The Best Salted Caramel Protein Ninja Creami Ice Cream

The best Salted Caramel Protein Ninja Creami Ice Cream recipe that's creamy and satisfying, but still healthy! An easy, keto friendly salted caramel creami recipe that's even customizable with chocolate chips and pretzels!

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If you're one who's a major fan of ice cream, and especially some fun flavors, this recipe is for you!

Okay NGL the only reason I made this recipes is because I had salted caramel protein powder on hand, and also a salted caramel flavor coffee creamer. The timing worked perfectly well because husband and I also finally got the Ninja Creami!

Guys this appliance is totally worth it - we really should have gotten one sooner. So is you haven't this is your sign!

I've got a lot more recipe ideas in mind, so start off with this easy salted caramel ice cream and i'll be back soon.

Ingredients:

Here's what you need to make this beautiful salted caramel protein ninja creami recipe:

Salted Caramel Whey Protein Powder for high protein Ninja Creami ice creami ice cream! This is what gives it the sweetness and the flavor. I recommend Legion protein powder here; They've actually got really creative flavors!
Sugar-free Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix: This is what makes the ice cream thick! I love the one from Simply Delish; Its actually plant based!
Caramel Coffee Creamer or Syrup: Gives the ice cream more caramel flavor and a touch of sweetness. A sugar-free coffee creamer or syrup (like Jordan's) is what I recommend.
Unsweetened Almond Milk: Provides a low-calorie liquid base for the ice cream mix. It helps with creaminess without adding extra fat.
1% Low-fat Milk: Adds a bit more body and creaminess to the final ice cream; Only almond milk will make it too icy.
Low-fat Cottage Cheese: This is the secret to a the proper creaminess! I recommend low fat for some amount of fat (creaminess) but also keep the calories low.

Optional Mix-Ins:

Sugar-free Chocolate Chips: Try brands like Lily's or ChocZero.
Pretzels: The crunch with the chocolate and caramel is perfect!

See recipe card at the bottom of the page for the measurements!

Alternate Ingredients for Salted Caramel Protein Ice Cream

This incredibly versatile salted caramel protein ice cream recipe can be easily adjusted to fit your needs:

Almond Milk: You can use any skim low fat milk of your choice here - low fat milk, skim milk, oat milk, or soy milk.
1% milk: A slightly thicker milk than almond milk is needed; 2% or even whole milk would be great!
Salted Caramel Protein Powder: If you don't have salted caramel protein powder, a vanilla protein powder works perfectly. Be sure to add some salted caramel extract or something of that sort for enhanced flavor.
Cottage Cheese: The cottage cheese is the secret to getting a creamy texture and a protein boost without a strong flavor. You can substitute it with nonfat or lowfat plain Greek yogurt if desired.
Pudding Mix: A sugar-free cheesecake or butterscotch instant pudding mix could also work.
If you prefer not to use pudding mix, you can also try a bit of xanthan gum. I haven't tried this though, so no guarantees from me here.
Mix-Ins: The optional pretzels and chocolate chips make this a really beautiful salted caramel pretzel ice cream recipe. You can certainly swap them with other mix-ins like chopped nuts, crushed cookies, or toffee bits.

Dairy Free

Use coconut yogurt (instead of cottage cheese), coconut milk (instead of 1% milk) and plant-based protein powder like this one from KOS. Be sure to taste the mixture and extra vanilla extract or sweetener if needed.

How to Ninja Creami Caramel Protein Ice Cream

Making this ninja creami caramel ice cream recipe is really easy with very little hands-on time:

Bend the Base Ingredients: In your Ninja Creami pint container, blend the unsweetened almond milk, low-fat milk, low-fat cottage cheese, and caramel coffee creamer (or syrup) using an immersion blender.
Make sure its smooth and there are no cottage cheese lumps.
Add Flavor and Protein: Add your salted caramel protein powder and vanilla instant pudding mix and use the immersion blender to blend everything together again.
Scrape down the sides to ensure no dry powder remains. Make sure your mixture stays below the max fill line.
Freeze: Close the pint and place it in the freezer for at least 24 hours to ensure it is frozen solid.
Run the Ninja Creami: After freezing, insert the container into the Ninja Creami machine and run the "Lite Ice Cream" setting.
Re-Spin for Creaminess: The mixture will likely be crumbly after the first spin. Add a little more creamer (or milk/water), place it back in the machine.
Press the "Re-Spin" button. This is the key to a super smooth texture.
Add Mix-Ins: If using mix-ins, add in the sugar-free chocolate chips and pretzels.
Run the "Mix-In" cycle to make a this a salted caramel pretzel ninja creami!

Tips for a Perfect Salted Caramel Pretzel Ninja Creami

Blend Well: I recommend an immersion blender since its the most convenient way to ensure everything is blended into a smooth base. This is important since it helps avoid any grainy texture.
Taste the ice cream mixture: Your ice cream will taste like this, so be sure you like it; Add extra sweetener or vanilla extract if you need!
Don't Go Over the Max Fill Line: This is very important to avoid damaging the Ninja Creami machine.
Freeze for 24+ Hours: For a proper ice cream, make sure to freeze for a full 24-hours. Don't rush this step!
Respin is Key: Don't skip the re-spin. The ice cream will be crumbly until you do this; Only after the respin it will be smooth, rich consistency you want.

Equipment

This is the Ninja creami (7-in-1) that I have; You can also use the fancy 11-in-1 one if you would like!

10/10 recommend using good immersion blender here. I love this cordless one from KitchenAid, but you can use a regular one too.

Store this Keto friendly Salted Caramel Ninja Creami

Just like any ice cream, you need to store this Keto salted caramel Ninja Creami ice cream in the freezer.

Store any leftovers in the Ninja Creami pint, secured with the lid, in the freezer.

When you're ready to enjoy it again: thaw for a few minutes (or lightly defrost for a few seconds in the microwave), place the pint back in the machine and press the "Re-Spin" button.

FAQs

Is this salted caramel ice cream ninja creami recipe low-carb?

Yes! By using sugar-free ingredients and protein powder as a sweetener, this recipe makes a low carb salted caramel ice cream.

Can I use a different kind of protein powder?

Absolutely! I recommend salted caramel protein for the rich flavor, but you can use vanilla flavor and add some salted caramel extract or syrup. Be sure to taste the mixture!

Why is cottage cheese in this Ninja Creami recipe?

The cottage cheese in this Ninja Creami ice cream is what gives it the rich, thick, and creamy 'ice cream' texture without adding a lot of fat. In normal cases, the whey protein + almond milk combination would make the ice cream icy.

Is this a good post workout protein ice cream?

Yes, with a high amount of protein from the protein powder and cottage cheese, this Ninja Creami ice cream is great as a post workout treat.

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Did you try this recipe? I'd LOVE to know!
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