Protein Strawberry Ice Cream is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy a classic dessert while boosting your protein intake. Combining the sweetness of strawberries with the creamy texture of ice cream, this treat is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier version of their favorite frozen dessert. With added protein,
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond, soy, or oat milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped strawberries or dark chocolate chips for mix-ins
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: Start by washing and hulling the strawberries. Slice them into smaller pieces to make blending easier. Place the strawberries in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can pulse the strawberries until they reach your desired consistency.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended strawberries with honey. Stir well to ensure the honey is evenly distributed. Next, add the Greek yogurt, protein powder, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix everything until smooth. The Greek yogurt not only adds creaminess but also a good dose of protein.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and ensures a smoother texture when churning.
- Churn the Ice Cream: If you have an ice cream maker, pour the chilled mixture into the machine and churn according to the manufacturerโs instructions. Typically, this will take about 20-25 minutes. The ice cream will start to thicken and become creamy.
If you donโt have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Stir every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours to prevent ice crystals from forming. This manual churning will give you a similar result, though it may be slightly less creamy.
- Add Mix-ins: If youโre using optional mix-ins like chopped strawberries or dark chocolate chips, fold them in just before the ice cream is fully churned. This adds a nice texture and extra flavor to your dessert.
- Freeze Until Firm: Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Smooth the top with a spatula and cover with a lid. Freeze for at least 2 hours or until the ice cream is firm.
- Serve and Enjoy: To serve, scoop the Protein Strawberry Ice Cream into bowls or cones. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes if itโs too hard to scoop. Enjoy the creamy, fruity goodness of a protein-packed treat!
