Peppermint Bark Protein Ice Cream

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Um, not really sure what to say about peppermint bark tbh.

Whenever I think of peppermint bark I think of those square shaped chocolates um.. let me look it up real quick. The Ghirardelli peppermint bark squares!

Okay that’s the end of my story because I honestly cannot even focus!

And the reason why I can’t focus is so dumb.

Basically, over the past few days I’ve developed an intense blueberry addiction. Specifically, the Wyman’s frozen wild blueberries that I have literally been eating for years so idk where this sudden urge to eat every blueberry in existence came from?

Basically in the mornings I’ll make a chia pudding bowl or whatever add blueberries, coconut shreds, almond butter etc etc.

Then after I finish that bowl I’ll be like “Okay, that’s enough for today.. I will not eat anymore blueberries until tomorrow.”

30 minutes to an hour later I then find myself recreating the exact same bowl.

After finishing that one I’m like “Alright, I’m done fr this time.”

A few hours of forced resistance pass and I’m like “I will not make a whole bowl but rather a cup sized portion.. what is the harm in that?!”

I then proceed to make this cup sized portion 27 times throughout the day and when it’s time to go to sleep I’m like “I hate myself Im not eating any blueberries at all tomorrow.”

Then tomorrow comes and I’m like “WELL, I do think it’s important that I have at least SOME blueberries everyday for the health benefits.”

So I make one bowl and then the entire flow repeats itself.

Yesterday, however,

I ate so many blueberries by the end of the day that I genuinely felt like I was going to explode.

It is now 10:09 AM the next day and I still feel like I am going to explode.. but also fighting the urge for more blueberries.

It’s literally Christmas Eve and all I can think about is blueberries.

Imagine death by blueberries.. I may be the first. That’s means I’ll be making history 😛.

People who make history normally get some type of famous but if I were famous I would want to be known or remembered by my name.

And if I got famous for making history by dying of blueberry overconsumption I’d be known as “the girl that died from eating too many blueberries”… which is just embarrassing.

So ultimately I’m choosing not to die at the hand of blueberries and this realization is helping me fight off the urge to eat some right now.

Ugh what a dumb struggle… I can’t.

ANYWAY.. let me do my job..

Is this my job? Lmao am I working for myself right now?

Okay fr since apparently I’m on the clock.

This Peppermint Bark Protein Ice Cream is really good and captures the flavor of peppermint bark PERFECTLY!

I really debated on how to go about it

because I really wanted it to look like the Ghirardelli Peppermint Square but that would’ve required extra steps and calories.

So I had to remind myself that no one cares about the aesthetic as much as I do, y’all just want the protein and for it to taste good which I respect lmao.

I mean I still think the ice cream is really cute!!

I just wouldn’t enter it in a “Most Aesthetically Pleasing Ninja Creami Peppermint Bark Protein Ice Cream Contest.”

However, I would enter it in a…

“Most Delicious Ninja Creami Peppermint Bark Protein Ice Cream You’ll Ever Have In Your Life Blind Tasting”.

I think you get my point, now let’s get into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First of all, this is not one of those peppermint recipes that punches you in the face with extract. The peppermint flavor here is subtle, balanced, and intentional. It enhances the white chocolate base instead of hijacking it.

Second, the texture is elite. You get:

• Ultra-creamy protein ice cream
• Chocolate and peppermint mixed throughout
• A thin, snappy white chocolate shell on top that cracks when you tap it

It’s festive without being gimmicky, indulgent without being heavy, and high-protein without tasting like “protein ice cream.” Which, frankly, is the goal every time.

This recipe also feels very December. It’s perfect for:

• Holiday dessert nights
• Watching Christmas movies
• When peppermint bark cravings hit but you want something cold, creamy, and scoopable instead.

Ingredients

Ice Cream Base

• 1½ cups (360 ml) 2% milk
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (31 g)
• 14 g sugar-free white chocolate pudding mix
• ⅛ teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 teaspoon stevia or sweetener of choice, to taste
• Pinch of salt

Mix-Ins

• 15 g semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped (or chocolate chips)
• 1 candy cane, crushed (or peppermint pieces)

White Chocolate Shell

• 21 g white chocolate chips
• ½ teaspoon coconut oil

Optional Topping

• Extra chopped chocolate and peppermint pieces (reserved from mix-ins)

How to Make Peppermint Bark Protein Ice Cream

Step 1: Blend the Base

Add all of the ice cream base ingredients to a blender. Blend until completely smooth and fully combined. Make sure the pudding mix and protein powder are fully dissolved — this is key for a creamy final texture.

Step 2: Freeze

Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint. Place it on a level surface in your freezer and freeze for 24 hours.

Step 3: Spin

Once frozen solid, remove the pint from the freezer and rinse the outside under hot water for 1–2 minutes. This helps prevent icy edges.

Place the pint into the Ninja Creami and spin on Light Ice Cream mode.

Re-spin 1–2 times until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add Mix-Ins

Create a well in the center of the ice cream. Add the chopped chocolate and crushed candy cane, reserving a small amount of each for topping if desired.

Spin once on Mix-In mode.

Step 5: Prepare the White Chocolate Shell

Place the white chocolate chips and coconut oil into a microwave-safe dish. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth (about 30 seconds total).

Step 6: Finish

Pour the melted white chocolate shell over the top of the ice cream. Immediately sprinkle with any reserved chocolate and peppermint pieces.

Let the shell set for a minute or two, crack it open, and enjoy.

Tips & Tricks

• Go easy on peppermint extract. A little goes a long way, and too much will overpower the white chocolate.
• Use finely chopped chocolate for even distribution throughout the ice cream.
• If your ice cream looks crumbly after the first spin, don’t panic — re-spin fixes everything.
• For extra drama, let the white chocolate shell fully harden before cracking it with your spoon.

Customization Ideas

• Swap the semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate for a deeper contrast.
• Use crushed peppermint candies instead of candy canes.
• Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the white chocolate shell for extra bark vibes.
• Prefer less sweetness? Reduce the sweetener slightly — the white chocolate shell adds plenty.

More Ninja Creami Recipes to Try

If peppermint bark is your thing, you’ll probably love:

• Krampus Protein Ice Cream
• Peppermint Frosty Protein Ice Cream
• Silent Night Protein Ice Cream
• Christmas Crack Protein Ice Cream
• Snickerdoodle Protein Ice Cream

Each one leans into holiday flavors while keeping things high-protein and Creami-approved.

FAQ

Does this taste strongly minty?

No. The peppermint is subtle and balanced, meant to complement the white chocolate rather than dominate it.

Can I skip the white chocolate shell?

You can, but it’s kind of the whole peppermint bark moment. Highly recommended.

Can I use dairy-free milk?

Yes, though the texture may be slightly less creamy. Re-spins help.

Why is my ice cream crumbly?

That’s normal after the first spin. Re-spin until smooth.

Final Thoughts

Peppermint bark is one of those desserts that feels non-negotiable during the holidays. Turning it into protein ice cream somehow makes it feel even more fun — cold, creamy, crackly, and still festive as ever.

This Peppermint Bark Protein Ice Cream is proof that holiday desserts don’t have to be heavy to be satisfying. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and indulgent in the best way, while still fitting perfectly into your Ninja Creami rotation.

Crack the shell. Take the bite. It’s Christmas.