3 Ingredient No Churn Vanilla Protein Ice Cream (Paleo, Vegan, Gluten Free)
3 Ingredient No Churn Vanilla Protein Ice Cream (Paleo, Vegan, Gluten Free)- Creamy and easy frozen dessert using a blender or food processor and no dairy and no sugar! It’s protein-packed and ready in seconds- It’s even perfect pre-workout or post workout and guilt-free!
In a world where protein ice cream is becoming all the rage, it’s time we took things into our own hands. When life gives you blenders (and protein powder), make ice cream. I mean, when your ice cream needs just three ingredients or benefits you with a serving of fruit, you tend to enjoy it with gusto. Pretty much, I’m calling this a halo top creamery or arctic zero protein ice cream copycat!
It’s no secret that I’m a fan of ice cream made without an ice cream maker. For those of you who’ve always been under the impression that you can only enjoy homemade ice cream with a special gadget, think again- Every single one of my frozen treats is made in a blender or food processor- Something often referred to as no churn or blender made.
If you’ve been to a major supermarket or well, even had a stalk of Instagram, it wouldn’t surprise you that protein ice cream is currently quite the popular foodie product. While many of these ‘ice creams’ are glorified frozen protein shakes, there a few gems out there.
The only downside to these protein ice cream gems is that they cost the same as a small child for a single pint. This kind of eliminates you enjoying it on regular basis, something ice cream fans would certainly like to embrace…like in today’s healthy no-churn vanilla protein ice cream using just THREE Ingredients!
Texture wise, it covers both the fans of hard ice cream and those who prefer a soft serve style! Both are thick, creamy and bursting with the classic vanilla flavor, with an added boost of protein AND fruit! If you opt for the frozen hard ice cream style, it is a little more time consuming and requires some freezing time, but once lightly thawed, you’ll be blessed with scoopable ice cream, as pictured. For those who prefer the soft serve style, it can literally be enjoyed immediately, and to your exact texture preference.
Banana ice cream, or “nice cream”, is pretty much frozen, chopped bananas blended until a soft serve like consistency. It has been around for ages and the perfect faux frozen treat substitute when the ice cream craving strikes. I always tend to add two other ingredients and make myself a chocolate version. I suppose its my own way of fooling myself that there really isn’t any banana in it. It sort of is the same as these 3 Ingredient Flourless Brownies– They have the banana in them, but it’s masked by the exact same two ingredients.
That’s not to say I’m not a fan of bananas because that is simply not true. These no bake banana bread breakfast bars and these no bake banana bread bites are two of my most made and most loved recipes. However, sometimes you just DON’T want the banana flavor and want to use it merely as a canvas, like in today’s protein ice cream recipe!
The key ingredient here is protein powder, and there are two big issues which need to be highlighted to ensure perfect protein ice cream. You’ll need to ensure you enjoy the TASTE of your vanilla protein powder, otherwise, your protein ice cream will be less than stellar. As always, I stick to this brown rice vanilla protein powder, this vanilla casein protein powder, and this vanilla paleo protein powder. I do NOT recommend using whey protein powder, as you’ll be left with a glorified smoothie or an ice block.
Please Note- Depending on the protein powder you use, you may find it difficult to produce the scoopable ice cream. I found with casein protein powder, this was no issue, but if you use the brown rice or paleo one, you may have trouble. To combat this, add 2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup of coconut cream which will help aid the creaminess.
Let’s quickly jump back to the banana discussion as I am fully aware that many of you aren’t fans of the humble banana. You CAN replace it with sweet potato or pumpkin, however, the texture will be thicker and obviously, the color will look nothing like vanilla. Switch out at your own risk!
Make this 3 Ingredient No Churn Vanilla Protein Ice Cream and enjoy ice-cream instantly and guilt-free!
3 Ingredient No Churn Vanilla Protein Ice Cream (Paleo, Vegan, Gluten Free)
Ingredients
- 4-5 medium frozen bananas chopped
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 32-34 grams
- 1/4 cup granulated sweetener of choice I used a stevia blend
- 1-4 tbsp milk of choice * Optional- See notes
- 1/4 cup coconut cream ** Optional- See notes
Instructions
- Place a small loaf pan or deep pan in the freezer.
- In a high-speed blender or food processor, add your frozen bananas and blend until just immersed. Add your vanilla protein powder and granulated sweetener and blend until thick and creamy. If too thick, add a tablespoon of milk. For an even creamier texture, add your coconut cream and continue blending until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer vanilla ice cream to the loaf pan. To ensure it doesn't become too icy, lightly mix your ice cream ever 20-30 minutes for the first hour.
- Thaw for 10-15 minutes before eating. Lightly wet an ice cream scoop before scooping the ice cream into a bowl.
Notes
Key Recipe Equipment and Ingredients
Nutrition
More delicious protein packed recipes? Gotcha covered!
4 Ingredient Flourless Protein Brownies
Low Carb Snickers Breakfast Shake
1 Minute Low Carb Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake
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Oh it has been so long. Since I’ve commented here (I’m the WORST) and since I’ve made banana ice cream, both things I very much enjoy!! I’ve only ever made this with straight up bananas or, of course, peanut butter added in. I’m sure this beats Arctic Zero any day 🙂
I LOVE bananas, but not in things, I don’t know why, so I like the options you give!
This recipe looks delicious! Do you by any chance have a list of the blogs you’ve had as guest bloggers? I’m trying to find new blogs to follow and love yours so thought you might be able let me know of some!
I think I made banana ice cream for the first time last year and I loved it so much. I’ll buy a pint of ice cream and eat a few spoonfuls, then it sits in our freezer for two months, so spending an arm and leg on it makes no sense!
Perfect for the hot summer months!
I love how easy it is!
Super simple!
Yum!!!!! I love ice cream in the summer!
It is too good!
do i have to include the protein powder? would it work with just banana, the granulated sweetener, and coconut cream, for example?
for a chocolate version, do you just add some cacao powder?
I haven’t tried this one without protein powder, you can enjoy my chocolate one which doesn’t include it. 🙂
The only “protein” ice creams I’ve seen are Arctic Zero, Halo Top, Wink, Proyo, Yasso, and pretty much anything that costs SO SO much. 🙁 Good thing that this is so easy!