
• 1 scoop (31g) vanilla protein powder – Adds flavor and helps with the thick, creamy texture.
• 14g sugar-free lemon pudding mix – This is the secret weapon! It enhances the lemon flavor and makes the texture super smooth.
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 1 oz) – Fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable for that bright, real citrus taste.
• 1 tsp stevia (or sweetener of choice, to taste) – Adjust based on how sweet you want it.
• Pinch of salt – Because every good dessert needs a little balance.

For the Topping:

• 2 Golden Oreos (creme removed, cookies crushed) – This gives you that signature lemon bar crust effect. You’ll end up with 4 cookie pieces total after scraping out the cream.

How to Make Lemon Bar Protein Ice Cream

Step 1: Blend the Base

Add all the ingredients (except the Oreos) into a blender. Blend until everything is completely smooth—no lumps, no grainy texture, just a silky lemony mixture.

Step 2: Freeze for 24 Hours

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

Step 3: Spin & Re-Spin

Once it’s fully frozen, take the pint out and run it under hot water for 1-2 minutes.

Lock the pint into your Ninja Creami and spin it on Light Ice Cream mode. After the first spin, it might look powdery or crumbly—that’s normal. Just re-spin 1-2 times until you get that smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 4: Add the Crushed Golden Oreos

Now for the best part—the “crust.” Take your Golden Oreos, scrape out the creme and crush the cookies into little crumbles. Sprinkle them right on top of your ice cream for that true lemon bar feel.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Grab a spoon and dig in. This ice cream is bright, creamy, and has the perfect balance of tart lemon and sweet vanilla. And that Golden Oreo topping? Yeah!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Bar Ice Cream

• High in Protein – With protein powder and Greek yogurt, this is the perfect high-protein dessert.
• Ultra Creamy Texture – The combo of pudding mix, protein powder, and yogurt makes this ridiculously smooth.
• Fresh Lemon Flavor – No artificial lemon taste here!
• Golden Oreo “Crust” – The cookie crumble adds the perfect buttery crunch, just like a real lemon bar.
• Better-For-You Dessert – Light, refreshing, and still indulgent, but without the sugar overload.

Tips for the Best Ninja Creami Ice Cream

• Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice won’t give you the same fresh, zesty flavor.
• Adjust sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter ice cream, add a bit more stevia or sweetener of choice.
• Don’t skip the re-spin. If your ice cream looks crumbly after the first spin, don’t panic—just re-spin it 1-2 times, and it’ll get creamy.
• Chill your pint for 5 minutes before eating. Letting it sit in the freezer for a few minutes after spinning helps the texture if “scoopable” is what you’re looking for.

Customization Ideas

• Make it dairy-free – Swap 2% milk for almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free protein powder.
• Boost the lemon flavor – Add extra lemon juice or even a little lemon zest for a stronger citrus punch.
• Change the cookie topping – Not a fan of Golden Oreos? Try crushed graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or even shortbread cookies.
• Turn it into a shake – Blend the finished ice cream with a splash of milk for a thick, creamy lemon bar protein shake.
• Make it extra indulgent – Drizzle some sugar-free white chocolate syrup or a little honey on top for a dessert-like finish.

How to Store Leftovers

If you don’t finish it all in one sitting (which, let’s be real, might not happen), you can store it back in the freezer. Just smooth out the top, cover the pint, and freeze. When you’re ready to eat it again, let it sit at room temp for about 10-15 minutes or run it under warm water before re-spinning.

More Ninja Creami Recipes to Try

If you loved this Lemon Bar Protein Ice Cream, here are a few more flavors to check out next:

• Strawberry Shortcake Protein Ice Cream – A classic fruity favorite with real strawberry pieces and a shortbread cookie crumble.
• Red Velvet Cheesecake Protein Ice Cream – The perfect mix of rich cocoa and tangy cheesecake.
• Orange Creamsicle Protein Ice Cream – Just like the childhood popsicle but in creamy, high-protein form.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes! 2% milk helps keep the texture creamy, but you can use whole milk for a richer taste or almond/cashew milk for a dairy-free option (just note that lower-fat milk may result in a slightly icier texture).

Do I have to use Greek yogurt?

Greek yogurt adds extra protein and creaminess, but if you prefer, you can replace it with an equal amount of cottage cheese or skip it entirely and add extra milk (though your ice cream might be a little less thick).

Can I use a different protein powder?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that different protein powders vary in texture and sweetness, so you may need to adjust the sweetener to taste.

Do I need the pudding mix?

Yes! The sugar-free lemon pudding mix helps with the texture, making it smoother and creamier. If you omit it, the ice cream may turn out a little icier.

How do I make it sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter ice cream, just increase the stevia or add an extra teaspoon of your favorite sweetener.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Bar Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream is honestly one of my new favorite flavors. It’s bright, refreshing, and has just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, with the high-protein base and buttery Golden Oreo topping, it feels way more indulgent than it actually is.

If you give this recipe a try, let me know how you like it! And if you have any requests for future Ninja Creami flavors, I’m always down to experiment.

Now, go make this. You’re gonna be obsessed.