CARAMEL CHOCOLATE PROTEIN ICE CREAM
If you’re looking for a high-volume, protein-packed sweet treat… look no further than this Caramel Chocolate Protein Ice Cream! You get about four cups of “ice cream” for under 200 calories, and it’s low in carbs and fats so mostly protein. While the texture isn’t as rich as regular ice cream due to the lack of fat, it’s light and melty mouthfeel gives you an ice cream-like experience. This recipe kind of went viral so I had to take better pictures!
Protein recommendations
For this recipe, I recommend using a protein powder that has xanthan gum for maximum volume. I used Quest Protein in Salted Caramel flavor. If whey or xanthan gum bothers your tummy, then you can experiment with other protein powders, such as plant-based organic KOS Salted Caramel Protein with acacia gum. Collagen protein will not work in this recipe! Also, any protein that is “gum free” will not work since the gum improves volume and gives a smooth texture.
You can also use other flavors besides caramel if you prefer! The flavor matters less than the type of protein 😉
Sweetener recommendations
Since this recipe contains A LOT of ice, your protein powder alone may not be enough to sweeten the “ice cream.” In this case, you can add some stevia flavor drops, sugar free caramel syrup, or another sweetener of choice. I would caution against using a granulated sweetener, since it may not dissolve completely and could add a gritty texture.
Milk options
For this recipe, some sort of milk is essential! I used unsweetened almond milk, but you can totally use dairy-milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, rice milk, soy milk… whatever you like the flavor of! You cannot use water because the “ice cream” will not be creamy enough.
Toppings
Since the ice cream itself is rather plain, I highly recommend adding toppings like nuts, chocolate, crunchy cereal, sugar free syrups, or fruit. This recipe is highly customizable so get creative!
Here is the printable recipe for making Caramel Chocolate Protein Ice Cream. Enjoy!
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Caramel Chocolate Protein Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk* or milk of choice
- 14-16 cubes ice
- 30 g (1 scoop) caramel protein powder* like Quest Salted Caramel flavor
- 3-5 drops flavored liquid stevia* like Sweet Leaf
- 1/4 tsp. pure vanilla extract optional
- Dash salt (to improve texture) optional
*See blog post above for substitutions.
Instructions
- Add milk and scoop of protein to a high-powered blender (I used my Vitamix).
- Blend and add ice 4-5 cubes at a time. Use the blender stick or spatula to press down mixture into blades.
- Contine blending until no icy chunks remain and texture is like soft-serve.
- Spoon into a large bowl and garnish with toppings of choice (nuts, fruit, sugar-free syrup, chocolate, crunchy cereal, etc). Experiment with different protein powder flavors for endless options!
Notes
Also in Blog
CHOCOLATE PEANUT PROTEIN CANDY BARS (VEGAN)
PUMPKIN CHIP PROTEIN BREAD (GLUTEN FREE, DAIRY FREE)
This Pumpkin Chip Protein Bread has a rich, tender texture full of pumpkin spice and chocolate chips (no dry protein bread here). The kids and I can't get enough! Best of all, it's gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free and easily made egg-free and vegan.
