Looking for a cold, refreshing treat that also helps you increase your daily protein intake? This easy protein banana ice cream is creamy, naturally sweet and made with just four simple ingredients. Click here to see our free nutritional coach to check for protein and fat amounts in meals.
There is no ice cream maker required. All you need is a blender or food processor, some frozen bananas and your favourite whey protein powder.
It is ideal as a healthier dessert, a post-workout snack or something refreshing during warmer weather.
Protein Banana Ice Cream
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Freezing time: 30–60 minutes, optional
Servings: 2
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
- 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder (Or banana for an extra strong flavour)
- 100g 0% Greek yoghurt
- 1–2 tablespoons of milk
You can use any flavour of whey protein, although vanilla works particularly well with the banana.
Method
- Slice two ripe bananas and place them in the freezer until completely frozen.
- Add the frozen banana, whey protein powder, 0% Greek yoghurt and one tablespoon of milk to a powerful blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. You may need to stop occasionally and scrape down the sides.
- Add another small splash of milk only when needed. Using too much milk can make the mixture more like a smoothie than ice cream.
- Serve immediately for a soft-serve texture.
- For firmer, scoopable protein ice cream, transfer the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze for 30–60 minutes before serving.
Approximate Nutrition
Nutrition will vary depending on the size of the bananas and the whey protein, yoghurt and milk used.
Approximate nutrition per serving when divided into two portions:
- Calories: 200–220 kcal
- Protein: 17–20g
- Carbohydrates: 29–32g
- Fat: 1–2g
- Sugar: 14–16g
For a higher-protein version, use a larger serving of whey protein or divide the recipe differently.
Tips for the Best Protein Ice Cream
Use very ripe bananas, as these provide more natural sweetness and a creamier texture.
Make sure the banana slices are completely frozen before blending. Partially frozen bananas may create a runnier result.
Start with only one tablespoon of milk. You can always add more, but you cannot remove it once the mixture becomes too thin.
A food processor often works particularly well because the wider bowl makes it easier to blend thick frozen mixtures.
Protein Ice Cream Flavour Ideas
Once you have mastered the basic recipe, you can experiment with different protein powder flavours and toppings.
Try chocolate whey with a teaspoon of cocoa powder, cinnamon whey with a light dusting of cinnamon, or salted caramel whey with a small amount of sugar-free caramel sauce.
You could also add a few dark chocolate chips, crushed nuts or sliced banana before serving.
Can You Make Protein Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker?
Yes. The frozen bananas create the thick and creamy texture, so no specialist ice cream equipment is needed.
A strong blender or food processor will produce the best result. Allow the frozen banana pieces to sit at room temperature for two or three minutes when your blender is struggling, rather than adding too much milk.
Can You Store Protein Banana Ice Cream?
This recipe is best eaten immediately or after a short 30–60 minute freeze.
It can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer, but it may become very firm after several hours. Allow it to soften at room temperature for around 10–15 minutes before eating.
Find Your Favourite Whey Protein
The flavour and texture of your whey protein can make a big difference to the finished recipe.
Explore the protein powder range at 10 Reps and experiment with vanilla, chocolate, caramel or more unusual flavours to create your own protein ice cream combinations.