High protein, low-carb, and incredibly voluminous, this easy-to-make protein ice cream makes for the perfect post-workout snack! Three Ingredient Protein Ice Cream is the fluffiest, most creamy ice cream snack you’ll ever eat. It’s customizable to suit your taste preferences and the topping choices are endless. Whip some up today and enjoy and ‘anytime’ ice cream treat!
First recipe of 2016!!! What better way to kick off the New Year than with a highly requested snack recipe?! An ice cream snack to be specific. 🙂
Remember back in the day when I used to do Sweat then Snack posts all the time?
I would feature a new workout I created and then a delicious snack recipe to refuel afterwards. Usually one that was high in protein and full of all the optimal nutrients to help with muscle recovery after a tough sweat session. Some past Sweat then Snack posts featured…
Chocolate Coconut Protein Granola
Coconut Gingerbread Protein Muffins
Well today, I am brining that Snack then Sweat theme back with a snack that is one of my go-tos after a run or strength training workout at the gym. In fact, I’ve been holding out on you guys for quite a while! You see, I jumped aboard the ‘protein fluff’ train late in 2015. I had been seeing this crazy concoction all over Instagram and I decided it was probably time I try it for myself!
I scoured through numerous posts to see how it was made and once I had an idea of the basics I made a few tweaks to make it my own. Then I really started to tease you all when I shared pictures of my delicious bowls of fluff all across social media! I would get numerous questions on every post asking me for the recipe. I felt bad for holding out, but I wanted to wait for the right time to share it on the blog and properly capture some good (AKA: non iPhone) pictures of it.Well, I finally got around to it and even though it’s winter time, ice cream is an ALL YEAR ROUND food (for me at least! 😉 ). Just eat it in front of a space heater if need be!
Healthy Helper Blog [gluten-free, low-carb, paleo, sugar-free, low-calorie, snack, healthy, healthy food, healthy recipes, ice cream, treat, dessert, high-protein, post-workout, easy, simple, recipes]” width=”425″ height=”605″ />
Easy Protein Ice Cream
Keywords: blender dessert snack gluten-free low-carb nut-free soy-free sugar-free
Ingredients (1 serving)
- 1/2 scoop casein or a whey/casein protein powder of choice (I use Quest Multi-Purpose Protein Powder)
- 1 cup of cubed ice
- 1/2 cup non-dairy liquid (I use Unsweetened Vanilla Cashew Milk)
- 1/2 tsp xanthan gum
- 1/4 tsp vanilla bean powder
- toppings of choice
Instructions
Place ice into a food processor and blend into fine shavings. Add protein powder, xanthan gum, vanilla bean powder, and milk. Blend for 3 to 5 minutes or until desired thickness is reached. Spoon into a bowl and serve with toppings of choice!
Unlike the usual ‘fluff’ recipes online, I add more ice and grind it up before adding any other ingredients. I also use less liquid. This makes the ice cream EXTRA thick and creamy. Another key ingredient? VANILLA BEAN POWDER. It’s a must. Not only do you get the real vanilla bean flecks throughout, but it adds enough flavor that you don’t need any added sweeteners or sugars!Of course if you do like a sweeter ‘cream feel free to use a flavored protein powder or add a few drops of stevia to your mix.
I can’t convey to you how creamy and fluffy this turns out. It’s like spooning clouds from your bowl to your eagerly awaiting mouth. Pure snack heaven. (I feel like it’s only right to link to this classic GIF! 😉 )I like adding this into my post-workout meals because even though I love eating my multi-bar snacks, my hunger is off the charts after a training session and the volume of this ‘bowl of yum’ helps with that. Plus, it’s the perfect vehicle for all sorts of fun n’ funky toppings. A few of my favorites include…
+peanut flour
+granola
+whey protein crunchies
+coconut flour
+chopped dark chocolate
+cacao nibs and cocoa powder (as pictured above)
So, are you ready to jump on board the protein ice cream bandwagon? Your life will never be the same!Healthy Helper Blog [gluten-free, low-carb, paleo, sugar-free, low-calorie, snack, healthy, healthy food, healthy recipes, ice cream, treat, dessert, high-protein, post-workout, easy, simple, recipes]” width=”299″ height=”830″ />
Have you ever tried any viral recipes from Instagram?
