Introduction
The Ninja Creami is officially the kitchen gadget of the year, and the Healthy Protein versions are leading the pack with massive monthly growth. This Vanilla Bean “Creami” is a revelation—it tastes like a rich, premium milkshake from an ice cream parlor but contains 30g of protein and fits perfectly into your healthy lifestyle goals.
The magic of the “Creami” technology is that it can turn a frozen block of liquid into a velvety, smooth dessert without the need for high amounts of fat or sugar. This recipe is the ultimate “cheat code” for anyone with a sweet tooth who still wants to stay on track with their wellness journey. It’s thick, satisfying, and incredibly simple to prepare.
The “Secret” Ingredients for Deep Flavor
The secret to that “Gelato” texture is Sugar-Free Instant Pudding Mix and Cottage Cheese. While it sounds unusual, blending a small amount of cottage cheese into the base provides a massive protein boost and a creamy thickness that mimics dairy fat. The instant pudding mix acts as a stabilizer, preventing the ice cream from becoming “icy” or “crumbly” after its first spin in the machine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 30g of Protein: A dessert that fuels your muscles.
- 300% Monthly Trend: You are making the “It” recipe of the season.
- Incredibly Low Calorie: Enjoy the whole pint for a fraction of traditional ice cream.
- Infinite Toppings: A perfect base for chocolate chips, fruit, or nuts.
- High-End Texture: Achieves a professional “churned” feel at home.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups fair-life or unsweetened almond milk.
- 1 scoop vanilla bean protein powder.
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free vanilla instant pudding mix.
- 2 tablespoons low-fat cottage cheese (blended until smooth).
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste.
Instructions
- Combine: In a blender or using an immersion blender, mix all ingredients until perfectly smooth.
- Freeze: Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container. Secure the lid and freeze for exactly 24 hours. It must be completely solid!
- The First Spin: Place the pint into the machine and use the “Lite Ice Cream” setting.
- The “Re-Spin”: If the texture looks a bit crumbly after the first spin, add a splash of milk and hit “Re-Spin.” This will make it perfectly velvety.
- Mix-ins: Use a spoon to create a hole in the center, add your favorite toppings, and use the “Mix-in” setting.
Variations & Substitutions
- Chocolate PB: Add 1 tbsp of cocoa powder and 1 tbsp of PB2 powder.
- Strawberry Cheesecake: Add 1/4 cup of fresh strawberries to the blender base.
Pro-Tips for Success
- Flatten the Top: Ensure the liquid is level before freezing; if it’s slanted, it can damage the machine’s blade.
- Don’t Skip the 24 Hours: If the base isn’t frozen solid, you will end up with a smoothie instead of ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use water? No, the result will be icy and have a poor texture. Stick to a high-protein milk or almond milk.
- Which protein powder is best? Casein or a blend of Whey/Casein provides the thickest, creammiest results.
Storage & Reheating
If you have leftovers, flatten the top and refreeze. When you’re ready to eat it again, just run it through the “Lite Ice Cream” or “Re-Spin” cycle one more time!