Ninja Creami Banana Pudding Protein Ice Cream

Recipe highlights

This Creami protein ice cream is a family favorite, and I know you’ll love it too. Here are a few more reasons it’s a must-make:

• Protein-packed. Each pint has 37 grams of protein, making it a great post-workout treat or just a smarter way to satisfy a sweet tooth.
• Made with simple ingredients. No hard-to-find items here, just pantry and fridge staples that come together to taste like real Southern banana pudding.
• Easy to make. With your Ninja Creami, this recipe couldn’t be simpler. Blend, freeze, and spin. No churning or special techniques needed.

Ingredients you’ll need

• Banana. One batch uses half a banana, 50 grams exactly, if you’re tracking macros closely.
• Butter. A small amount caramelizes the bananas and adds incredible flavor. I don’t recommend skipping it, but butter-flavored cooking spray works in a pinch.
• Ultra-filtered 2% milk. Ultra-filtered milk is a staple in our fridge since it has 50% more protein and 50% less sugar than regular milk. Fairlife is a popular brand, but I buy the Kirkland brand from Costco in a 3-pack to save money.
• Vanilla protein powder. My favorites for this recipe are Clean Simple Eats vanilla and Puori Bourbon Vanilla Whey (use code Amee20 for a discount). Both add a natural vanilla flavor without an artificial aftertaste, but any vanilla protein powder you like will work.
• Pudding mix. Zero sugar banana pudding mix adds a more intense banana flavor and extra creaminess.
• Granulated sweetener. Just a small amount helps reduce ice crystal formation and adds a touch more sweetness.
• Vanilla bean paste. I use Trader Joe’s bourbon vanilla bean paste in all my Creami recipes.
• Salt. Just a pinch, but don’t skip it. It brings out the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Optional but highly recommended topping: crumbled Golden Oreo Thins. It has to be the Thins; they’re the perfect texture to soften slightly into the ice cream, just like vanilla wafers would in a traditional set banana pudding. A little whipped cream on top never hurts either.

How to make Creami banana pudding ice cream

Step 1: Caramelize the banana. Slice the banana in half, then lengthwise into 4 pieces (I always double the batch, so I use the whole banana). Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Cook the banana for 3 to 4 minutes, then flip and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, until caramelized and golden. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the ice cream base. Add the milk, protein powder, pudding mix, caramelized banana, sugar, vanilla bean paste, and salt to a Ninja Creami pint-size container. Use an immersion blender to blend until completely smooth.

Step 3: Freeze the mixture. Place the container on a flat surface in the freezer for 24 hours, or until solid.

Step 4: Process the ice cream. Remove the container from the freezer and install it in the Ninja Creami according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Select the “Lite Ice Cream” function and let the machine work its magic. For the best scoopable texture, run the “Mix-In” setting twice. For a soft-serve texture, hit “Re-spin” and adjust the consistency with a splash of milk if needed.

My recipe tips and variations

• Blend with care. Blend the base ingredients until completely smooth so the mixture freezes evenly. No immersion blender? A high-powered blender or a food processor works too.
• Patience is key. Freeze the mixture for at least 24 hours to make sure it fully solidifies.
• Re-spin for perfection. If your ice cream is too firm after the first cycle, hit “Re-spin” for a softer consistency. One or two rounds of “Mix-In” will also help build a thicker, scoopable texture (my personal favorite method).
• Mix-in timing matters. Add crumbled Golden Oreo Thins during the last “Mix-In” cycle for a blended blizzard-type texture. This prevents overmixing. We prefer chunkier mix-ins that aren’t as blended, so we like to just sprinkle them on top and gently stir them in.
• Make it a full banana pudding experience. Layer scoops with extra crumbled Golden Oreo Thins and a dollop of whipped cream for a parfait-style presentation.