Dairy Free Apple Pie Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream

This Dairy Free Ninja Creami Apple Pie Ice Cream is the most delicious frozen treat you didn’t know you needed! Packed with warm spices, real apples, and a protein boost that’ll make you want to eat dessert first, it’s inspired by the authentic apple pie flavor of fall but made with simple ingredients in the Ninja Creami ice cream maker so you can enjoy it all year round.

If you’re like me and dream about apple pie filling and vanilla ice cream all year long, this is your moment. I wanted something cozy that didn’t involve a traditional ice cream maker, a stovetop, or heavy cream, so I tested this in my Ninja Creami machine and the result was chef’s kiss. It tastes like a slice of apple pie but in ice cream form. If you love Ninja Creami protein ice cream recipes like my Ninja Creami Pumpkin Ice Cream or Vanilla Protein Ice Cream, you’ll want to add this one to your weekly rotation.

​Looking for more Ninja Creami protein ice cream recipes? I have rounded up all my recipes in this post full of healthy, dairy free protein packed homemade ice cream!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• It is healthy. Cozy apple pie flavor without added refined sugar, dairy, or gluten, plus it's protein-packed for a satiating dessert or post-workout treat!
• It is super creamy. Dairy free ice cream gets its creamy texture from the full-fat coconut milk and thanks to the Ninja Creami ice cream maker.
• It is easy. This apple pie ice cream recipe whips up quickly and easily right in your Ninja Creami using ingredients you likely already have on hand at home. The hardest part is the waiting for it to freeze before blending.

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Ninja Creami Apple Pie Ingredients & Tested Substitutions

Almond Milk. My preference is to use unsweetened almond milk; I like Califia Farms new 3 ingredient organic almond milk, however you may use sweetened or vanilla almond milk if you like. You may also use unsweetened oat milk which will make a nice creamy ice cream. You can sub Fairlife whole milk if you're not dairy free for an extra protein boost.

Full-fat Coconut Milk. I find the canned coconut milk that works the best has a little bit of guar gum, which is a plant-based thickener. Thai Kitchen and Whole Foods in house brand coconut milk are my personal favorites, but if you'd like to stay away from gums, Trader Joe's has a great option. I do not recommend using low fat coconut milk as it will make the ice cream base less creamy. 

Applesauce. Helps build the apple pie filling flavor and keeps the base smooth. Unsweetened or sweetened will both work just fine. I used North Coast organic Honeycrisp apple sauce.

Vanilla Protein Powder. I use Equip Foods vanilla protein powder, which is a grass fed beef isolate clean protein powder, but you may use your favorite whey protein or plant based protein powder if you prefer.

Coconut Sugar or Dates. Either one brings that caramel flavor that mimics brown sugar without the blood sugar spike.

Apple Pie Spice . You can also sub with pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon.

Vanilla Extract. Totally optional but adds warmth. Opt for a high quality vanilla extract like Madagascar vanilla.

Diced Apple. Use a firm, sweet apple like Honeycrisp and dice into smaller pieces so they blend well.

Ninja Creami Apple Pie Ice Cream Step by Step Instructions

1. Make the ice cream base. Add almond milk, coconut milk, applesauce, protein powder, coconut sugar (or dates), apple pie spice, and vanilla to a Ninja Creami pint container. Blend using a milk frother (or blender if using dates) until mostly smooth.

2. Freeze the base. Place the storage lid on and freeze on a level surface for at least 8 hours. Ninja recommends 24 hours, but I find that 8 hours is plenty of time. Make sure you don’t exceed the max fill line.

3. Spin it. Remove the frozen pint, place pint into the outer bowl of the Ninja Creami, attach the outer bowl lid, and place bowl assembly into the motor base. Press the "Lite Ice Cream" button.

4. Respin for creaminess. After the first spin, check texture. Add 2–3 teaspoon almond milk to the center of the ice cream and use the respin function.

5. Add mix-ins. Add the diced apple and optionally some crushed graham crackers. Replace the lid and use the "Mix-In" function to incorporate.

