Plain Jane Protein Ice Cream (Vanilla)

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IT’S VANILLA! V-A-N-I-L-L-A! IT’S VANILLA! V-A-N-I-L-L-A!

Honestly, I’ve been putting off making this recipe because, unlike this cool tune, it’s… boring 💀. It’s just nothing like my other recipes, but at the same time, I feel like it is absolutely necessary because it can be used in so many different ways. And also, not everyone likes all the bells and whistles allllll the time, ya know?

And also, also, rest assured that I am not a vanilla hater—I am, in fact, a vanilla lover!!! If it’s ever a matter of chocolate or vanilla, I’m going vanilla everrrryyyyyy time!

Also, also, also, don’t mind me jumping around—I know what I’m typing doesn’t flow at all right now, but I simply do not care lmao.

Now, back to business. I can’t even remember what I was going to say now, omg.

OH! I was gonna say that I tried to make sure this does NOT just taste like straight vanilla pudding because we’re here for the ice cream vibes, not the frozen pudding ones!! So if the amount of vanilla extract and salt seems like a bit much, that’s why. But trust! It works.

And as always, my hope with every recipe is simply to inspire you, so feel free to tweak this as you see fit.

Now, without further ado, let’s get into the recipe!!!!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in protein – Packed with protein while still tasting like real ice cream.
• Easy to make – No churning, no cooking—just blend, freeze, and spin.
• Low in sugar – Sweetened with stevia and sugar-free pudding mix for the perfect balance.
• Versatile – Eat it as-is or use it to upgrade your desserts.

Ingredients

You’ll need:

• 360 mL (1 ½ cups) 2% milk – Just enough fat for creaminess without going full heavy cream.
• 1 scoop (31g) vanilla protein powder – Pick a brand you like, since it’s the base flavor.
• 14g sugar-free vanilla pudding mix – Adds thickness and a smoother texture.
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract – Gives that deep vanilla flavor.
• 1 tsp stevia – Just enough to enhance the sweetness.
• 3/16 tsp salt – A tiny pinch, but it balances everything out.

How to Make Plain-Jane Protein Ice Cream

1. Blend Everything Together

In a blender, combine all ingredients—milk, protein powder, pudding mix, vanilla extract, stevia, and salt. Blend until completely smooth. No clumps allowed.

2. Freeze in a Ninja Creami Pint

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

3. Prep for Spinning

After freezing, take your pint out and run it under hot water on all sides (including the bottom) for 1-2 minutes.

4. Spin on Lite Ice Cream Mode

Attach the pint to your Ninja Creami and spin on lite ice cream mode.

5. Re-Spin If Needed

If the texture looks crumbly or powdery (which is normal), re-spin 1-2 times until it’s creamy.

6. Enjoy!

Scoop it up and enjoy it plain or dress it up with your favorite toppings.

Customizations: Make It Your Own

Even though this ice cream is called Plain Jane, you can easily tweak it to fit your cravings. Here’s how:

• Make it richer – Swap 2% milk for Fairlife or add a splash of half-and-half.
• Up the protein – Add half a scoop more of protein powder or mix in Greek yogurt.
• Adjust the sweetness – Try monk fruit, allulose, or a little sugar-free syrup.
• Add mix-ins – Stir in crushed cookies, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts after spinning.
• Turn it into soft serve – Add a tiny splash of milk before the last re-spin for a softer texture.
• Make it dairy-free – Use almond, cashew, or oat milk with a dairy-free protein powder.

Ways to Use This Ice Cream

Vanilla ice cream is classic for a reason—it pairs with everything. Here are some fun ways to use this Plain Jane Protein Ice Cream beyond just eating it straight from the pint:

• Protein Root Beer Float – Drop a scoop into a glass of diet root beer for a high-protein, low-calorie float.
• Brownie à la Mode – Heat up a protein brownie and top it with a scoop for that hot-and-cold contrast.
• Melted Protein Bar Sundae – Warm up a protein bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, then add a scoop of ice cream on top.
• Ice Cream Sandwich – Put a scoop between two protein cookies for a protein-packed ice cream sandwich.
• Protein Milkshake – Blend a scoop with a little extra milk and your fav mix-ins for a creamy, high-protein shake.
• Coffee Ice Cream Affogato – Pour a shot of espresso over a scoop for an energizing, protein-packed affogato.

More Ninja Creami Recipes to Try

Once you master Plain Jane Protein Ice Cream, why stop there? Here are some other must-try protein ice cream flavors to mix things up:

Milk & Cookies Protein Ice Cream

A cookies-and-cream-inspired protein ice cream with a vanilla base and crushed chocolate chip cookies mixed in for the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy.

Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream

A banana-based protein ice cream with dark chocolate chunks and crushed walnuts—because sometimes, yeah… just make it.

Fried Protein Ice Cream

No deep fryer needed! A crunchy cinnamon cornflake coating on top of a creamy vanilla protein ice cream.

Peanut Butter Ritz Protein Ice Cream

Sweet and salty perfection: peanut butter protein ice cream swirled with crushed Ritz crackers for the ultimate contrast.

Chocolate Vanilla Swirl with Cookie Crunch Protein Ice Cream

Can’t choose between chocolate and vanilla? Get the best of both worlds with a swirl of each, plus cookie crunch bits for texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes! While 2% milk gives a balance of creaminess and lower calories, you can use Fairlife milk for extra protein, almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option, or even half-and-half for a richer texture.

What if my ice cream is too hard after freezing?

That’s normal! Just run the pint under hot water for 1-2 minutes and re-spin in the Ninja Creami. If it’s still too firm, add a small splash of milk before re-spinning to soften it up.

Can I make this without a Ninja Creami?

The Ninja Creami is designed to give this ice cream a super smooth texture, but if you don’t have one, you can try:

• Freezing the mixture in a shallow dish and stirring every 30 minutes until it reaches an ice cream-like consistency.
• Using an ice cream maker, if you have one.
• Blending the mixture with a little ice for a high-protein milkshake.

Can I use a different protein powder?

Yes! Just know that different protein powders will affect the taste, texture, and sweetness.

How can I make it sweeter?

If you like it sweeter, add more stevia, monk fruit, or sugar-free syrup before freezing. Always taste the mixture before freezing to adjust sweetness as needed.

Can I add mix-ins?

Definitely! After the first spin, stir in crushed cookies, chocolate chips, or nuts for extra texture. Just be mindful of mix-in sizes—large chunks may not mix evenly.

Final Thoughts

Plain Jane Protein Ice Cream proves that simple doesn’t mean boring. Whether you’re eating it straight from the pint, pairing it with a dessert, or enjoying it as a protein shake, this easy vanilla protein ice cream is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth and hit your macros.

Try it out, customize it your way, and don’t be surprised if this becomes your new favorite staple.