Shamrock Shake Protein Ice Cream

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Soooooooooo, boom! It’s March, St. Patrick’s Day is in the air, shamrock shakes are on the menu, and protein ice cream has taken over my life. So naturally… obviously I had to… is it really necessary… does the sentence need to be finished? Shamrock Shake Protein Ice Cream? You knew what I was getting at? Okay, great, great… but actually, you’re wrong. No, you’re not actually, I’m wrong. I made a mistakeeeeeee!! This was SUPPOSED to be Shamrock Shake Protein Ice Cream, but somehow the ice cream ended up cosplaying as The Grinch. I had no clue that the ice cream would grow arms and legs when I wasn’t looking and escape to go terrorize Whoville!! I thought the recipe was sugar, spice, and everything nice, but maybe I… idk. Is it Christmas or July? Christmas in July? March, April, May, June, protein, ice cream, low calorie, mint, vanilla, four-leaf clovers. Good luck, you’re in luck, you found this recipe, and now you’re confused, yayyyyyyy, let’s get into it!

Side note… I really didn’t want to have to write this, but it just came to mind, and now I have no choice. Does anyone remember Luck of the Irish? The Disney movie? A true classic, or am I just old and no one else knows what I’m talking about? Either way, I recommend giving it a watch if you have nothing else to do. Or at least baby me, who used to watch it every year, recommends it, and I trust her judgment, so you should too!

Okay, now, let’s actually get into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Protein-packed: The addition of vanilla protein powder makes it a treat that fuels your body.
• Sugar-free: You can enjoy the minty, creamy goodness without worrying about refined sugars or the crash that comes afterward.
• Customizable sweetness: Whether you prefer a little sweetness or like to keep it on the milder side, you can adjust the sweetness with your choice of stevia or another sweetener.
• Easy to make: With just a few ingredients and a little patience, this treat will become your new go-to for a cool, refreshing snack.
• Perfect for those craving a Shamrock Shake but looking for something a little healthier: No need to head out to a fast food drive-thru when you can whip up this high-protein version at home!

So let’s get started! You won’t believe how simple and satisfying this recipe is.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) 2% milk: The base of this protein ice cream. You can switch it out for a non-dairy alternative if you prefer.
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (31 g): Choose a protein powder that blends well and has a mild vanilla flavor. You’ll get that creamy texture and protein boost!
• 14 g sugar-free vanilla pudding mix: This adds a silky texture and enhances the vanilla flavor without adding extra sugar.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: To give a little depth of flavor.
• ¼ tsp mint extract: This is what gives it that unmistakable minty kick – just the right amount!
• 1 tsp stevia or sweetener of choice: Sweeten to taste. You can use stevia, monk fruit, or your favorite sweetener.
• A pinch of salt: This enhances all the flavors and brings out the creaminess.
• 3 drops of green food coloring: For that fun Shamrock Shake look, of course!

How to Make Shamrock Shake Protein Ice Cream:

Step 1: Blend the Ingredients

Start by adding all your ingredients into a blender. This includes the milk, protein powder, vanilla pudding mix, vanilla extract, mint extract, sweetener, salt, and the green food coloring. Blend everything together until smooth. You want the mixture to be creamy with no clumps of protein powder or pudding mix.

If you like your Shamrock Shake a little sweeter, feel free to taste and add more sweetener as needed.

Step 2: Freeze the Mixture

Next, pour your blended mixture into a Ninja Creami pint. Then, pop it in the freezer for 24 hours on a level surface. Patience is key here – let it freeze solid for the perfect texture!

Step 3: Rinse the Pint and Spin

Once your Shamrock Shake protein ice cream is fully frozen, it’s time to get that creamy consistency we’re after. First, rinse the pint under hot water for about 1 to 2 minutes on all sides.

Now, place the pint into your Ninja Creami and spin on Lite Ice Cream mode.

Step 4: Spin to Perfection

If your ice cream isn’t as soft and creamy as you’d like after the first spin, no worries! Just re-spin it 1 to 2 more times until you reach your desired consistency. I recommend doing a couple of spins to make sure everything’s perfectly blended and creamy.

Step 5: Optional Toppings

Once your Shamrock Shake protein ice cream is ready, you can take it to the next level with toppings! Add a little sugar-free whipped cream on top, and for the classic touch, place a maraschino cherry right in the center. These additions are completely optional, but they make for a festive and indulgent treat.

Customizations:

This Shamrock Shake Protein Ice Cream recipe is easy to customize based on your tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness by using more or less stevia or another sweetener of your choice. You can also try adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.
• Mint: If you love a stronger mint flavor, feel free to add a bit more mint extract, but be careful not to go overboard – a little mint goes a long way!
• Protein Flavors: While vanilla is the base, you can experiment with other protein flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or even coconut for a unique twist.
• Add-ins: Once the ice cream is made, feel free to stir in some chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate syrup to add some extra flavor and texture.
• Dairy-Free: For a completely dairy-free version, make sure your protein powder and milk alternative are both dairy-free. You can also use non-dairy whipped cream and skip the cherry if you prefer.

More Ninja Creami Recipes to Try:

If you’re enjoying the magic of your Ninja Creami, here are some more creamy, high-protein ice cream recipes to try! Each one delivers the perfect texture and flavor without the guilt:

1. Irish Cream Protein Ice Cream

Craving a rich, creamy dessert without the booze? This Irish Cream Protein Ice Cream has the indulgent flavor you know and love, it’s smooth, creamy, and absolutely delicious!

2. White Chocolate Matcha Protein Ice Cream

For a unique twist, try this White Chocolate Matcha Protein Ice Cream. The earthy matcha combines perfectly with sweet white chocolate, making for a vibrant and creamy treat that’s packed with protein and full of flavor.

3. Stracciatella Protein Ice Cream

A classic Italian-inspired treat, Stracciatella Protein Ice Cream is made with a creamy vanilla base and crunchy bits of chocolate swirled in. The result? A smooth, decadent treat with a satisfying crunch in every bite.

4. Oreo Cheesecake Protein Ice Cream

This Oreo Cheesecake Protein Ice Cream is a dream come true for anyone who loves cookies and cream. The tangy, rich cheesecake flavor pairs beautifully with crunchy Oreo bits, all while being loaded with protein to keep you fueled.

FAQ:

1. Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes! Feel free to swap the 2% milk for any milk alternative you prefer, such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Just make sure the consistency of the milk is similar to regular milk for the best texture.

2. Can I use a different protein powder?

Absolutely! This recipe works with any vanilla-flavored protein powder you like. Make sure it blends well and has a mild flavor for the best results.

3. How do I make this dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, simply use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and ensure your protein powder is dairy-free.

4. Can I make this without a Ninja Creami?

If you don’t have a Ninja Creami, you can enjoy this recipe the traditional way by blending all of the ingredients together with a little ice and enjoying it as a milkshake!

5. How long can I store this ice cream?

Store your Shamrock Shake Protein Ice Cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. It’s best to enjoy it within this time frame for the best flavor and texture.

In Conclusion

This Shamrock Shake Protein Ice Cream is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of your favorite seasonal treat without the guilt. It’s a simple, quick recipe that you can prepare in advance, making it easy to indulge whenever you’re craving something sweet. And actually, I say you prep this to enjoy while you watch The Luck of the Irish, I can’t think of a better reason than that to even make this, but that’s just me though! Enjoy!