If Rocky Road is your favorite ice cream flavor but you're looking for a version you can make at home that also helps you reach your protein goals, this Dairy Free Rocky Road ice cream recipe is for you. Made with simple ingredients in the Ninja Creami, so it makes the perfect creamy ice cream that you'd never know was dairy free!
Rich chocolate ice cream filled with crunchy almonds, mini marshmallows & dark chocolate chips; does ice cream get any better? Actually, this rocky road recipe does get better because it's packed with protein and is dairy free!
Homemade ice cream has never been easier thanks to the Ninja Creami! It took me awhile but I finally gave in and bought a Ninja Creami ice cream machine & now I simply can't stop using it. Since going dairy free, one of the treats I miss most is ice cream. I've made dairy free ice cream before in an ice cream maker and while it is delicious, nothing beats the creamy texture you get from using a Ninja Creami.
If you're looking for more Ninja Creami recipes, you might like to try this Vanilla Protein Ice Cream recipe, this Protein Dole Whip or maybe this Watermelon Protein Sorbet recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It is incredibly creamy & delicious. The first time my husband tried my ninja creami rocky road ice cream he couldn't believe it wasn't straight out of an ice cream parlor. He said it was the best ice cream he's had in awhile & I hope you think so too!
- It is easy. All you need are a few simple ingredients, your ninja creami ice cream maker & a ninja creami pint container to make this delicious protein ice cream recipe.
- It is better for you. Since this recipe is protein packed & dairy free, it's made with ingredients that make it suitable for special diets & healthier lifestyles.
Ninja Creami Rocky Road Protein Ice Cream Ingredients & Tested Substitutions
Chocolate Protein Powder. I recommend using grass fed beef isolate protein powder and it makes the ice cream base incredibly creamy & doesn't have any chalky aftertaste or texture. If you do have a favorite protein powder that you love the taste & texture of, then feel free to use that.
Coconut Milk. Opt for canned, full fat coconut milk. For best results, use one that contains organic guar gum. I like Thai Kitchen organic full fat coconut milk.
Unsweetened Almond Milk. My preference is for unsweetened almond milk, but you may use whatever unsweetened nut milk you like.
Dark Cocoa Powder. I love using a rich, dark unsweetened cocoa powder to deepen the rich chocolate flavor of the ice cream.
Medjool Dates. I sweeten all of my ninja creami ice cream recipes with dates, but you can feel free to use maple syrup or coconut sugar instead.
Sea Salt. I like using Celtic sea salt.
Almonds. You can use salted or unsalted depending on your personal preference.
Mini Marshmallows. My preference is to use My Dandies vegan mini marshmallows because they are also gluten free.
Dark Chocolate. I like to use Hu Kitchen dark chocolate bars or gems.
Step by Step Instructions
- Mix the ice cream base. In a blender, add nut milks, dates protein powder, cocoa powder and a pinch of salt & blend until completely smooth.
2. Freeze. Pour blended ice cream base into the pint container up to the max fill line. place storage lid securely on top and freeze 8 hours up to 24 hours.
3. Make the ice cream. Once frozen, process the ice cream base in your Ninja Creami using the “lite ice cream” function. You will likely need to respin when it is complete & I suggest adding an additional 1-2 teaspoons of almond milk before doing this.
4. Add mix ins. After respinning, add in your mix ins, chopping up the almonds & chocolate chunks if necessary. Then process on the “Mix In” function (the creami instructions say not to do this after using “respin, but I tested it out & it works fine! You can also simply mix in by hand).
How to store Protein Rocky Road Ice Cream
On the off chance you don’t finish this frozen treat in one sitting, here is what you can do to ensure it stays fresh the next time you’d like to enjoy.
Keep the leftovers in the ninja creami pint container & use a spoon to create a level surface with what’s left over. Place the lid back on and store until ready to enjoy again. You’ll need to go through the process again of using the “lite ice cream” feature, then adding a splash of almond milk & remixing again. Rocky road ice cream will keep in the freezer up to 2 weeks for maximum freshness.
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!
Ninja Creami Dairy Free Rocky Road Protein Ice Cream
Equipment
- Blender
- Ninja Creami
- Ninja Creami pint containers
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Ice Cream Base
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- ¾ cup full fat coconut milk
- 2 medjool dates
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 2 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 pinch sea salt
Rocky Road Mix Ins
- 1 tablespoon almonds roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chunks roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Mix the ice cream base. In a blender, add nut milks, dates protein powder, cocoa powder and a pinch of salt & blend until completely smooth.
- Freeze. Pour blended ice cream base into the pint container up to the max fill line. place storage lid securely on top and freeze 8 hours up to 24 hours.
- Make the ice cream. Once frozen, process the ice cream base in your Ninja Creami using the “lite ice cream” function. You will likely need to respin when it is complete & I suggest adding an additional 1-2 teaspoons of almond milk before doing this.
- Add mix ins. After respinning, add in your mix ins, chopping up the almonds & chocolate chunks if necessary. Then process on the “Mix In” function (the creami instructions say not to do this after using “respin, but I tested it out & it works fine! You can also simply mix in by hand).
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