Pistachio Cream Protein Ice Cream
By Marty Cole Β· April 12, 2026
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My buddy Marcus swore he hated protein ice cream until I handed him a bowl of this Pistachio Cream Protein Ice Cream from the Ninja Creami and watched him quietly go back for seconds. The sugar-free pistachio pudding mix does the heavy lifting here, giving it that pale green, nutty taste without any chalky aftertaste, and a few drops of almond extract pushes it right into pistachio-gelato territory. It comes out creamy and scoopable, not icy. One real tip: the first spin will look crumbly and dry, so add a splash of milk and run the re-spin. That's where the magic happens.
How it spins
Tip: freeze the pint on a level shelf for a full 24 hours. If the first spin looks crumbly, add a splash of milk and run Re-spin.
Ingredients
- Reduced-fat Milk12 oz
- Vanilla Protein Powder1.5 scoop
- Sugar-free Pistachio Instant Pudding Mix2 tbsp
- Almond Extract0.13 tsp
- Chopped Pistachiosoptional2 tbsp
Directions
- 1Whisk the milk, vanilla protein, pistachio pudding mix, and almond extract until smooth.
- 2Pour into a Creami pint, staying under the max-fill line.
- 3Freeze the pint flat for about 24 hours.
- 4Spin on the Lite Ice Cream preset.
- 5Re-spin if the base comes out crumbly.
- 6Top with chopped pistachios and run the Mix-In program.
Tips
- Freeze your pint completely solid for the full 16-24 hours; a partially frozen pint will produce a crumbly texture instead of creamy, so patience here really matters.
- If your result comes out powdery after spinning, add just a splash of milk and re-spin to get that smooth, creamy texture back.
- Use the Ice Cream program setting on your Creami for the creamiest result with this pudding-based mix.
Variations
- Swap the pistachio pudding mix for sugar-free butterscotch or chocolate instant pudding and keep everything else the same.
- Reduce the protein powder to 1/2 cup and add 1/4 cup natural almond butter mixed into the liquid base before freezing for a richer, nuttier version.
- Use whole milk instead of reduced-fat milk and add an extra tablespoon of vanilla protein powder for a denser, more indulgent texture.
FAQ
- Can I use regular sugar pistachio pudding instead of sugar-free?
- Yes, but the result will be sweeter and higher in sugar; the texture will freeze and spin the same way. Adjust based on your preference for sweetness.
- What if my pint won't freeze solid after 24 hours?
- Your freezer may be too warm; make sure it's at 0 degrees F or below. If it's still too soft, freeze for an additional 4-6 hours before spinning.
- Can I make this lower in calories or lighter?
- Yes, you can reduce the protein powder to 1/3 cup and skip the sugar-free pudding mix entirely, replacing it with 1/4 teaspoon pistachio extract and a pinch of salt mixed into the milk. The texture will be lighter and less creamy but still work in the Creami.
- How long does the frozen pint last in the freezer?
- Keep it frozen for up to two weeks before spinning; after that, ice crystals can build up and affect the texture. Once you spin it, eat it right away for the best consistency.
Nutrition
Per serving Β· makes about 2 servings Β· estimated
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Meet Marty Cole
I'm a home cook who got a little obsessed with the Ninja Slushi and Creami. I test every recipe in my own kitchen on a real machine, dial in the texture, and only post the ones my family actually finishes.
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