Classic Chocolate Protein Ice Cream

Directions

1. 1Whisk the milk, protein powder, cocoa, pudding mix, and sweetener in a bowl until completely smooth with no clumps.
2. 2Pour the base into a Creami pint, keeping the level at or below the max-fill line.
3. 3Set the pint flat in the freezer and freeze for about 24 hours until solid.
4. 4Lock the frozen pint into the machine and run the Lite Ice Cream preset.
5. 5If the result looks crumbly or powdery, run the Re-spin program until it turns creamy.
6. 6Drop the chocolate chips on top, run the Mix-In program, and serve.

Tips

• Freeze your pint completely solid (16-24 hours minimum) in a flat position so the Creami can shave it evenly without getting stuck or crumbly.
• If your result comes out grainy or powdery after spinning, add just a splash of milk or cream, re-insert the pint, and run the program again for a smoother texture.
• Use cold milk straight from the fridge when mixing your base, this helps the pint freeze faster and more uniformly.

Variations

• Swap the chocolate pudding mix for vanilla pudding mix and add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder for a richer, less sweet chocolate flavor.
• Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter into the base before freezing for a chocolate-peanut swirl.
• Use chocolate-flavored whey protein powder instead of vanilla, and reduce the cocoa powder to 1 tablespoon to avoid over-chocolateing it.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of protein powder?

Yes, vanilla, cookies-and-cream, or chocolate-flavored whey or casein protein powders all work well. Just note that flavored powders may affect sweetness, so taste your base before freezing and adjust sugar-free pudding mix as needed.

My pint didn't freeze solid after 24 hours. What's wrong?

Your freezer may be above 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Aim for a standard freezer at -4 degrees or colder, and make sure the pint is laying flat without anything blocking air circulation around it.

Can I make this lighter or less sweet?

Absolutely. Reduce the sugar-free pudding mix to 1 package instead of 2, and skip any added sugar. You can also use unsweetened almond milk instead of reduced-fat milk to cut calories.

How long can I store a frozen pint before spinning it?

Your frozen pint stays good in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. After that, ice crystals can form and make the texture grainy when you spin it.

Nutrition

Per serving · makes about 2 servings · estimated