Ninja Creami Peppermint Protein Ice Cream

Peppermint ice cream has always been one of my favorite flavors. It used to be that you could only find peppermint ice cream at the grocery store during the winter. Peppermint ice cream combines the perfect amount of mint flavor with just the right sweet vanilla flavor and crunch of peppermint candies.

For this recipe I used starlight mints but depending on the time of year and the availability of candy canes, you can use them instead of the individual mints. For the recipe, the candies get broken up into smaller pieces so the shape of the peppermint candy doesn’t make a difference.

Ninja Creami Peppermint protein ice cream provides additional protein without tasting like a protein shake or protein powder. Honestly, if I didn’t tell you that the recipe has added protein, you’d never know it since the texture and flavor are amazing! The whey protein powder that I use is unflavored and it doesn’t change the flavor or texture of the ice cream. If you don’t need additional protein in your diet, you can omit the protein powder.

Ingredient substitutions for making Ninja Creami Peppermint Protein Ice Cream:

The full ingredient list is found at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

• Unsweetened Almond Milk- You can use any type of dairy or dairy-free product that you would like. However, since the recipe calls for sweetener and flavorings, I would recommend choosing a milk/non-dairy milk that is unflavored and unsweetened. You can use almond milk, oat milk, cashew milk, whole milk, skim milk, or any other milk of choice.
• Sugar Substitute- I have found that Swerve, granulated allulose blend works great and does not have a fake sugar aftertaste. If you prefer, you can use a different sugar or sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or liquid Stevia. Adjust the amount based on which sugar substitute you use. The Swerve that is used in this recipe is a 1:1 ratio for regular white sugar.
• Protein Powder- Use your favorite brand of unflavored protein powder. If you don’t have unflavored protein powder, you can use vanilla protein powder instead. You can substitute a premade protein shake for the powder and the unsweetened almond milk. If substituting, add the vanilla and peppermint last. Based on the protein shake or powder that you use, you might need to cut back on the amount of vanilla and peppermint needed. Mix the ingredients together and then taste it. Add the vanilla and peppermint to taste.
• Guar Gum- Guar gum has no flavor and helps create a great texture. While I have not tried it in ice cream, many have found success with Xanthan gum instead of guar gum.
• Vanilla Bean Paste- If you don’t have vanilla bean paste, you can use vanilla extract instead. Vanilla extract is a 1:1 ration with vanilla bean paste.
• Peppermint Extract- I don’t recommend substituting the peppermint extract for any other type of mint flavoring. Other mint flavors can make the ice cream taste like toothpaste.
• Food Coloring- Red food coloring was used but you can omit it or choose a different color.
• Starlight Mints- Any shape of peppermint candy can be used. I used starlight mints but candy canes can be used instead.

Directions for making Ninja Creami Peppermint Protein Ice Cream:

Make the Ice Cream Mixture

1. Pour the unsweetened almond milk, protein powder, sugar substitute, vanilla bean paste, peppermint extract, red food coloring, and gaur gum into a small blender and blend until all ingredients are fully combined. Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container.
2. Freeze on a level surface for 24 hours. Your freezer should be between 9 and -7 degrees Fahrenheit. To avoid getting a bump on the top of the frozen mixture, freeze with the lid off of the container.

Process the Ice Cream

• After 24 hours, remove the pint container from the freezer.
• Place the pint container into the outer bowl of the Ninja Creami and then process on “LITE ICE CREAM.”
• If the ice cream is dry or crumbly looking, pour in a tablespoon or two of unsweetened almond milk and then re-spin. If the ice cream looks like dippin dots (little balls of ice cream) re-spin without adding liquid. You may have to respin a couple of times.
• Dig a well down the center of the ice cream and pour in the crushed pieces of candy. Process on mix-ins.
• Remove the pint from the machine and enjoy!

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