Ninja Creami Red Velvet Cake Protein Ice Cream
This Red Velvet Ninja Creami recipe is perfect—I’m allowed to say this because one of my go-tos when I get ice cream is cake batter and cheesecake ice cream with red velvet cake mixed in. It’s chef’s kiss, truly. Anyway, this recipe hits all the same spots as the real thing but is even better because it has a lot fewer calories, a lot less sugar, and a lot more protein! Not sure it gets any better than that. So if you’ve been looking for a way to enjoy red velvet in a lighter, more balanced way, this is the recipe for you!
What Makes This Recipe So Good?
1. Balanced Flavor: The creamy, tangy base perfectly complements the sweet red velvet mix-in for a harmonious dessert experience.
2. Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness, swap out mix-ins, or tweak the flavor to suit your preferences.
3. High Protein: The base uses Greek yogurt, milk, and protein powder to deliver a satisfying dessert that doubles as a sneaky way to hit your protein goals.
4. Easy to Make: Minimal effort, maximum reward. This recipe only requires a few ingredients, a blender (or frother), and your Ninja Creami.
Ingredients for the Base
- 1 cup 2% milk
- ½ cup almond milk
- 85g nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 scoop (31g) vanilla protein powder
- 14g cheesecake pudding mix
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp almond extract
- ½ tsp stevia (or your sweetener of choice)
- Pinch of salt
Ingredients for the Red Velvet Mix-In
- 30g red velvet cake mix
- 1 tbsp + ½ tsp water
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Base
In a blender, combine all the base ingredients. If you don’t have a blender, a handheld frother works just as well. Blend until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness if needed.
2. Freeze
Pour the mixture into your Ninja Creami pint, making sure it’s filled to the max line. Secure the lid and freeze for at least 24 hours.
3. Spin in the Ninja Creami
Once the pint is frozen solid, run it under hot water for 1-2 minutes on all sides, including the bottom. This ensures the edges aren’t too icy and helps create a smoother texture. Place the pint into the Ninja Creami, attach the lid, and spin on Light Ice Cream mode.
If the texture isn’t as creamy as you’d like after the first spin, scrape down the sides and respin 1-2 more times.
4. Make the Red Velvet Cake Mix-In
While your base is spinning, mix 30g of red velvet cake mix with 1 tbsp + ½ tsp water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30-45 seconds until it’s cooked through and fluffy. Let it cool, then crumble it into small pieces.
5. Add the Mix-In
Using a spoon, create a well in the center of your spun ice cream. Add the red velvet cake pieces to the well, leaving a few crumbs for garnish if desired. Spin again on Mix-In mode.
6. Enjoy!
Scoop, garnish with the reserved red velvet crumbs, and enjoy immediately.
Tips for Success
- Blend Thoroughly: Make sure the base is completely smooth before freezing to avoid gritty textures.
- Thaw the Pint: Don’t skip running the frozen pint under hot water before spinning. It prevents icy edges and ensures the best consistency.
- Customize Your Mix-Ins: If red velvet isn’t your favorite, try brownie crumbles, crushed cookies, or even mini chocolate chips instead.
- Sweeten to Taste: Depending on your protein powder, you might need more or less sweetener. Taste and adjust before freezing.
Creative Customizations
1. Make It Dairy-Free: Swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based alternative, use unsweetened almond milk for the entire base, and choose a dairy-free protein powder.
2. Chocolate Lover: Use chocolate protein powder and add cocoa powder to the base for a rich, chocolaty take.
3. Peppermint Red Velvet: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the base for a festive flavor.
4. Extra Protein Boost: Use Fairlife milk or another high-protein milk alternative to up the protein content.
Ninja Creami Red Velvet Cake Protein Ice Cream
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
- 1 cup 2% milk
- ½ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 85 g non-fat plain greek yogurt
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (about 31g)
- 14 g sugar-free cheesecake JELLO mix
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp almond extract
- ½ tsp stevia or sweetener of choice to taste
- pinch of salt
Red Velvet Cake Mix-In
- 30 g red velvet cake mix
- 1 tbsp + ½ tsp water
Instructions
- Add all ingredients listed under "Ice Cream Base" to your Ninja Creami pint and whisk or froth to combine. Alternatively, you can add the ingredients to a blender and blend before pouring the mixture into your pint!
- Put the lid on your pint and freeze for 24 hours on a level surface.
- Run your pint under hot water for 1-2 minutes to thaw it slightly for a smoother result.
- Spin on lite ice cream mode.
- Respin 1-2 times, until the ice cream is smooth and creamy.
- While your ice cream is spinning, add the ingredients listed under "Red Velvet Cake Mix-In" to a bowl and mix.
- Once combined, microwave for 30-45 secs.
- After removing your cake from the microwave, use a fork to crumble it up to be added to your ice cream!
- When your ice cream is done spinning, create a well in the center if there is not one already there and add in your red velvet cake, reserving a few pieces for the top if you would like!
- Now, spin the ice cream one more time on mix-in mode.
- Top it off with any remaining red velvet cake pieces and enjoy!
More Holiday Recipes to Try:
- Ninja Creami Egg Nog Protein Ice Cream
- Peppermint Chocolate Chip Protein Skillet Cookie
- Frosted Sugar Cookie Overnight Oats
- Cranberry Truffle Protein Smoothie
FAQ
Can I make this without a Ninja Creami?
The Ninja Creami creates an ultra-creamy texture that’s hard to replicate, but you can turn this recipe into a protein shake! Blend the base with ice for a thick shake or freeze the mixture in an ice cube tray, then blend the frozen cubes in a high-speed blender.
Do I have to use red velvet cake for the mix-in?
Not at all! You can skip the mix-in or use another flavor entirely. Chocolate cake, sugar cookie dough, or crumbled graham crackers are all great options.
What if I don’t like almond extract?
The almond extract adds a subtle depth of flavor, but it’s optional. If you’re not a fan, simply leave it out.
How can I make this recipe even creamier?
For an ultra-creamy texture, try replacing the almond milk with more 2% milk or using whole milk instead.
Can I use a different protein powder?
Yes, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly depending on the brand and type of protein powder you use. Whey or casein blends work best for this recipe.
In Conclusion
This High Protein Red Velvet Cake Ninja Creami is definitely worth being added to the regular rotation! With its creamy texture, red velvet cake mix-ins, and healthier take, it’s the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. You could be meal-prepping desserts for the week or just treating yourself, eitherway this recipe makes mindful eating fun!
Trust me, once you’ve tasted this, you’ll want to keep experimenting with flavors and mix-ins. The possibilities are endless, but try this one out first and let me know what you think!
-
Ninja Creami Red Velvet Cake Protein Ice Cream
FacebookTweetPin This Red Velvet Ninja Creami recipe is perfect—I’m allowed to say this because one of my go-tos when I get ice cream is cake batter and cheesecake ice cream with red velvet cake mixed in. It’s chef’s kiss, truly. Anyway, this recipe hits all…