Strawberry Crunch Protein Ice Cream

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Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake bars have always been my absolute favoriteeeeee. Any 7-11 run, anytime the ice cream truck drove by—just any time, anywhere—the answer was always yes. So trust me when I say I was determined to get this Strawberry Crunch Protein Ice Cream right.

The first time I made it… it basically turned into strawberry ice cream with a strawberry crunch topping. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, I just felt like I had to stay true to the classic strawberry shortcake ice cream bar experience—and that just wasn’t it.

That said, this recipe does require an extra step or two, but trust, it’s about to hit all the right spots. Creamy vanilla ice cream with a smooth strawberry center, finished off with that beloved crunchy topping… but make it high-protein. It keeps things light while still delivering on flavor, texture, and all the strawberry shortcake vibes.

Let’s get into the recipe!

What You’ll Love About It

• Packed with Protein – No weird chalky texture here. Just smooth, creamy ice cream with an extra boost of protein.
• That Strawberry Center – Instead of just mixing in strawberries and ending up with pink ice cream, we’re layering it like the real thing.
• Crunchy Topping – Golden Oreos, freeze-dried strawberries, and a little sugar-free strawberry Jello mix give it that signature strawberry crunch.
• Easy to Make – A few simple steps, a little patience while it freezes, and you’ve got a dessert that tastes straight out of an ice cream truck.

Ingredients

Vanilla Ice Cream Base:

• 1 ¾ cup (414 mL) 2% milk
• 1 scoop (31g) vanilla protein powder
• 14g sugar-free vanilla pudding mix
• 2 teaspoons stevia (or sweetener of choice)
• Pinch of salt

Strawberry Center:

• 70g frozen strawberries
• ¼ cup (60 mL) milk of choice
• ¼ teaspoon sugar-free strawberry Jello mix
• ½ teaspoon stevia

Strawberry Crunch Topping:

• 2 Golden Oreos (cream removed)
• 3 freeze-dried strawberries
• ⅛ teaspoon sugar-free strawberry Jello mix

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Protein Ice Cream

Step 1: Make the Ice Cream Base

Blend the milk, protein powder, pudding mix, stevia, and salt until smooth. Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint and freeze on a level surface for 24 hours.

Step 2: Spin the Ice Cream

Once frozen, take the pint out and run it under hot water for 1-2 minutes. Spin on Light Ice Cream mode, then re-spin 1-2 times until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 3: Create the Strawberry Center

Use a spoon to create a well in the center of your ice cream. If one naturally formed while spinning, perfect. Place the pint back in the freezer while you prep the strawberry puree.

Step 4: Blend the Strawberry Center

Blend the frozen strawberries, milk, Jello mix, and stevia until smooth. Pour the mixture into the well you created in your ice cream, smoothing out the top.

Step 5: Let It Set

Freeze for at least 30 minutes (or up to an hour for a firmer center).

Step 6: Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping

While the center sets, crush the Golden Oreos in a bowl. Crush the freeze-dried strawberries on top, then mix in the Jello powder. Stir everything together.

Step 7: Add the Crunch & Enjoy

Once the ice cream has set, sprinkle your strawberry crunch topping over the top. Scoop and enjoy!

Customization Ideas

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ways to make it your own:

• Make it even creamier – Add non-fat plain greek yogurt or fat-free cottage cheese to the ice cream base, this will make it creamier while also upping the protein!
• Add some crunch inside – Toss in a few crushed Golden Oreos and spin on Mix-In mode to add a little extra texture.
• Go extra on the strawberry – Blend strawberries into the ice cream base or mix in a few to enhance that flavor.
• Make it dairy-free – Use almond or oat milk, plus a plant-based protein powder.

More Ninja Creami Recipes to Try

• Oreo Cheesecake Protein Ice Cream – If you love cookies and cream, this one’s for you.
• Birthday Cake Protein Ice Cream – Packed with cake batter flavor and sprinkles for a fun treat.
• Rice Crispy Treat Protein Ice Cream – Sweet, crunchy, marshmallow-y goodness in frozen form.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes! While 2% milk gives a nice balance of creaminess without being too heavy, you can swap it for whole milk, half & half, or even a dairy-free option like almond or oat milk. Just keep in mind that lower-fat milks may result in an icier texture.

What if I don’t have sugar-free pudding mix?

The pudding mix helps with texture, making the ice cream smoother and creamier. If you don’t have it, you can try substituting with a small amount of cornstarch, xanthan gum, or just leave it out—but the ice cream may not be as thick.

Do I have to let the strawberry center set in the freezer?

It’s optional, but recommended. Freezing for at least 30 minutes helps the center firm up so it’s more of a distinct layer rather than blending into the ice cream. If you want it even firmer, let it set for an hour.

Can I make this without a Ninja Creami?

This recipe is designed for the Ninja Creami, but you can still try it without one! Blend all the ingredients for the base, pour into a container, and freeze for a few hours. Every 30-45 minutes, stir the mixture to break up ice crystals until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. Then, create a well, add the strawberry puree, and freeze again before topping with the crunch. It won’t be as smooth as the Creami version, but it’ll still taste great!

How do I store leftovers?

If you have any leftovers, smooth out the top and store the pint in the freezer with the lid on. When you’re ready to eat it again, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes or re-spin it in the Ninja Creami for the best texture. Just note that the crunch topping may soften over time.

Can I make the strawberry crunch topping in advance?

Yes! You can crush and mix everything ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. Just add it right before serving so it stays crunchy.

In Conclusion

This Strawberry Crunch Protein Ice Cream is the perfect mix of creamy, fruity, and crunchy. Give it a try and let me know what you think!