The next time you're craving homemade ice cream, make this creamy Strawberry Ice Cream in your Ninja Creami ice cream maker. This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that are dairy free, refined sugar free and pack a protein punch into this delicious frozen treat.
With a perfectly creamy texture and loads of flavor thanks to the addition of fresh strawberries, it's the perfect sweet treat that you'd never know was good for you, too!
Healthy Ninja Creami recipes have become my favorite desserts to make. They're so much better for you than store-bought ice creams and I just love how easy the ninja creami machine is to use, unlike many traditional ice cream makers. This strawberry ice cream is made with real strawberries and wholesome ingredients so it is not only bursting with flavor but it's a dessert you can feel good about finishing all on your own!
If you're looking for more dairy free protein ice cream recipes, try this Ninja Creami Vanilla Ice Cream, Chocolate Ice Cream, Mint Chocolate Chip or Coffee Ice Cream. You can check out each of my healthy ninja creami recipes in this round up of favorites.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's healthy. Made with just a handful of ingredients like ripe strawberries, protein powder, dairy free milk & sweetened with dates this is a healthy treat that won't spike your blood sugar like traditional ice cream.
- It is super creamy. Unlike most dairy free ice cream, this recipe is super creamy thanks to the mix of coconut milk and almond milk in the ice cream base.
- It is easy. Making ice cream in the ninja creami is the easiest way to enjoy your favorite frozen dessert whenever the craving strikes!
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Ninja Creami Strawberry Ice Cream Ingredients & Tested Substitutions
- Almond Milk. If you have access to it, my first choice for almond milk is Califia Farms Organic almond milk. It does not contain any gums or sweeteners which I prefer. If you're in the US you'll likely be able to find it at your local grocery store but if you can't find this brand that's okay, use your favorite almond milk instead. Alternatively you may substitute this for oat milk for an even creamier texture.
- Coconut Milk. I recommend using full fat coconut milk for best results when it comes to the creamy ice cream texture due to the high fat content. I also don't recommend omitting this unless you have an allergy or you're trying to keep the fats low. In that case, you may simply use additional almond milk in its place.
- Vanilla Bean Paste. I like using vanilla bean paste because it enhances the vanilla flavor, however vanilla extract would be a perfectly fine substitute. You could leave it out entirely but I find it enhances the flavor of the strawberries and overall adds nice flavor.
- Dates. I sweeten all of my ninja creami ice cream recipes with dates, but you can swap this out for 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup, honey or agave if desired.
- Strawberry Protein Powder. For best results when making strawberry protein ice cream I recommend using strawberry protein powder. My favorite brand is Equip Foods; it's made with minimal ingredients that are clean & doesn't have any weird additives. That being said, you may feel free to use your favorite brand of protein powder. If you do not have strawberry protein powder, try using vanilla protein powder and 1-2 tablespoons of strawberry powder for more strawberry flavor.
- Fresh Strawberries. Using fresh strawberries adds additional natural sweetness along with fresh strawberry flavor to both the ice cream base and as a mix in.
Ninja Creami Strawberry Ice Cream Step by Step Instructions
Make the ice cream base. Add the almond milk, coconut milk, 4 sliced strawberries, dates, protein powder & vanilla 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.
Freeze the ice cream base. Pour the ice cream base into the ninja creami pint container right up to the max fill line. Place storage lid on the container and place in the freezer on a level surface 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.
Mix the ice cream. Once the base is frozen, place the ninja pint container in the outer bowl of the ninja creami and secure the outer bowl lid on top. Lock the outerbowl in place in the ninja creami motor base. For your first spin you will choose the "Lite Ice Cream" function.
Respin. Once the first spin is complete, you will need to use the respin function in order for the ice cream to become super creamy. My best creami prep tip is to add about 2-3 teaspoons of additional almond milk, just enough to barely cover the top of the pint, before you respin.
Add mix ins. I like to add 2 additional sliced fresh strawberries as a mix in. Place them on top of the ice cream and re-secure the outer bowl lid. It's okay if the pint container feels very full, you'll still be able to use the mix in function to add the fresh strawberries.
Expert Tips, Tricks & Favorite Mix-Ins
- 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.
- Add in chocolate chips or white chocolate chips for some extra sweetness & crunch.
- Top with granola and fresh berries and enjoy homemade ninja creami strawberry ice cream for breakfast.
- Add gluten free golden sandwich cookies to make strawberry cookies & cream ice cream.
How To Store Leftover Ninja Creami Strawberry 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 & 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!
More Ninja Creami Ice Cream Recipes You Might Enjoy
Ninja Creami Kit Kat Banana Split McFlurry
Ninja Creami Chocolate Protein Ice cream
Even MORE healthy Ninja Creami recipes!
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!
Dairy Free Ninja Creami Strawberry Protein Ice Cream
Equipment
- Ninja Creami
- 1 Ninja Creami Pint Container
- Blender
Ingredients
- ¾ cup almond milk see ingredients section of post for swaps
- ¾ cup full fat coconut milk see ingredients section of post for swaps
- 1 scoop strawberry protein powder see ingredients section of post for swaps
- 6 medium strawberries sliced, 4 for the base 2 for mix ins
- 2 dates see ingredients section of post for swaps
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the ice cream base. Add the almond milk, coconut milk, 4 sliced strawberries, dates, protein powder & vanilla 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.
- Freeze the ice cream base. Pour the ice cream base into the ninja creami pint container right up to the max fill line. Place storage lid on the container and place in the freezer on a level surface 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.
- Mix the ice cream. Once the base is frozen, place the ninja pint container in the outer bowl of the ninja creami and secure the outer bowl lid on top. Lock the outerbowl in place in the ninja creami motor base. For your first spin you will choose the "Lite Ice Cream" function.
- Respin. Once the first spin is complete, you will need to use the respin function in order for the ice cream to become super creamy. My best creami prep tip is to add about 2-3 teaspoons of additional almond milk, just enough to barely cover the top of the pint, before you respin.
- Add mix ins. I like to add 2 additional sliced fresh strawberries as a mix in. Place them on top of the ice cream and re-secure the outer bowl lid. It's okay if the pint container feels very full, you'll still be able to use the mix in function to add the fresh strawberries.
Notes
- 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.
- Add in chocolate chips or white chocolate chips for some extra sweetness & crunch.
- Top with granola and fresh berries and enjoy homemade ninja creami strawberry ice cream for breakfast.
- Add gluten free golden sandwich cookies to make strawberry cookies & cream ice cream.
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