Dairy Free Ninja Creami Coffee Ice Cream with Protein

If you're looking a ninja creami recipe perfect for coffee lovers, then look no further than this dairy free Homemade Coffee Ice Cream. Made with wholesome ingredients like protein powder to help you reach your protein goals while still enjoying a treat & full fat coconut milk which gives it its ultra creamy texture. Get your caffeine kick while satisfying your sweet tooth!

It's no secret the Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker is my favorite kitchen appliance. I resisted getting one for awhile, but my husband loves ice cream so much he can eat it daily and I wanted a better way to help him satisfy his cravings in a healthier way so I gave in and purchased one. And I am so glad I did because it makes the best dairy free protein ice cream every single time.

I've had so much fun creating delicious, healthy ninja creami recipes like this Single Serve Chocolate Protein Ice Cream, Copycat Protein McFlurry, this Chocolate Protein Cookies & Cream or this Protein Vanilla Ice Cream that is perfect when topped with the Viral Olive Oil Caramel Sauce.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• It is healthy. This coffee ice cream is made with simple ingredients and is a lighter alternative to store bought ice cream.
• It is delicious. Satisfying your coffee craving and your sweet tooth has never been easier! The robust flavor of coffee paired with the sweetness of coconut sugar & the creamy consistency of coconut milk make for the perfect balance of flavors.
• It is customizable. Once you prepare the coffee ice cream base, you can add mix ins like gluten free oreo cookies or chocolate chips to customize the flavor experience.

Ninja Creami Coffee Ice Cream Ingredients & Tested Substitutions

• Coconut Milk. Be sure to opt for full fat canned coconut milk for this recipe. Choosing full fat coconut milk creates a super creamy ice cream that you don't usually expect from dairy free ice cream. The fat is essential in creating the creamy texture so I do not recommend using a lower fat coconut milk.

• Almond Milk. I like to add almond milk into the base mixture because it does help to keep the fat content lower, however if you aren't concerned with that then you may omit it and use only coconut milk. I use unsweetened almond milk but vanilla almond milk would be delicious, too. My personal preference is to use Califia Farms Organic almond milk but as always, please feel free to use your personal favorite. I will note that I do not recommend using shelf stable almond milk, opt for refrigerated for best results.

• Coconut Sugar. Normally I sweeten my ninja creami recipes with medjool dates, however this time I opted for coconut sugar. It is a low glycemic alternative to brown sugar which pairs really beautifully with the bold flavor of coffee.

• Espresso or Coffee. I have an espresso machine so I brewed fresh espresso for my coffee ice cream base. You may use strong coffee instead if you do not have an espresso maker. You can also use store bought cold brew as well. Not a fan of caffeine? Great me either! Decaf coffee works just fine!

• Vanilla Extract. I actually used vanilla bean paste because I find it has a stronger, punchier flavor which I enjoy but if you do not have that on hand vanilla extract works just fine. Alternatively, you can add a touch of maple syrup which is a common substitute for vanilla extract.

• Protein Powder. Using vanilla protein powder or unflavored protein powder from Equip Foods is my personal preference. It's a very clean, easy to digest protein powder made with minimal ingredients that I also find adds even more creminess to the texture of the ice cream. You're welcome to use your favorite brand of protein powder of course, this is just my personal preference that I use in all of my ninja creami recipes.

Ninja Creami Coffee Ice Cream Step by Step Instructions

1. Make the ice cream base. Add the almond milk, coconut milk, coffee or espresso, coconut sugar, protein powder & vanilla to a blender. Blend until smooth. 

2. Freeze the ice cream base. Pour base into the ninja creami 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. Once the base is frozen, follow the instructions for placing the pint container in your Ninja Creami machine. For your first spin you will choose the "Lite Ice Cream" function.

4. Respin. Once the first spin is complete, you will need to respin the ice cream mixture in order for it to become super creamy. 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.

Tips, Tricks & Favorite Add-Ins

• If you're a fan of coffee-flavored treats but also need your chocolate fix, add chocolate chips or crushed up gluten free oreo cookies to make a delicious coffee cookies and cream or coffee chocolate chip flavor. It's the perfect treat!
• Looking for a sugar-free alternative to coconut sugar? Sweeten the dairy free coffee ice cream naturally with 2 medjool dates or add a tablespoon of your favorite sugar free sweetener.
• 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.
• 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.

How to Store Ninja Creami Ice Cream

If you made this creamy ninja creami coffee ice cream recipe and by some weird chance you don't finish the whole pint in one sitting, first you'll have to let me know what your secret to this much self control is!

To properly store any leftovers, simply smooth over the ice cream that is left in the container with the back of a spoon. Place the lid back on & freeze. You will need to run the leftovers back through steps 3 & 4 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!

Serving Suggestions

• What's for dinner? Enjoy a protein packed Gluten Free McChicken Sandwich, easy slow cooker Pulled Pork, or whip up this Lobster Ravioli which is a fan favorite!

• Make it indulgent. Serve the coffee ice cream atop these gluten free Banana Walnut Brownies for a decadent date night dessert or crumble these Monster Cookie Protein Balls on top for a little crunch! Or, top this easy 3 Ingredient Cake Mix Mug Cake with a scoop for a truly delicious treat!

• Try other creami flavors. Explore all of the rest of the Ninja Creami recipes I have to offer in this roundup!

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!