High-Protein Chocolate Ice Cream

This creamy, chocolatey high-protein ice cream is easy to make with simple ingredients. It’s a great dessert or post-workout treat, offering plenty of protein with less sugar than traditional ice cream.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Freeze Time: 3–4 hours (or use an ice cream maker)
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes–4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Ice Cream Base

• 2 cups (480 g) plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 cup (240 ml) unsweetened milk of choice (dairy or high-protein soy milk)
• 2 scoops (about 60 g) chocolate protein powder
• ¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup or sugar-free syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon fine salt

Optional Mix-Ins

• 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons cacao nibs
• 2 tablespoons chopped roasted almonds or peanuts
• 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Blend the base.
   • Add the Greek yogurt, milk, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt to a blender or food processor.
   • Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
2. Taste and adjust.
   • Add more maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter ice cream.
   • If the mixture is too thick, blend in 1–2 tablespoons of milk.
3. Chill (recommended).
   • Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to improve texture and flavor.
4. Freeze.
   • Ice cream maker: Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 20–25 minutes).
   • No-churn method: Pour into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 3–4 hours, stirring every 45–60 minutes during the first 2–3 hours to reduce ice crystals.
5. Add mix-ins.
   • Fold in chocolate chips, cacao nibs, or nuts during the last few minutes of churning or before the final freeze.
6. Serve.
   • Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Fresh strawberries or raspberries
• Sliced bananas
• Chopped roasted nuts
• Unsweetened coconut flakes
• A drizzle of peanut butter or almond butter
• Extra cocoa nibs

Nutrition (Approximate, per serving)

• Calories: 190–230
• Protein: 18–22 g
• Carbohydrates: 14–18 g
• Fat: 3–6 g
• Fiber: 3–4 g

Nutrition will vary depending on the protein powder, milk, and sweetener used.