Author:
Kevin Curry
Protein Nice Cream – Banana, PB & Chocolate
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Everyone likes a thick and chunky ice cream, so there’s no reason why protein nice cream should be any different! If you’re wondering how to get that textural quality you love in your favorite store-bought brands, I got you – it’s MUCH easier than you think.
The Holy Trinity of thick & creamy protein ice cream
There are 3 main ingredients in protein nice cream that give it this thick texture: frozen bananas + peanut butter (or any nut butter) + good quality protein powder. Here’s the breakdown!
- Frozen bananas: When you blend frozen bananas, they break down into tiny particles that are coated with…? you guessed it – banana’s natural sugars! Just like in store-bought ice cream, these sugars act as a natural “antifreeze,” preventing the particles from fusing back together into a solid block of ice. This results in a thick, creamy texture rather than an icy one. Same thing happens when you blend other fruits like mango which has a high sugar content.
- Peanut Butter: Nut butter is simply a mixture of nuts and fat. Fat is an emulsifier that helps to create a smooth, creamy texture when it’s mixed with other ingredients – think of your favorite curry dish or a stew. The peanuts add body and thickness to the protein nice cream.
- Protein Powder: When you add grass-fed whey protein powder to the mixture, it absorbs some of the excess water from the fruit and almond milk, thereby creating a thicker consistency. Why? Proteins are able to form a network that traps water, causing the mixture to thicken.Remember that not all proteins are the same! The type of protein powder you use can also impact the texture; for example, whey protein tends to give a creamy, milky texture, while others…may yield a grainy, chalky texture.
And there you have it! The trifecta to making chunky, creamy store-bought protein nice cream at home! It’s the balance of water, fat, sugar, and protein that gives you the texture you’re experiencing.
You’re going to absolutely LOVE this one – it’s a perfect combination of creamy, chunky and crunchy!
Protein Nice Cream – Banana, PB & Chocolate
Ingredients
Substitution
Note
- 5 scoops (~165g) chocolate isolate whey protein powder
- 6 frozen bananas
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter, no salt added
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate or cacao powder
- 1 1/2 cups almond milk, chocolate flavor is recommended
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cacao nibs
- 1/2 cup crushed walnuts (OPTIONAL)
Steps
Step 1
Add the first 5 ingredients to a high-powered food processor and process until smooth. It should be VERY thick and chunky. If you need a bit more liquid, simply add tablespoons of almond milk to assist.
Step 2
Once it is well mixed, fold in the cacao nibs (and optional crushed walnuts) using a spatula.
Step 3
Add the nice cream to a container – I am using disposable pint cups I found on Amazon – then freeze for at least 2 hours.
Step 4
And just like regular ice cream, once you are ready to eat, bring it out the fridge and let it thaw for 5 – 10 minutes, then scoop out and enjoy! It is FINE as-is but feel free to add your favorite toppings like reduced-calorie chocolate syrup or cream, or my favorite – flake salt!
Want more Protein Powder recipes?
Chocolate Protein Pancakes Recipe using Casein
Ginger Orange Creamsicle Protein Nice Cream
High Protein Breakfast – Tiramisu Protein Parfait
Protein Nice Cream – Banana, PB & Chocolate
Kevin Curry
- 5 scoops (~165g) chocolate isolate whey protein powder
- 6 frozen bananas
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter, no salt added
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate or cacao powder
- 1 1/2 cups almond milk, chocolate flavor is recommended
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cacao nibs
- 1/2 cup crushed walnuts (OPTIONAL)
-
Add the first 5 ingredients to a high-powered food processor and process until smooth. It should be VERY thick and chunky. If you need a bit more liquid, simply add tablespoons of almond milk to assist.
-
Once it is well mixed, fold in the cacao nibs (and optional crushed walnuts) using a spatula.
-
Add the nice cream to a container – I am using disposable pint cups I found on Amazon – then freeze for at least 2 hours.
-
And just like regular ice cream, once you are ready to eat, bring it out the fridge and let it thaw for 5 – 10 minutes, then scoop out and enjoy! It is FINE as-is but feel free to add your favorite toppings like reduced-calorie chocolate syrup or cream, or my favorite – flake salt!
Nutrition per serving
Reviews
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hey, I'm Kevin
My name is Kevin. My life changed when I realized that healthy living is a lifelong journey, mainly won by having a well-balanced diet and maintaining an active lifestyle.
By experimenting in the kitchen and sharing my meals on Tumblr, I learned healthy eating is not boring! By making a few adjustments to my favorite foods, I could design a diet that could help me achieve my wellness goals while satisfying my desire for BANGIN food! 😅 Now I try to help people around the world realize that same level of freedom in eating regardless of budget. Welcome, let's #DemocratizeWellness together!
Jul 30 2023
Delicious and so easy to make. The cacao nibs really are a game-changer. I almost didn’t freeze it cause I was eating it right out of the bowl I mixed it in, it was that good 😆👌🏼
that extra cacao crunch is a game changer!