Do you eat ‘cold’ foods in the winter time? Smoothies, ice cream, etc?
What’s your go-to post-workout snack?

Linking up with: Allergy Free Wednesdays,#RecipeOfTheWeek,#StrangeButGood,Gluten-Free Wednesdays, Real Food Friday, Gluten-Free Fridays,Tasty Tuesdays,Savoring Saturdays, Healthy Vegan Fridays, Tasty Tuesdays, Meatless Mondays,Lena’s Tasty Tuesdays, Full Plate Thursday,WNWN Wednesday, JillConyers!
[email protected] says
Finally the protein ice cream recipe! I’ve been waiting to see what it’s all about. And I can tell your food photography is improving, girl. 🙂 Nice!
Healthy Helper says
Haha! I know right!? I’ve been holding out! And thank you so much for the compliment. You don’t know how much that means to me because I still feel like I have so much to improve on.
Alysia at Slim Sanity says
Ice cream is definitely an all year round food!!
Healthy Helper says
I am glad you agree! 🙂
rachel @ Athletic avocado says
i just made something like this a few days ago and I loved it! Protein ice cream is my new fav snack! I love the new site btw!
Healthy Helper says
Thank you so much!
Janelle @ Wholly Healthy says
This looks delicious – and vanilla bean powder is awesome!
Healthy Helper says
Isn’t it so good?! Adds the best vanilla flavor ever!
Rebecca | AAUBlog says
I’m impressed – there are hardly any ingredients needed. yummy! #tastytuesday
Healthy Helper says
Right?! I can’t believe something so delicious can be so simple to make!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
I saw this for the first time while surfing Insta and I had no idea it was a thing! It looks amazing!
Healthy Helper says
It’s so easy and SO GOOD.
jennifer says
what brand Caesin did you use – I tried to make something similar yesterday and wasn’t happy with result
Healthy Helper says
I swear by quest protein powder for this recipe! Amazingly thick and creamy!
Kat says
I love making protein fluff like this!! Casein fluffs up so well for ice cream and puddings 🙂 I had some protein banana soft serve last night, even though it was like 40 degrees where I live. I just wrapped myself in a big old blanket and chowed down!! 😉
Healthy Helper says
Oh the things we do for fluff! Haha!
Leah M @ love me, feed me says
NOMMM! I used to make something similar to this alllll the time, so good! But unfortunately I’ve yet to find a tasty vegan protein powder and find that xanthan really messes with my stomach ;( I’ll just eat it vicariously through you 😉
Love these pictures lovely!
I’ve been obsessed with nana ice cream even though it’s been chilly. I also grew up eating ice cream in -40 sooooo haha!
Healthy Helper says
Looooooove banana ice cream! I never make it enough! In fact, I think I’ll make some today! Thanks for the inspiration. 🙂
Charlotte says
This is literally so perfect! and would be great for an after run snack! and it’s gluten free too which my friends would love – pinning, sharing and shouting about this!
Healthy Helper says
Glad you like it!! Enjoy!
Ali says
Omggggg this looks divine. Could you sub vanilla extract instead of the powder? Thinking about using unsweetened cocoa powder too for a chocolately flavor—that could be good!
Healthy Helper says
Yes totally! 1/2 tsp should be good! There are SO MANY flavor combo options!
Wendy says
This looks fabulous! Can’t wait to try it!
Healthy Helper says
Let me know how it goes!
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness says
Ooooo Kaila this looks amazing! I’ve never seen a paleo ice cream recipe like it! Will be perfect when I need a ‘lil nightly ice cream fix!
Healthy Helper says
It’s SO FLUFFY!! LOL
International Elf Service says
This looks brilliant and perfect for us! We’re gluten, soya and egg free and have been limited to ice lollies. Thank you!
Healthy Helper says
Glad you like the recipe!
International Elf Service says
And dairy free I meant to say too…
Emily says
This looks really good!
