Dairy-Free Ninja Creami Protein Coconut Ice Cream

If you think dairy-free ice cream can't be rich and creamy, think again. By blending full-fat coconut milk with vanilla protein powder and naturally sweet Medjool dates, this Ninja Creami Protein Coconut Ice Cream delivers an ultra-smooth, tropical flavor bomb. Add a crisp homemade chocolate magic shell on top, and you've got a guilt-free dessert that tastes like it came straight from an island resort.

I have always loved using full fat coconut milk in my dairy free Ninja Creami recipes because the coconut cream layer creates the absolute creamiest base. Since I am such a huge coconut fan, I knew I had to try making a protein packed version that really highlighted that tropical flavor. It turned out to be every bit the tropical creamy dessert of my dreams, and I hope you enjoy it just as much as I did!

If you are looking for more dairy free ice cream flavors to make in your machine, you have plenty of options to choose from my full list of Ninja Creami recipes for more high protein ice cream ideas. You might enjoy my Protein Dole Whip or Pineapple Cherry Dole Whip for a similar fruity vibe, or you can check out my Protein Rocky Road and Protein Buncha Crunch Ice Cream when you need a chocolate fix. I also have recipes for a refreshing Protein Watermelon Sorbet and some coconut collagen popsicles if you want to switch things up.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

• It is delicious. Not only does this homemade coconut ice cream have the perfect, creamy texture despite being dairy free, its rich tropical fruity flavor will make you swear you're eating ice cream straight from the shop!
• It uses minimal ingredients. Not only is this recipe incredibly simple, but it only uses 4 ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
• It is better for you. Made using dairy free milk, gluten free protein powder and sweetened with only dates, enjoy a decadent tropical treat all year long without sacrificing your goals.
• It is easy. Made in the Ninja Creami, it's one of the easiest ways to enjoy a healthier dessert.

Dairy Free Coconut Ice Cream Ingredients

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. 

Vanilla Protein Powder. My preference for all of my protein ninja creami recipes is to use Equip Foods Prime Protein because it gives the dairy free ice cream such a creamy texture, but you may use whatever kind of protein powder you prefer. A tip I will always give you is that it is very important to enjoy the flavor and texture of your protein powder. If you have a protein powder that is gritty or doesn’t taste great, it will make your protein desserts gritty & not taste great!

Medjool Dates. For added sweetness, I use Medjool dates. You may replace them with 1-2 tablespoon of real maple syrup instead if you do not have any on hand.

Unsweetened Coconut Flakes. Coconut flakes can be optional to add to the ice cream base and topping, however, this touch adds a bit of texture and to the coconut flavor. If you're using, opt for unsweetened instead of sweetened.

Vegan Coconut Ice Cream Step by Step Instructions

1. Make the protein coconut ice cream base. Add the full fat coconut milk, dates, protein powder, and unsweetened coconut flakes to a blender. Blend until smooth. You may find that a few small bits of the dates remain if your blender is not high speed; this is ok. You can strain them out or leave them in, it’s up to you.

2. Freeze the ice cream base. Pour base into the ninja pint container right up to the max fill line. Place storage lid on the container and freeze for a minimum of 8 hours. Ninja recommends at least 24 hours but I don’t have that kind of patience and find that 8 hours is plenty.

3. Mix the ice cream. Follow the instructions for placing the frozen pint of the base mixture in your Ninja Creami. For your first spin you will press the “Lite Ice Cream” button.

4. Respin. Once the first spin is complete, you will need to respin the ice cream mixture in order for it to become the perfect texture. My best creami prep tip is to add about 2-3 teaspoon additional almond milk, just enough to cover the top of the pint, before you respin. Place the outer bowl lid back on, fitting the bowl into the machine, and press the "respin" button.

5. Optional: Make the Magic Shell. Chocolate and coconut go so well together and what's more fun than a magic shell?! Melt 1-2 tablespoon dark chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl in 10 second increments until fully melted. Pour over the scooped ice cream in a bowl; the magic shell should harden almost immediately. Sprinkle with additional 1 tablespoon of unsweetened coconut shreds and enjoy!

Healthy Ninja Creami Expert Tips, Tricks & Favorite 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!
• Add-ins: If you love tropical flavors try adding mix ins like diced mango or fresh pineapple.

Homemade Healthy Ninja Creami Ice Cream Recipes 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 a low-fat milk instead of full-fat coconut milk?

I recommend using the full-fat canned coconut milk; the fats from the coconut milk are what give this dairy-free ice cream that rich, velvety texture we all love from dairy-filled ice cream. By using a low-fat or "lite" version of the coconut milk, it can result in a more icy, less creamy consistency once it’s spun.

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 do I need to "respin" the ice cream?

Dairy-free Ninja Creami recipes can sometimes look a little crumbly or powdery after the first spin. This is totally normal! Adding a 2-3 teaspoons of almond milk and hitting "respin" is my favorite trick to transforming that texture into the silky-smooth ice cream you see in the photos.

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 dairy free coconut 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. 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 Liked This Coconut Dessert Recipe You Might Also Enjoy

• Protein Dole Whip
• Cherry Pineapple Swirl Protein Dole Whip
• Creamy Toasted Coconut Lime Popsicles Dairy Free
• 3 Ingredient Viral Caramel Sauce - would make a delicious topping instead of the magic shell!
• Vanilla Protein Ice Cream
• Candied Orange Peels - would be such a yummy, fresh topping!

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!