Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream (Ninja Creami Recipe)
Make your own Chunky Monkey protein ice cream in the Ninja Creami! Packed with banana flavor, chocolate chunks and crunchy walnuts for a tasty treat!
If you have teenage boys in the house, you know they’re basically bottomless pits. Mine are always on the hunt for snacks, and lately, they’ve been obsessed with getting extra protein.
Between sports, workouts, and just the sheer energy they burn through in a day, protein-packed treats have become a staple in our house. And let’s be honest, if I can sneak in something healthy that tastes like their favorite ice cream, it’s a total win.
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That’s where this Copycat Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream comes in! Made in the Ninja Creami, it’s packed with rich banana flavor, crunchy walnuts, and chocolatey goodness—all while giving them the protein boost they crave.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ninja Creami Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream is the best part of a sweet treat and a healthy snack combined! It has all the indulgence of Ben & Jerry’s with none of the guilt. The ripe bananas make it naturally sweet, while the rich chocolate flavor and crunchy walnuts bring the classic chunky monkey flavor to life.
It’s a great option for those looking to boost their protein intake while enjoying homemade ice cream. Whether you use whole milk, unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or even coconut milk, you can customize this recipe to fit your dietary needs.
I love making homemade ice cream because I get to control the ingredients. No unnecessary added sweeteners, just simple ingredients that make this feel like the real thing.
Plus, with the Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker, the texture is out-of-this-world creamy! It’s like having Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey ice cream, but with 30 grams of protein packed into every pint.
Ingredients
- Banana, sliced – gives the ice cream its signature banana ice cream flavor.
- Chocolate Premier Protein shake – this premade protein shake adds rich chocolate taste and a protein boost.
- Banana pudding mix – enhances the banana flavor and helps create a super creamy texture.
- Vanilla extract – adds depth of flavor and makes it taste like soft serve.
Mix-Ins:
- Chocolate chips – little bits of rich chocolate for the perfect balance of sweetness.
- Walnuts, chopped – adds crunch and classic Chunky Monkey flavor with heart-healthy walnut pieces.
Instructions
1. Put the banana slices into a Ninja Creami pint container, add the chocolate Premier Protein shake.
2. Add the extract and pudding mix. Stir to combine, making sure that the ingredients stay below the max fill line.
3. Place the pint on a flat, level surface in your freezer and freeze for 24 hours or until solid.
4. Once frozen, remove the pint from the freezer and let it rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes or run it under hot water for 30 seconds.
5. Take off the lid, place the pint into the outer bowl of the Ninja Creami, and lock the outer bowl lid into place.
6. Secure the outer bowl into the machine, select the Lite Ice Cream mode, and let the Ninja Creami work its magic.
7. When the cycle is complete, check the texture. If it’s powdery, press the re-spin button.
8. While the ice cream is spinning, chop up the walnuts and chocolate chips.
9. Once creamy, make a small hole in the center and add the mix-ins.
10. Press the Mix-In button and let the machine incorporate everything.
11. Add more walnuts, chocolate chips, and slices of banana on top, grab a spoon, and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- Place the pint on a flat, level surface in your freezer to prevent freezing at an angle.
- If the ice cream is too hard after the first spin, use the Re-spin function for a softer consistency.
- Let the frozen pint sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes or run under hot water for 30 seconds before spinning to prevent icy chunks.
- Swap out the chocolate Premier Protein for vanilla protein powder and unsweetened almond milk for a plant-based protein option.
- Add a spoonful of peanut butter for an extra boost of flavor and protein.
Be sure to check out my Guide to Perfect Ninja Creami Recipes for more tips, FAQs and troubleshooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of protein shake?
Yes! You can substitute chocolate Premier Protein with any protein shake or even mix vanilla protein powder with whole milk, oat milk, or soy milk for a different take on this ice cream recipe.
What if I don’t have banana pudding mix?
You can swap it with Greek yogurt for added creaminess with a splash of maple syrup for extra sweetness. Or simply swap for vanilla pudding mix or xanthan gum.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the Premier Protein for a plant-based protein powder and use non-dairy milk like coconut milk or oat milk to keep it creamy without dairy.
Looking For More Protein Ice Cream?
Try these teenager approved Ninja Creami recipes…
- Copycat Cookie Dough Protein Ninja Creami
- Oreo Cookie Protein Ninja Creami
- Starbucks Coffee Protein Ice Cream
- Copycat Chunk Monkey Protein Ice Cream
- Turtle Protein Ice Cream Ninja Creami Recipe
Or sign up for my FREE High Protein Ninja Creami Recipes eBook and I’ll send you a copy! You are then registered for my weekly Newsletter full of fun recipes and inspiring ideas.
Making your own ice cream at home has never been easier, and with the Ninja Creami, you’ll be churning out delicious frozen treats like a pro.
This Copycat Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream is proof that homemade can be just as good (if not better) than store-bought. So go ahead, grab a spoon, and enjoy!
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Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream (Ninja Creami Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 banana sliced
- 1 cup chocolate Premier Protein shake
- 1 Tbsp banana pudding mix
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix-Ins:
- 1 Tbsp chocolate chips
- 1 Tbsp walnuts chopped
Instructions
- Put the banana slices into a Ninja Creami pint container, add the chocolate Premier Protein shake.
- Add the extract and pudding mix. Stir to combine, making sure that the ingredients stay below the max fill line.
- Place the pint on a flat, level surface in your freezer and freeze for 24 hours or until solid.
- Once frozen, remove the pint from the freezer and let it rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes or run it under hot water for 30 seconds.
- Take off the lid, place the pint into the outer bowl of the Ninja Creami, and lock the outer bowl lid into place.
- Secure the outer bowl into the machine, select the Lite Ice Cream mode, and let the Ninja Creami work its magic.
- When the cycle is complete, check the texture. If it’s powdery, press the re-spin button.
- While the ice cream is spinning, chop up the walnuts and chocolate chips.
- Once creamy, make a small hole in the center and add the mix-ins.
- Press the Mix-In button and let the machine incorporate everything.
- Add more walnuts, chocolate chips, and slices of banana on top, grab a spoon, and enjoy!
Notes
- Place the pint on a flat, level surface in your freezer to prevent freezing at an angle.
- If the ice cream is too hard after the first spin, use the Re-spin function for a softer consistency.
- Let the frozen pint sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes or run under hot water for 30 seconds before spinning to prevent icy chunks.
- Swap out the chocolate Premier Protein for vanilla protein powder and unsweetened almond milk for a plant-based protein option.
- Add a spoonful of peanut butter for an extra boost of flavor and protein.
Nutrition
