Description
This High-Protein Ice Cream is a creamy, nutritious treat that combines rich heavy cream, protein powder, and tasty mix-ins like banana, almond butter, and chocolate chips. It’s easy to prepare by shaking the ingredients in a jar for a soft, whipped texture and then freezing to your preferred ice cream consistency. Perfect for a high-protein snack or dessert that satisfies sweet cravings while supporting muscle recovery.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cold heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- Pinch of kosher salt
Protein and Flavor Enhancers
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 small banana, mashed
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons espresso powder
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
Toppings (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a cold small mason or jam jar, add the base ingredients along with your chosen protein powder and flavor enhancers. Securely seal the jar.
- Shake to Whip: Vigorously shake the jar for 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and reaches the consistency of soft whipped cream. This step incorporates air and blends flavors well.
- Initial Freeze: Place the jar in the freezer for 2 hours to begin setting the mixture.
- Shake Again: Remove the jar, scrape down the sides if needed, and shake vigorously for 1 minute to maintain a creamy texture.
- Final Freeze: Return the jar to the freezer for an additional 1 to 2 hours, or longer if desired, until it reaches the consistency of ice cream.
- Serve: Before serving, if frozen overnight, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping.
Notes
- Shaking by hand is essential to achieve the creamy texture without an ice cream maker.
- You can customize the flavor by mixing either vanilla or chocolate protein powder, or both.
- The espresso powder adds a subtle coffee flavor that complements chocolate well.
- Sliced almonds and mini chocolate chips add texture if desired.
- This recipe yields a single serving, but ingredients can be scaled up accordingly.
- Letting the ice cream soften a bit before serving enhances scoopability.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg