You know that moment when you’re craving something sweet after a workout, but you also want to actually fuel your body instead of undoing all that hard work? Yeah, I’ve been there way too many times. Standing in my tiny Portland kitchen at 9 PM, staring into the freezer like it might magically produce the perfect post-gym treat.
That’s exactly how my obsession with this Ninja Creami Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream started. I was tired of choosing between my fitness goals and my serious ice cream addiction (and trust me, it’s serious). This recipe has become my absolute go-to – it’s packed with 19 grams of protein per serving and tastes like pure indulgence.
My Chunky Monkey Journey (AKA How I Stopped Buying Expensive Protein Ice Cream)
Let me be real with you – I used to spend an embarrassing amount of money on those fancy protein ice creams from the store. Like, $6-8 per pint embarrassing. Then my friend Sarah got a ninja creami protein ice cream for her birthday and wouldn’t stop raving about it. “Ava,” she said, “you can literally make any flavor you want with actual protein powder!”
I was skeptical. I mean, how good could homemade protein ice cream really be? Spoiler alert: it’s absolutely incredible, and now I make a new batch every Sunday during my meal prep sessions.
The chunky monkey combination – banana, chocolate, and walnuts – reminds me of this amazing ice cream shop I discovered during my backpacking days in Thailand. They had the most incredible banana-based frozen treats, and this recipe captures that same creamy, naturally sweet vibe but with a serious protein punch.
Why This Ninja Creami Chunky Monkey Recipe Works So Well
Here’s the thing about protein ice cream – it can easily turn into a chalky, artificial-tasting disappointment if you don’t nail the base. I’ve learned this the hard way after many failed experiments (RIP to the vanilla protein disaster of last summer).
The magic in this Ninja Creami Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream comes from using ripe bananas as the base. They provide natural sweetness and that creamy texture that makes you forget you’re eating something healthy. Plus, the combination of chocolate protein powder with actual dark chocolate chips? Chef’s kiss – it’s like getting the best of both worlds.
The Secret Ingredients That Make All the Difference
Ripe bananas: I cannot stress this enough – use bananas that are practically falling apart. Those brown spots aren’t flaws, they’re flavor goldmines. The riper the banana, the sweeter and creamier your ice cream base will be.
Greek yogurt: This adds extra protein (hello, 19g total!) and creates that tangy contrast that keeps each bite interesting. I always use plain, full-fat Greek yogurt because life’s too short for watery protein ice cream.
Quality protein powder: I’ve tried this with about six different brands, and chocolate protein powder works best here. My current favorite is a chocolate peanut butter flavor that makes the whole thing taste like candy.
The Perfect Ninja Creami Chunky Monkey Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 large ripe bananas (the browner, the better!)
- 1 scoop (30g) chocolate protein powder
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, taste first!)
- 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- Pinch of sea salt (trust me on this one)
Step 1: Create Your Base Mash those bananas until they’re completely smooth – no chunks allowed in the base! I usually do this in a large mixing bowl with a fork, but you can definitely use a blender if you prefer.
Step 2: Mix the Protein Magic Whisk together your mashed bananas, protein powder, Greek yogurt, almond milk, peanut butter, and honey (if using). The mixture should be smooth and creamy. If it seems too thick, add a tiny bit more almond milk. Too thin? Add a touch more protein powder.
Step 3: Fold in the Good Stuff Gently fold in your chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. This is where the “chunky” part happens! Don’t overmix – you want to see those beautiful little pieces throughout.
Step 4: Freeze and Creami Pour the mixture into your ninja creami protein ice cream pint container and freeze for at least 24 hours. I know, I know – the waiting is the hardest part. But trust the process!
Once frozen solid, run it through the “Ice Cream” setting on your Ninja Creami. If it looks a bit crumbly after the first spin (which happens sometimes with protein-heavy bases), just add a tablespoon of almond milk and run the “Re-spin” setting.
Pro Tips I’ve Learned Along the Way
The 24-hour rule is non-negotiable. I learned this after trying to rush the process with a 12-hour freeze. The texture was… not good. Just meal prep it on Sunday and enjoy it all week!
Double up on mix-ins. I always make extra chocolate chips and walnuts to sprinkle on top when serving. It makes each scoop feel extra indulgent.
