Orange creamsicle protein ice cream is a creamy, no-churn frozen dessert made in a Ninja Creami with water, heavy cream, orange extract, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange cream protein powder. It is sugar-free, low carb, and gluten-free with 28g protein per serving. Freeze time is 8-24 hours and makes 1 pint.
The BEST orange creamsicle protein ice cream! It's thick, creamy, and tastes like your favorite childhood popsicle turned into a grown-up treat. Made in the Ninja Creami with just 6 ingredients and packed with extra protein and fiber for a tasty better-for-you summer dessert.
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I've been making protein shakes for years, but some days I can't do another shake. I want to be able to chew my food sometimes! That's when I started turning my favorite protein powder into ice cream instead. You can eat the entire pint and that's fine - it has the same macros as your protein shake.
This recipe came about when I was testing different Keto Chow flavors in my Ninja Creami, and I really wanted to make an orange cream version. I think it's one of the best flavors I've made. One trick I learned: adding a splash of almond milk before spinning will give you a better, more creamy texture with less re-spins.
This is the most fun way to get your protein in this summer while you're chilling by the pool. I've often joked that my summer meal plan is just protein ice cream 3 times a day, and I'm only half kidding. I hope you love this as much as I do!
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this:
- Water - The base of the mixture. Using 14 oz creates the perfect ratio for a creamy texture after spinning.
- Heavy cream - Adds healthy fats and helps create that classic creamsicle creaminess. You can swap in unsweetened almond milk or another low carb milk for a lighter version.
- Orange extract - Brings the bright citrus flavor. Use pure extract, not imitation, for the best taste.
- Vanilla extract - Balances the orange and adds depth. Pure vanilla works best here.
- Orange zest - Fresh zest gives you little bursts of real orange flavor throughout. Use a microplane for the finest zest.
- Orange cream protein powder - The flavor base and protein boost. Use your favorite orange protein powder. I used Orange Cream Keto Chow, which is already sweetened and tastes like the classic popsicle.
See recipe card for complete measurements below.
Instructions
This recipe is very easy. Just blend, freeze, and spin.
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- Blend ingredients and pour into Ninja Creami cup. Make sure it's completely smooth. Cap and freeze 8 hours or overnight.
- Add a splash of unsweetened vanilla almond milk before spinning. For a better, super creamy texture!
- Lock container in and hit sorbet or lite ice cream setting. When in doubt, sorbet setting!
- Check and re-spin until desired consistency. It might take a few tries.
Hint: Add any mix-ins using the Mix-In button if you want to stir in chocolate chips, nuts, or extra orange zest.
Top Tip
Add liquid before spinning. A splash of unsweetened almond milk or heavy cream on top of the frozen base makes a huge difference in the final texture. If your ice cream isn't perfectly creamy after the first spin, just hit re-spin. I've respun batches 3-4 times before to get that ideal scoopable texture.
FAQ
Yes! Pour the blended mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze. Once frozen, add the cubes to a food processor or high-powered blender with 1-2 tablespoons of almond milk or water to help it blend. Process until smooth, then transfer to a container and freeze for 30-60 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also eat it immediately as soft serve.
Of course! The beauty of Ninja Creami recipes is that you can swap the protein powder for literally any flavor and get a completely different ice cream. I've rounded up 50 different Ninja Creami protein ice cream recipes if you want more ideas.
Either Lite Ice Cream or Sorbet works well here. Sorbet is typically for fruit-based recipes and Lite Ice Cream is for milk-based, but this recipe falls somewhere in between. When it doubt, start with sorbet first as it's more gentle.
Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or additional almond milk. And make sure your protein powder is dairy-free. The texture will be slightly less creamy, but it still works well.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Recipe
Ninja Creami Orange Creamsicle Protein Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 14 oz water
- ¼ heavy cream or low carb milk of choice
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ½ cup orange cream protein powder
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender bottle or blender. Blend until smooth.
- Pour blended mixture into Ninja Creami container, cover, and freeze overnight.
- Once frozen, add a splash of unsweetened almond milk or more heavy cream to the top, then set container in your Ninja Creami and select Lite Ice Cream or Sorbet setting. Respin until creamy. Add any mix-ins if desired. Add sweetener to taste if preferred.
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