Creamy, festive, and protein-packed, Peppermint Protein Ice Cream is the ultimate guilt-free holiday treat. Easy to make and full of seasonal flavor, it’s a must-try!
The holiday season often means an abundance of sweets—cookies, candies, and rich desserts. Peppermint Protein Ice Cream offers a festive alternative that delivers holiday flavor without the usual guilt. It’s creamy, minty, and boosted with protein, making it a satisfying snack or dessert that fits into a balanced lifestyle.
This recipe is straightforward and reliable when you use a Ninja Creami. With a few simple ingredients—milk, almond milk, vanilla protein powder, vanilla pudding mix, and a touch of peppermint—you’ll have a bright, minty ice cream that tastes like the holidays. Crushed candy canes add crunch and nostalgic charm.
Whether you want a post-workout treat, a lighter dessert option, or simply a new way to enjoy peppermint during the season, this recipe delivers. Low in sugar and high in protein, it provides the creamy texture and festive flavor you’re craving.
Gather your ingredients, free up some freezer space, and follow the easy steps below. The printable recipe card contains exact measurements and nutrition details for convenience.
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Protein Ice Cream Recipe
- Holiday vibes: Peppermint and candy cane pieces bring classic festive flavor.
- Protein-packed: Vanilla protein powder turns this dessert into a satisfying snack.
- Simple to make: Mix the base, freeze, spin in the Ninja Creami, and enjoy.
- Guilt-free indulgence: Low sugar and high protein while still creamy and flavorful.
Simple Ingredients You Will Need
Use the list below to prepare the ice cream base. Exact measurements and the printable recipe card are provided in the recipe section.
- Fairlife skim milk (or another milk of choice—this brand is higher in protein)
- Unsweetened almond milk (or other unsweetened nut milk or oat milk)
- Vanilla protein powder (whey or your preferred protein)
- Instant vanilla pudding mix (or a stabilizer like xanthan gum as an alternative)
- Pinch of salt
- Vanilla extract
- Peppermint extract (use sparingly; a little goes a long way)
- Crushed candy cane pieces
- Optional additions: vanilla bean paste, cocoa powder, heavy cream, maple syrup, guar gum, cream cheese, dark chocolate chips, or green food coloring
How to Make Peppermint Candy Homemade Ice Cream
- Combine Fairlife skim milk, unsweetened almond milk, vanilla protein powder, instant pudding mix, a pinch of salt, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract in the Ninja Creami pint up to the max fill line. Mix thoroughly with a handheld frother or whisk until smooth.
- Freeze the pint upright for 24 hours or until completely solid.
- Remove the frozen pint from the freezer. Hold the container under warm water for about 60 seconds to loosen the edges, then install it in the Ninja Creami. Make sure the top is level to avoid damaging the blade.
- Run the “Lite Ice Cream” program for the first spin. If the texture is still powdery, use the “Respin” function until the mixture reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
- If the ice cream is thicker than you prefer, add a small amount of liquid (milk or almond milk) and respin until you reach the desired texture.
- Create a small well in the center and add crushed candy cane pieces. Use the “Mix-In” setting to fold them into the ice cream. Serve immediately.
Tips and Tricks for Best Results
- Make the surface level: Ensuring the frozen pint has a flat surface prevents blade damage and improves spinning.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter result, add your preferred sweetener before freezing.
- Patience with freezing: A full 24-hour freeze gives the best texture for the Ninja Creami.
- Try toppings: Add dark chocolate shavings, crushed peppermint bark, or a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate syrup for extra flair.
FAQs
How do I achieve a creamy texture with protein ice creams?
A balanced ratio of liquid, protein powder, and a stabilizer like instant pudding mix helps create a creamy texture. The Ninja Creami’s spinning action smooths the frozen mix into a scoopable consistency.
What’s the best sugar substitute for this recipe?
Monk fruit sweetener blends well and adds sweetness without sugar. Other sweeteners that measure like sugar can also work, but adjust to taste.
Is this recipe only for the holidays?
Peppermint is traditionally seasonal, but mint-flavored protein ice cream is enjoyable year-round, especially in warm weather.
How does this protein ice cream compare to traditional ice cream?
This version is typically lower in calories, sugar, and fat while still delivering a satisfying, creamy texture thanks to the protein powder and stabilizers.
How does the Ninja Creami differ from traditional ice cream makers?
The Ninja Creami offers multiple functions for producing a wide range of frozen treats. It transforms a solid frozen base into a smooth, scoopable dessert without the lengthy churning process traditional machines require.
Other Festive Desserts to Try
- Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Easy Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Fudge Crinkle Cookies
- Easy Oreo Fudge
- Sugar-Free Sugar Cookies
- Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls (5 Ingredients)
- Christmas Tree Gluten-Free Brownies
- Chocolate Covered Pretzel Wreaths
- Oreo Cookie Christmas Ornaments
- Ferrero Rocher Cheesecake Brownies
- Santa Rice Krispie Treats
- Easy Reindeer Cake Pops
- Gluten-Free Oreo Cake Balls (No-Bake)
- Chocolate Peppermint Protein Truffles
Peppermint Protein Ice Cream (Ninja Creami Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 cup Fairlife skim milk
- 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tbsp instant vanilla pudding (jello) mix
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 candy cane, crushed
Instructions
- Add Fairlife skim milk, almond milk, protein powder, pudding mix, salt, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the Ninja Creami pint up to the max fill line. Mix well with a handheld frother.
- Freeze the container for 24 hours until solid.
- Remove the frozen pint, run under hot water for 60 seconds, then install it into the machine. Ensure the surface is level to avoid blade damage.
- Run the “Lite Ice Cream” program for the first spin. If the texture is powdery, use the respin function.
- Check the consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash of liquid and respin until creamy.
- Make a small hole in the center, add crushed candy cane pieces (or chocolate chips), and use the “Mix-In” setting to combine. Enjoy.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 pint | Calories: 144 kcal | Carbohydrates: 15 g | Protein: 17 g | Fat: 1 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 5 mg | Sodium: 149 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 11 g
The nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on ingredient choices and portion sizes.
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