Experiment with nut butters. While peanut butter is classic chunky monkey, I’ve made incredible versions with almond butter and even cashew butter when I’m feeling fancy.
Serving Suggestions That’ll Blow Your Mind
This ninja creami protein ice cream is perfect straight from the machine, but here are some next-level serving ideas:
- Top with a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate syrup and extra banana slices
- Make it into a protein ice cream sandwich using graham crackers
- Blend a scoop into your post-workout smoothie for extra creaminess
- Serve alongside my classic chocolate chip cookies for the ultimate healthy-meets-indulgent dessert
Storage and Meal Prep Magic
One batch gives you about 4 generous servings, each with roughly 19 grams of protein. I usually portion mine into individual containers right after making it – makes grabbing a post-workout treat so much easier. This fits perfectly into my Sunday meal prep routine, right alongside my dump-and-go slow cooker recipes that keep my week organized and stress-free.
It’ll keep in the freezer for up to two weeks, though honestly, it never lasts that long in my house. Jamie (who’s usually skeptical of my healthy recipe experiments) has been known to sneak spoonfuls straight from the freezer at midnight.
The Bottom Line on This Game-Changing Recipe
Look, I’m not going to lie and say this tastes exactly like premium ice cream from a fancy shop. But what it lacks in pure indulgence, it makes up for in nutritional value and that satisfying feeling of treating your body right. Plus, at about $2 per batch versus $8 for store-bought protein ice cream? My wallet is definitely happier.
The best part? You can have this ready to go whenever that ice cream craving hits. No more standing in my kitchen at 9 PM wondering how to satisfy my sweet tooth without derailing my goals. This Ninja Creami Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream has become my secret weapon for staying on track while still enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
And if you’re loving the healthy dessert vibes, you absolutely have to try my
100-calorie blueberry ricotta cake – it’s another guilt-free treat that doesn’t taste like you’re “dieting.” Perfect for when you want something a little more cake-like alongside your protein ice cream!
What’s your favorite ninja creami protein ice cream creation? I’m always looking for new flavor combinations to try – drop your ideas in the comments below!
Ninja Creami Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream
Ingredients
Method
- Create Your Base: Mash bananas until completely smooth in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix the Protein Magic: Whisk together mashed bananas, protein powder, Greek yogurt, almond milk, peanut butter, and honey (if using) until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the Good Stuff: Gently fold in chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. Don’t overmix.
- Freeze: Pour mixture into Ninja Creami pint container and freeze for at least 24 hours.
- Creami Time: Run through “Ice Cream” setting on Ninja Creami. If crumbly, add 1 tablespoon almond milk and use “Re-spin” setting.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness
- Full-fat Greek yogurt works best for creaminess
- Store leftovers in freezer for up to 2 weeks
- Perfect for meal prep – portion into individual containers after making
- Calories: 185
- Protein: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 12g
FAQs
Can I use a frozen banana instead of a fresh one?
Absolutely! Frozen banana works wonderfully and eliminates the need to mash it beforehand. Use about ½ cup of frozen banana chunks for the same flavor impact.
What if I don’t have a Ninja Creami?
While the Ninja Creami produces superior texture for this chunky monkey protein ice cream, you can adapt this recipe for traditional ice cream makers or even make it as a smoothie bowl by blending all ingredients and serving immediately. However, the Ninja Creami truly creates the best results for this specific recipe.
How does this compare to store-bought protein ice cream?
This homemade Ninja Creami Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream typically contains 40-50% more protein per serving and significantly fewer artificial ingredients compared to commercial alternatives, while costing approximately 60% less per serving.
Can I make this recipe sugar-free?
Yes! Replace the honey with stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or sugar-free maple syrup. Start with smaller amounts and adjust to taste, as these sweeteners are more concentrated than natural sugars. This makes your Ninja Creami Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream even more diet-friendly.
Why is my ice cream too hard after freezing?
This usually indicates too little fat or liquid in the base. Try adding an extra tablespoon of nut butter or using full-fat coconut milk for creamier Ninja Creami Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream results.
How long does the Ninja Creami processing take?
The standard ice cream cycle takes approximately 2-3 minutes. If the mixture seems too thick, you can run an additional “Re-spin” cycle for 1-2 minutes to achieve perfect consistency.
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