Tropical Vitamix Protein Ice Cream
Whip up a batch of Vitamix Protein Ice Cream –a dreamy coconut milk-based frozen dessert made with natural tropical fruit flavor and vanilla protein powder! It’s the perfect cold and creamy treat post-workout or on a hot day.
Are you an ice cream lover, but it doesn’t always agree with your gut? Trust me, I feel your pain. I love dairy, but I can only tolerate certain things and ice cream is not on that list. Dairy intolerance seems to sneak up on us as we age, and let’s face it, it’s a real bummer. I try to create healthier alternatives to satisfy those ice cream cravings. Enter my homemade high-protein ice cream!
You can choose from strawberry, chocolate, or today’s fun tropical fruit flavor! It’s so good you won’t even miss the lactose-laden stuff. Instead, you’ll whip creamy coconut milk, frozen banana, mango, pineapple, and vanilla-flavored protein powder together using your high-speed blender.
Don’t worry –it doesn’t have that weird chalky protein powder taste, as the rich, velvety coconut milk and heavenly fruit flavors shine!
Recipe features
Here’s a snapshot of what makes this tropical Vitamix protein ice cream recipe one of my favorites:
- Lactose-free. Indulge in non-dairy deliciousness, suitable for vegans or those with dairy or lactose intolerance.
- Protein-packed. Enjoy a satisfying, guilt-free treat that provides the amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth post-workout.
- Real tropical fruit flavor. Delight your taste buds with the irresistible taste of real tropical fruit infused in coconut milk ice cream.
- Soft-serve style. Indulge in a velvety, smooth, homemade soft-serve ice cream experience thanks to the power and precision of your Vitamix blender.
- Customizable. Treat this recipe as a canvas for endless flavor variations and your favorite toppings.
Why use a Vitamix
For optimal results, a Vitamix high-speed blender is your best bet. Its powerful motor and sharp blades are durable enough to achieve the perfect texture. Since this tropical protein ice cream is intended to be a thick, soft-serve consistency, a regular blender may struggle with the frozen fruit.
Ingredients needed
- Frozen banana. Adds creaminess and natural sweetness without the need for added sweeteners. Plus, bananas are a great source of potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber.
- Frozen mango. Adds natural sweetness and a nutrient boost.
- Frozen pineapple. The tangy sweetness elevates the tropical vibes while improving the nutritional content.
- Vanilla protein powder. I used vanilla whey protein isolate, which contains dairy, but it’s easier to digest because of the way it’s processed. To make this completely dairy-free, just use a great-tasting plant-based vanilla protein powder.
- Unsweetened coconut milk. Provides a non-dairy and lactose-free base with a naturally sweet and creamy flavor. Full-fat, unsweetened canned coconut milk works best, but refrigerated coconut milk also works. Just know the results may be less creamy.
How to make protein ice cream
Step 1: Blend ingredients. Place the frozen tropical fruits, protein powder, and coconut milk in a high-speed blender or Vitamix. Start blending on low speed, gradually increasing to high until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
If you want to make this ice cream extra creamy for a more indulgent treat, use the full-fat coconut milk. You can even do 1/2 canned coconut milk and half of the coconut milk in a carton (which I used). Either way, it’s awesome.
Step 2: Freeze (optional) and serve. If the mixture softened too much during blending, transfer it to a covered, freezer-safe container and place it in the freezer. Once firm, scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones and serve immediately. Grab a spoon and dig in.😉
Recipe tips and variations
- Use frozen fruit. Convenient bags of frozen fruit help create a thick and creamy texture without adding ice. If you’re using pre-frozen fruit, you’re all set! If you have fresh fruit, chop it into small pieces and freeze it until solid in advance.
- Blend with care. Use the tamper on your Vitamix to gently guide all the ingredients into the blades while gradually increasing the speed. But, be cautious of overbending, as this can lead to an undesirable consistency.
- Prevent ice crystals. Ensure the ingredients are blended thoroughly until smooth, and then stir the mixture occasionally during freezing. Using full-fat coconut milk and adding a sweetener can also help keep ice crystals away.
Variations
- More fruit options. Mix and match the mango and pineapple with other types of tropical fruits. Try papaya, passion fruit, guava, dragon fruit (pitaya), kiwi, or apricots.
- Add frozen berries. Pair the tropical fruits with a medley of frozen berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
- Incorporate citrus. Intensify the mouthwatering tropical fruit flavors with a touch of tanginess from freshly squeezed orange, lemon, or lime juice juice. Add the zest as well for a bolder flavor.
- No banana version. If you’re not a fan of banana flavor or don’t have any on hand, you can substitute frozen avocado for creaminess. In this case, you may need to add a natural sweetener.
- Sweeten to taste. Taste the ice cream after blending. If it isn’t sweet enough, adjust the sweetness to your liking with natural liquid sweeteners, such as agave, honey, date paste, or maple syrup.
- Protein powder flavor. Try it with chocolate or strawberry protein powder instead of vanilla. Or add a scoop of coffee-flavored to make a mocha coconut-flavored concoction.
Sundae topping ideas
Get creative with these tasty topping suggestions and create a tropical treat tailored to your tastes:
- Nuts – Sprinkle chopped almonds, cashews, or macadamia nuts for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Chocolate – Drizzle chocolate sauce or sprinkle chocolate chips on top of your protein ice cream for extra decadence.
- Coconut – Sprinkle shredded or toasted coconut flakes on top for extra texture and coconut flavor.
FAQ
While you can use light coconut milk instead of full-fat coconut milk to make ice cream, know that full-fat coconut milk creates ice cream with a rich, silky mouthfeel, whereas light coconut milk may yield a less cohesive, slightly icier texture.
To make vegan-friendly protein ice cream, you must use plant-based protein free from animal-derived ingredients. If you need a sweetener, go with maple syrup or agave nectar, and double-check that all ingredient labels align with your dietary preferences.
Storing instructions
This Vitamix protein ice cream is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for 1-2 weeks. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and soften before serving.
More high protein desserts
- Orange Creamsicle Protein Shake
- Cherry Protein Milkshake
- Peppermint Patty Protein Shake
- Edible Protein Cookie Dough
- Protein Tiramisu
- Protein Rice Crispy Treats
- Blender Protein Chocolate Mousse
- Fudgy Protein Brownies with M&M’s
If you love this tropical fruit-flavored Vitamix ice cream recipe, I would be so grateful if you could leave a 5-star 🌟 rating in the recipe card below. I love reading your comments and feedback!
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Tropical Vitamix Protein Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
- 2 ripe frozen bananas
- 1 cup frozen mango
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a heavy duty blender or Vitamix and blend until just smooth and creamy. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use frozen fruit. Convenient bags of frozen fruit help create a thick and creamy texture without adding ice. If you’re using pre-frozen fruit, you’re all set! If you have fresh fruit, chop it into small pieces and freeze it until solid in advance.
- Blend with care. Use the tamper on your Vitamix to gently guide all the ingredients into the blades while gradually increasing the speed. But, be cautious of overbending, as this can lead to an undesirable consistency.
- For an extra creamy treat- use the full-fat coconut milk. You can even do 1/2 canned coconut milk and half of the coconut milk in a carton (which is what I used). Either way, it’s awesome.
- Prevent ice crystals. Ensure the ingredients are blended thoroughly until smooth, and then stir the mixture occasionally during freezing. Using full-fat coconut milk and adding a sweetener can also help keep ice crystals away.
Nutrition
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