Protein Ice Cream Bars (Refined Sugar Free, Gluten Free)

If you’re looking for ways to increase your daily protein intake while also satisfying your sweet tooth, then these Protein Ice Cream Bars are going to be your new go to high protein dessert! The best part is, they're low fat, lower in calories than traditional ice cream,have a deliciously creamy texture, no ice cream maker needed!

Getting extra protein in each day does not have to mean skipping out on dessert. You can work towards your health & fitness goals while still indulging in healthier treats made with better for you ingredients when the craving hits. That’s why having great options, like these high protein ice cream bars, available can be so helpful. 

If you’re a fan of high protein desserts and homemade protein treats, you might also enjoy this chocolate peanut butter cottage cheese ice cream or these protein rice krispies treats.

If you’re looking for more high protein content in general, you can check out this collection of high protein lunch recipes or check out the other protein recipes on my site! I even have a guide on my favorite easy to digest protein powders so you can find one that works best for you.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• It’s easy. Requiring just a few simple ingredients you likely already have at home, these protein ice cream bars are a cinch to whip up.
• It’s satisfying. When the craving for ice cream hits, make these protein ice cream bars & enjoy a treat with less sugar & more protein than traditional ice cream.
• It’s healthy. Made with better for you ingredients than store bought high protein ice creams, this treat is just as delicious as it is good for you.

Please note this post contains affiliate links.

Protein Ice Cream Bars Ingredients

Base Ingredients for Protein Ice Cream Bars

• Non-Fat Skyr or Greek Yogurt: I prefer to use non-fat Skyr in this recipe because it is higher in protein but you can also use greek yogurt if you prefer. Full fat greek yogurt or skyr will also work, it just comes down to personal preference.

• Vanilla Protein Powder: My go to protein powder is made from grass fed beef isolate protein, however you may use whey protein or any protein powder you prefer. You can also feel free to switch up the flavors depending on your personal preference. If you're looking for a plant based protein powder, I really enjoy this option from Happy Viking (use code PRETTYDELICIOUSLIFE to save 20% off of your first order of Happy Viking) or this certified low fodmap option from TumLove (use code KIMBERLY15 to save 15% off your first order of TumLove)

• Chocolate Chips: I prefer to use dark chocolate but you may use milk chocolate for the shell coating.

• Coconut Oil: This is actually an optional ingredient in the chocolate shell coating. If you do not want the extra healthy fat content, you can omit the coconut oil from this recipe.

Flavor Add Ins

For Peanut Butter Cookie

• ​Peanut Butter Powder: In order to keep these lower in fat I use powdered peanut butter, which also adds a few additional grams of protein.
• Chocolate Nut Butter Cookies: For a little extra crunch, I like to add these grain free nut butter cookies.
• Sea Salt Flakes: Optional, but I like to sprinkle the chocolate shell with some sea salt flakes before freezing.

For Cannoli Ice Cream

• Ricotta Cheese: Add this in addition to the yogurt for an extra creamy texture & cannoli flavor
• Mini Chocolate Chips: I add these to the creamy ice cream base
• Orange Juice: I like to add a touch of fresh squeezed orange juice to the ice cream base
• Pistachios: Top the chocolate shell with crushed pistachio

Other Add In Options

• Freeze Dried Strawberries: Use freeze dried strawberries with chocolate protein powder in your base for a chocolate covered strawberry ice cream pop. You can also sprinkle them on top of the chocolate shell before freezing.
• Peanuts & Date Caramel: Add crushed peanuts and date caramel sauce to the ice cream base for a copycat Snickers ice cream bar
• Frozen Banana: Add a frozen banana to the ice cream base to make banana ice cream pops. For best results, chop slices of frozen banana up small & add them to the ice cream base. You can also add walnuts & chocolate chips if you're a fan of Chunky Monkey Ice Cream!
• Pumpkin & Coffee. Make a frozen PSL treat by adding pumpkin puree, coffee and a bit of extra protein powder, shown in the recipe card below.

Equipment Needed

• Silicone Popsicle Molds: This recipe works best with silicone popsicle molds.
• Popsicle Sticks: You will need popsicle sticks if your popsicle molds did not come with them.

Protein Ice Cream Bars Step By Step Instructions

1. Make the ice cream base. Add yogurt, protein powder & peanut butter powder, if using, to a mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth & creamy, no clumps should remain.

2. Mix in add-ins. Whether you're using the nut butter cookies for peanut butter cookie ice cream bars, mini chocolate chips for cannoli ice cream bars, or any other flavor add ins, you will mix them into the ice cream base now. Be sure to crush up any cookies or larger mix ins first.

3. Add to popsicle molds. Add the ice cream base mixture to silicone ice cream pop molds. Freeze for at least 4 hours before moving on to the next step.

4. Coat the ice cream bars. Melt chocolate chips & coconut oil (if using) in the microwave in 10 second increments until smooth. Coat pops in melted chocolate & a sprinkle of optional sea salt for the peanut butter protein bars, pistachio for cannoli ice cream bars, peanuts for snickers or any other flavor toppings you'd like.

5. Freeze again on a parchment paper lined baking sheet or simply enjoy right away! Tip: for any ice cream bars you will be storing in the freezer, be sure to pull them out about 15 minutes before you'd like to enjoy. Since there is no heavy cream or heavy dairy fats in this recipe, they will need some time to soften, just like you would with an ice cream like Halo Top.

Approximate macros for these protein ice cream bars without additional mix-ins (just ice cream base & melted chocolate/coconut oil layer):

224 cal
18g protein
19g carbs
9g fat

Protein Ice Cream Bars FAQs

What type of protein powder should I use?

That is entirely up to you! Though every protein powder will result in a slightly different texture, this recipe works with whey protein, plant based proteins and my favorite grass fed beef isolate protein. Note that whey & plant based proteins will result in a thicker ice cream mixture than a grass fed beef isolate protein. The recipe will still work, but the texture will be thicker than what you see in my video. I've tested both options & while grass fed beef isolate is my personal favorite type of protein powder to use, you can use whatever kind you prefer. If you're looking for more information on protein powders that are easy to digest, I recommend checking out this helpful guide.

Can I use plant based yogurt?

While I have not personally tested this (I prefer to use greek yogurt or skyr for the higher protein content) using a plant based yogurt would work, however the texture will not be nearly as creamy as if you used greek yogurt or skyr. You may need to thaw the ice cream bars for 20 minutes or more before enjoying.

How to store protein ice cream bars

Store the protein ice cream bars in a gallon sized zip top bag or airtight freezer safe container for up to 1 week for best results. It is helpful to allow the ice cream bars to come to room temperature for 15 minutes or so before enjoying for maximum creaminess.

If you liked this recipe, you might also enjoy:

• Protein Monster Cookies
• Protein Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
• Protein Rice Krispies Treats
• Protein Mug Cake

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!