High-Protein Chocolate Ice Cream – Guilt-Free Indulgence
Intro:
Craving dessert without the sugar crash? This High-Protein Chocolate Ice Cream is your answer. Made with wholesome ingredients like Greek yogurt or protein powder, it’s creamy, chocolatey, low in sugar, and packed with protein — perfect for post-workout recovery or late-night snacking. Best of all, it’s easy to make and requires no fancy equipment!
Time:
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Freeze Time: 1–2 hours (for soft-serve consistency)
Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients:
2 ripe bananas (frozen in chunks)
1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or cottage cheese, for a smoother texture)
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1–2 scoops chocolate protein powder (whey or plant-based)
1–2 tbsp maple syrup, honey, or sweetener of choice (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional: 1 tbsp peanut butter or almond butter for richness
Optional: 1–2 tbsp milk (dairy or plant-based) for blending, if needed
Instructions:
Freeze bananas ahead of time — peel, slice, and freeze until solid.
Blend everything:
Add frozen banana, Greek yogurt, cocoa powder, protein powder, sweetener, vanilla, salt, and optional nut butter to a high-speed blender or food processor.
Blend until creamy — scraping down the sides as needed. Add a splash of milk only if needed for smoother blending.
Serve immediately for a soft-serve texture or…
Freeze 1–2 hours in a sealed container for scoopable ice cream.
✅ Tips for Success:
Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness.
Cottage cheese creates a creamy texture with minimal sugar and extra protein.
Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or cocoa nibs after blending.
Store in a freezer-safe container and let sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping after it’s been frozen solid.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use dairy-free yogurt (like coconut or almond yogurt) and a plant-based protein powder.
Q: What if I don’t have bananas?
A: Substitute 1 cup frozen cauliflower + extra sweetener, or use avocado for creaminess.
Q: Can I make this without protein powder?
A: Absolutely. Just increase Greek yogurt or use cottage cheese to keep the protein high.
Q: How long does it last?
A: Store in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. It may harden, so let it sit out before scooping.
Nutrition (Per Serving – makes about 3 servings):
Estimate based on Greek yogurt and 1 scoop whey protein
Calories: ~190
Protein: 17g
Fat: 4g
Carbs: 20g
Sugar: 12g (mostly from banana)
Fiber: 3g