If you love a turtle blizzard but want a protein packed twist, this Turtle Protein Ice Cream Recipe is for you! Creamy, crunchy and drizzled with caramel-y perfection.

A spoon holds a scoop of creamy dessert topped with caramel sauce, chocolate chunks, and chopped nuts, over a bowl filled with the same mixture. More chocolate pieces and nuts are scattered around the wooden surface.

Whenever we splurge on a Dairy Queen drive-thru Blizzard, the turtle blizzard is my go to! I love the combination of creamy caramel, pecans and chocolate!

If you have teenage boys in the house, you know the struggle of keeping up with their never ending appetite for protein.

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A creamy dessert in a clear cup is topped with caramel sauce, chopped nuts, and chocolate chunks. A spoon rests in the cup. A wooden surface and small bowl with additional toppings are visible in the background.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Whether it’s post-workout, post-school or just because they saw the fridge door open, they’re always on the hunt for something to fuel their growing muscles. Of course, this protein ice cream isn’t just for kids – we love it too!

A bowl of dessert topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, chocolate chunks, and pecan pieces. Surrounding the bowl, more chocolate chunks and pecan pieces are scattered on a light wooden surface, with a wooden spoon nearby.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This high-protein turtle ice cream is a win-win: it satisfies your sweet tooth while giving you a protein boost. Plus, it’s made in the Ninja Creami, which means it’s ridiculously easy and fun to make!

Ingredients

Each ingredient in this recipe brings something special to the mix. Here’s what you’ll need:

Vanilla Premier Protein shake – this shake is the secret to making ice cream that’s high in protein and still deliciously creamy.
Vanilla pudding mix – for that creamy texture. I like to use sugar-free mix to make this recipe low carb.
Toffee extract – just a tiny amount gives this ice cream that deep caramelized flavor we all love. You can substitute with vanilla extract if needed.
Pecans, chopped – these add a bit of crunch and that classic turtle flavor.
Dark chocolate chunks – because chocolate makes everything better, especially when it’s rich and melty.
Sugar-free caramel syrup – drizzle it in for that sweet, gooey goodness without the sugar overload. Regular caramel can totally be used too!

A top view of a pint of frothy protein shake on a wooden surface, surrounded by chocolate chunks and pecans. A wooden spoon holding more chocolate and pecans is visible in the top left corner.

Instructions

1. Pour the vanilla Premier Protein shake into the Ninja Creami pint container.
2. Add the toffee extract and stir to combine.
3. Place the pint on a flat surface in your freezer and freeze for at least 24 hours or until solid.
4. Once frozen, remove the pint from the freezer and 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, add a splash of liquid and press the re-spin button.
8. While the ice cream is spinning, chop up the pecans.

A food processor contains creamy banana ice cream topped with chunks of chocolate and pecans. Scattered around are additional chocolate pieces and pecans on a wooden surface.

9. Once creamy, make a small hole in the center and add the pecans, chocolate chunks, and caramel syrup.

Top view of a food processor containing creamy white ice cream with visible chocolate chunks. The processor is on a wooden surface, surrounded by scattered chocolate pieces and pecans.

10. Press the Mix-In button and let the machine incorporate everything.

11. Drizzle with extra caramel on top, grab a spoon, and enjoy!

A clear cup filled with vanilla ice cream topped with caramel sauce, chocolate chunks, and chopped pecans. Wooden bowls in the background hold more chocolate pieces and pecans on a light wooden surface.

Tips & Tricks

You can substitute a ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum for the dry pudding mix before freezing. This helps prevent ice crystals and still gives it that classic ice cream consistency.
Chop mix-ins into small pieces so they distribute evenly and blend smoothly.
Place the pint on a flat surface in your freezer to prevent freezing at an angle.
If the ice cream is too hard, 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 before spinning to prevent icy chunks.
If a dome forms on top while freezing, try freezing without the lid or scrape off any excess before spinning to protect your blades.
If you’re looking to reduce sugar content, consider using natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup for a different flavor profile.

A spoonful of ice cream topped with caramel sauce, chocolate chunks, and pecan pieces is held above a container of the same dessert. Surrounding the container are additional pecans and chocolate chunks scattered on a wooden surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe even higher in protein?

Use Premier Protein shakes or Fairlife milk instead of regular milk or cream. You can also mix in a scoop of your favorite protein powder before freezing! Try different protein shake flavors, such as chocolate or vanilla.

When should I use regular mode vs. lite mode?

Regular mode is for higher-fat recipes with a cream base, while Lite mode works best for lower-fat treats like sorbets and protein-based ice creams.

Can I add different mix ins?

Of course! Add dark chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, or caramel candy.

How should I store Ninja Creami leftovers?

Flatten the top before refreezing in the pint or an airtight container. If it hardens too much, reprocess it using the same mode you originally used. To prevent ice crystals, press parchment paper directly onto the surface before sealing and freezing.

A cup filled with creamy ice cream mixed with chunks of chocolate, pecans, and swirls of caramel. The cup is on a wooden surface, surrounded by more chocolate pieces and pecans.

Looking For More Protein Ice Cream?

Try these teenager approved Ninja Creami recipes…

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.

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A glass bowl filled with creamy dessert topped with caramel sauce, chopped pecans, and chocolate chunks. A gold spoon rests inside the bowl. Scattered pecans and chocolate pieces are visible on the wooden surface around it.

With this easy high-protein turtle ice cream recipe, you’ll never have to choose between a sweet treat and hitting your protein goals again. Your teens (and let’s be honest, you) are going to love it!

So grab your Ninja Creami, get spinning, and enjoy a bowl of this creamy, chocolatey, caramel-drizzled goodness.

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