Whether you’re looking for a high-protein snack or a healthy dessert, this ice cream protein shake is the perfect recipe! Made with simple and wholesome ingredients, it’s both delicious and nutritious. Enjoy it after a workout or as a satisfying treat any time of day.
Ice Cream and milkshakes don’t usually come to mind when we think of high-protein desserts, but with this recipe, we get the best of both worlds.
Made with vanilla milkshake flavored protein powder, vanilla extract, vanilla unsweetened almond milk, frozen banana, and a dash of rainbow sprinkles, it’s a delicious and nutritious treat that will fill you up and help you reach your fitness goals.
Want our complete list of healthy desserts? Check out our 50 Protein Powder Dessert Recipes
Macro Breakdown & Calories
- 227 Calories
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Fat: 3 g
This recipe is full of healthy nutrients, including protein, calcium, and vitamins A and C. The high protein content will help you stay full and satisfied, while the low sugar content helps to prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.
The calcium in the almond milk is great for bone health, and vitamins A and C are powerful antioxidants that can help boost your immune system.
Related Article: Is Ice Cream Good or Bad For Bodybuilding?
Ingredients
- Protein Powder: I used a vanilla milkshake flavored whey protein powder to get the closest ice cream flavor I could. That being said, you can use a different vanilla protein or even chocolate for a chocolate ice cream shake. If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, there are plenty of plant-based protein powders on the market that would work great in this recipe.
- Vanilla Extract: This is just for flavor, but feel free to omit it if you don’t have any on hand.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk: I used almond milk to keep this recipe dairy-free, but you could use any type of milk you like. If you’re looking to keep this recipe low-carb, you could use a sugar-free milk alternative like unsweetened coconut milk.
- Frozen Banana: I used a frozen banana to add some sweetness and creaminess to the shake without adding any extra sugar. If you don’t have a frozen banana, you could use fresh bananas or even some frozen berries.
- Rainbow Sprinkles: These are completely optional, but they add a fun pop of color and flavor! If you don’t have any sprinkles on hand, you could use chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even shredded coconut.
Related Article: Can You Mix Whey Protein With Ice Cream?
How To Make Ice Cream Protein Shake
Step 1
Add all ingredients except for the sprinkles to a blender and blend until smooth. I also added another 1/4-1/2 cup of ice just to add more volume and ice-y texture.
Step 2
Enjoy as is or pour into a glass and top with sprinkles or another topping like chocolate chips or shredded coconut.
Customizations
Higher Calorie For Bulking
If you’re looking to add some extra calories to this shake, you could add a scoop of peanut butter or some full-fat yogurt. You can also swap the almond milk for full-fat coconut milk, which will increase the calories and call for an even creamier shake.
Related Article: Best Ice Cream For Bulking (Plus, The 3 Worst)
Low Calorie For Cutting
If you want to reduce the calorie content of this shake, you can reduce some of the other ingredients and add ice for the same volume but fewer calories. You can also half the serving size and save it for another shake later on.
Other Customizations
If you’re not a fan of bananas, you could try using another frozen fruit like berries or mango. You could also add some coffee for a mocha flavor or swap the vanilla protein powder for another flavor. Feel free to use whatever toppings you like, such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut.
How To Store & Meal Prep:
This shake can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours, although it’s best if enjoyed right away. If you’re meal prepping this shake, I would recommend making it the night before or in the morning so it’s nice and cold when you’re ready to drink it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Blend Ice Cream With Protein Powder?
Yes, you can blend ice cream with protein powder, but the shake will be high in calories and sugar. If you’re looking for a healthier option, I would recommend using a frozen banana to add creaminess and sweetness to the shake.
Other Protein Shake and Pudding Recipes
- Banana Pudding Protein Shake (Quick & Creamy)
- Egg White Protein Shake (Made With 45g of Protein)
- Protein Powder Chia Pudding (Chocolate or Vanilla)
- The Best Strawberry Banana Protein Smoothie
- Cottage Cheese Protein Pudding
Other Ice Cream Recipe
- Protein Ice Cream With Xanthan Gum
- Protein Ice Cream Sandwich
- Healthy Homemade Ice Cream Made With Ice Cream Maker
Ice Cream Protein Shake
- Total Time: 5 Minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
Description
This high-protein ice cream shake is the perfect post-workout snack or dessert! You’ll love how quick and easy it is to make, and you’ll feel good about getting a healthy dose of protein!
Ingredients
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Dash of rainbow sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
1. Add all ingredients except for the sprinkles to a blender with ice and blend until smooth.
2. Top with sprinkles and enjoy.
Notes
Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours
- Prep Time: 5 Minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Blender
- Cuisine: Bodybuilding Meals
Nutrition
- Calories: 227 kcal
- Fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Protein: 29 g
About The Author
Kelsey Butler is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a Master’s in Nutrition Sciences. She is an expert in nutrition research, coaching, content creation, and recipe development. Kelsey takes a mindful approach towards health and values building relationships with all foods. She understands the importance of providing recipes that anyone can enjoy, no matter their dietary needs. When she’s not focusing on nutrition, Kelsey has a passion for cooking, the outdoors, running, and travel.