Healthy Helper says
Thanks Em!
Amber Lea Easton says
Looks great! I can’t wait to try it out.
Healthy Helper says
Let me know how you like it!
Anita says
This recipe looks so delicious! Hi, I’m Anita visiting from Foodie FriDIY.
Healthy Helper says
Thank you for stopping by!
Sarah @ BucketListTummy says
I make a similar ice cream and I agree, sooo creamy. The xantham gum does magical things!
Healthy Helper says
Isn’t it incredible!? And such a little bit goes a long way!
Marla says
Hi Kaila,
Yum! This looks so delicious and sounds healthy. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & tweeted!
Healthy Helper says
Thank you!
Bethany says
Yummy! I love that you made a healthy ice cream!
Healthy Helper says
And it doesn’t TASTE healthy! 😉
Miz Helen says
What a great bowl of Ice Cream! Thank you so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday and have a great day!
Come Back Soon,
Miz Helen
Healthy Helper says
Thanks as always Helen!
Nikki Frank-Hamilton says
These photos were worth the wait, now that my screen has been completed licked! LOL I love when you can marry a treat with an indulgence! Pinned, I’ve got to test this out!
Healthy Helper says
Thank you so much! Enjoy!
Honest Mum says
Looks delicious, so annoying I can’t eat nuts.
Healthy Helper says
You could make this with ANY non-dairy milk! 🙂
kimmythevegan says
This sounds super delicious! Amazing post-workout snack =) I like the variety from protein bars. Thanks so much for sharing this at Healthy Vegan Fridays – I’m featuring this recipe this week. I’m pinning this!
Healthy Helper says
Aww thank you so much! I appreciate it!
Alison [Life of Scoop] says
Super easy and super delicious – my kind of recipe! I love ice cream & am always looking for healthier ways to indulge. 😉 Thanks for sharing this with us at the 100 Happy Days blog linkup.
Healthy Helper says
No problem! Thanks for having me!
Sarah says
Healthy ice cream? Heck yes!
Healthy Helper says
My thoughts exactly!!
Hil says
Thanks so much for linking up at the Bloggers Spotlight party! I pinned this to our group board. Don’t forget to come link up again on Thursday and see the featured posts!
Healthy Helper says
I’ll be there!
Christine | Mid-Life Croissant says
Delicious, Kaila! I have to get the ‘sweat’ part figured out :-/ Thanks for linking up at #SaucySaturdays.
Mandy says
Protein fluff ice cream?! That’s something completely new to me…looks like I’ve been missing out! Thanks for linking up with #CookBlogShare this week
Healthy Helper says
Let me know if you try it!
Anita says
This recipe looks so delicious! Hi, I’m Anita visiting from Pin Junkie Pin Party.
Healthy Helper says
Thanks for stopping by!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says
I love ice cream! Especially homemade. Thanks for sharing this with us at Savoring Saturdays linky party.
Healthy Helper says
Isn’t it the best?! And this is perfect for ANY TIME!
Kate says
Oh I need to try this one! It would be a great way to get some protein in my sugar-toothed daughter!thanks for sharing at 100 Happy Daysn
Healthy Helper says
Let me know how she likes it!!
Kirsty Hijacked By Twins says
Oh wow this looks and sounds amazing!! Thank yoou so much for sharing with #CookBlogShare x
Healthy Helper says
Thanks Kirsty!
Sherry says
I’ve never tried cashew milk, but this looks fabulous! I’d love to give it a try. Thanks for sharing your recipe with us at Funtastic Friday.
Healthy Helper says
No problem! Just so you know, any non-dairy milk can be used incase you can’t find cashew!
Renata says
Can you use a vegan blend of protein powder or hemp protein powder or pea protein powder with this recipe?
Healthy Helper says
I’ve never tried it but you could give it a go. Casein or whey is the best!
Colby @ YouMakeYou says
yes girl yes!!I love using xanthum gum in recipes it adds so much thickness!
Healthy Helper says
Works so well!
Alboni says
Healthy and innovative !!!
Healthy Helper says
Thank you!!!