6. Serve. Top with extra apple pie spice, a drizzle of date caramel sauce, or dairy-free whipped cream if desired.

Expert Tips & Tricks for Dairy Free Ice Cream in a Ninja Creami & Favorite Add-Ins

• Toppings & Mix-ins:
  • Top with dairy free whipped topping, a sprinkle of apple pie spice, and/or cooked apples.
  • For a cream cheese-style base, you can add 1 tablespoon softened dairy free cream cheese to the ice cream base before freezing.
  • Add white chocolate chips or gluten free graham crackers or gluten free golden Oreos to the ice cream base as mix ins.
• Respin. Ninja's instructions state that you cannot use the "respin" feature followed by the "mix in" feature. I ALWAYS respin my dairy free ice cream, because it needs this in order to be creamy, and I use the mix in function after with no trouble.
• Add Milk Before Respin: Before respinning, I recommend always adding a little bit more almond milk, or dairy free milk of choice. Just enough to almost cover the top of the pint container is perfect, about 2-3 tsp. This will help ensure the final result is super creamy.
• Leftovers: If you don't finish your pint, simply smooth out the top so it is flat, put the lid back on, and store it in the freezer. You will just need to run it through the "Lite Ice Cream" spin again when you're ready to enjoy your leftover protein desserts!

Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream FAQs

Do I really need to freeze the base for the full 24 hours?

While the official Ninja Creami instructions recommends waiting a full 24 hours, I don't have the patience for that so I have found that eight hours is typically plenty of time to get a solid, even freeze for this specific dairy-free base.

Can I use the respin and mix-in functions back-to-back?

Okay so hear me out, standard Ninja Creami instructions advise against running these cycles back to back, but I always respin my dairy-free ice cream with a couple teaspoons of almond milk because it needs it to be truly creamy (instead of that powdery ice cream texture). I use the mix-in function right after with no trouble at all.

Why is my ice cream powdery or crumbly after the first spin?

Don’t panic! This is completely normal, especially for dairy-free and lower-fat Ninja Creami recipes. Because there is less sugar and fat than traditional ice cream, the first spin often looks like powdery snow. You just need to add 2-3 teaspoons of almond milk to the pint and run the "Respin" function. It will turn magically creamy!

Can I use a low-fat milk instead of full-fat coconut milk?

I recommend using the full-fat canned coconut milk, and here's why: the fats from the coconut milk are what give this dairy-free ice cream that rich, velvety texture we all love. It's not the end of the world to use low-fat coconut milk, but using a low-fat or "lite" version can result in a more icy, less creamy consistency once it’s spun.

Can I make this homemade ice cream without a blender?

Since this recipe uses Medjool dates as the sweetener, a blender is pretty essential to get that base smooth and creamy. If you don't have a blender, you can swap the dates for 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup and whisk the ingredients together in a bowl before freezing!

What is the best protein powder to use for Ninja Creami recipes?

My golden rule of making protein desserts in the Ninja Creami is to use a protein powder you actually enjoy the taste of! Since it makes up a big part of the flavor profile, a high-quality brand is key. Both whey and plant-based protein powders work beautifully in this recipe, though plant-based proteins sometimes absorb a bit more liquid and may require an extra respin. I like Equip Foods best for vanilla or chocolate protein powder.

How To Store Apple Pie Protein Ice Cream

If you do not finish your pint in one sitting, smooth over the ice cream that is left in the container with the back of a spoon. Place the lid back on and freeze again. You will need to run the leftovers back through the same steps in the Ninja Creami when you are going to enjoy it again. Note that if you added mix ins, the machine will end up pulverizing them!

If you loved this apple pie ice cream, you will want to try next...

• Paleo Gluten Free Apple Crisp
• Apple Strawberry Crisp
• Gluten Free Pie Crust with an Apple Chai Filling Recipe
• Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Gluten Free)
• Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars - Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free
• The Best Paleo Friendly Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe
• Fall Kale Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette Dressing

Did you have a chance to make this recipe? If so, please leave me a 5 star rating and review below. I always love and appreciate hearing from you!