This healthy chocolate ninja creami ice cream is thick and creamy with a rich chocolate flavor. It's made with almond milk and coconut cream and sweetened with dates. It's the perfect homemade ice cream for anyone in need of something that's dairy free, refined sugar free and paleo friendly.
Since I got my Ninja Creami back in August, I've made SO many pints of ice cream!
My go-to is typically my vanilla protein ice cream, or a low calorie almond milk version. But this chocolate ninja creami is another family favorite. In fact, it's my oldest son's top request - he's said it's even better than store bought!
This chocolate ninja creami ice cream is made without protein powder. I added collagen peptides to make it a little creamier, but have also tested this recipe without it and it works. All that being said, you can add a scoop of protein powder in place of the collagen if you want.
The base for this ice cream is made with almond milk and coconut cream. It's flavored with cocoa powder, vanilla and a little salt, and sweetened with dates. I like to add a tablespoon of maple syrup for more sweetness, but you can leave it out.
Why You'll Love this Chocolate Ninja Creami
- healthy - made with simple, wholesome ingredients you can feel good about!
- dairy free - made without cream cheese and without cow's milk.
- paleo friendly - made with minimally processed, all paleo ingredients
- no protein powder - this recipe does not require any protein powder, but still has a great texture.
- thick and creamy - the best ice cream texture.
Ingredients
The full recipe for this chocolate ninja creami recipe can be found in the recipe card below, but here's a list of what you'll need:
- almond milk - I chose almond milk for the base of this recipe, but you could swap it with any other milk.
- coconut cream - this thickens the ice cream and provides a thicker, creamier texture. The best swap would be heavy cream or a thick yogurt.
- maple syrup - optional for adding a little more sweetness and flavor.
- vanilla extract - added for flavor.
- dates - used to sweeten the ice cream and improve the ice cream texture. I don't recommend any swaps for this ingredient.
- cocoa powder - since this is a chocolate ice cream. You can also use cacao powder.
- collagen peptides - this ingredient is optional. I think it helps improve the ice cream texture, but I've tried the recipe without collagen and it's still great. You can also swap the collagen for protein powder if you want.
- salt - enhances the flavors.
How to Make Dairy Free Chocolate Ice Cream in the Ninja Creami
This ninja creami chocolate ice cream is made in a blender, poured into the ninja creami pint, frozen and then spun after 24 hours. Here are the steps:
- Place all ice cream ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour the ice cream into your ninja creami pint container and freeze for at least 24 hours.
- Remove the container from the freezer and level off the top (if needed).
- Place the pint in your ninja creami machine and blend on "Lite Ice Cream".
- If the ice cream is not as creamy as you'd like, then add a tablespoon of almond milk and blend again using the "Re-Spin" button.
Tips and Tricks
- Don't fill above the max fill line: make sure not to overfill the container, as the ice cream expands when it's blended. You shouldn't have any issues if following this recipe exactly.
- Fully freeze: You want your pint to be fully frozen for the best texture.
- Level: Before blending, make sure the top of the frozen ice cream is level. You can use a spoon to scrape off the hump and smooth the top.
- Re-spins: If your ice cream isn’t smooth and creamy, you can add a tablespoon of almond milk and re-spin until you get your desired consistency.
Storage
Store leftovers in the creami pint, with the lid on top. Be sure to level off the ice cream before freezing so that you can re-spin it for next time.
FAQ
No! You can leave out the collagen or swap it with protein powder. It will slightly change the texture, but is still great.
The dates make this ice cream super creamy. I do not recommend swapping them with any other ingredient.
This recipe is vegan friendly, so long as you omit the collagen or swap it with a vegan protein powder.
More Healthy Ice Cream Recipes
Looking for more dairy free ice cream recipes? Try these:
Healthy Chocolate Ninja Creami (Dairy Free, Paleo)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 pint 1x
Description
This healthy chocolate ninja creami ice cream is thick and creamy with a dark chocolate flavor. It's dairy free, refined sugar free and paleo friendly!
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond milk
- ⅓ cup coconut cream (just the thick white cream from a can of full fat coconut milk/cream)
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup (optional)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 5 Medjool dates
- 2 Tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 Tbsp collagen peptides (optional)
- ⅛ tsp salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a high powered blender. Blend, starting at a low speed and then gradually increasing the speed until your mixture is smooth.
- Pour the ice cream mixture into your Ninja Creami pint.
- Place the lid on the Creami pint and set it in the freezer for 24 hours.
- Remove the pint from the freezer. If there's a hump in the middle of the pint, level it off with a spoon.
- Plug in the Ninja Creami. Place the pint in the outer bowl and lock the lid, then place the bowl on the motor base and twist into position.
- Turn on the Creami and select "Lite Ice Cream". If needed, blend again by adding another tablespoon of almond milk and blending it again on "Re-spin".
- Store leftovers in the Creami pint, with the lid on top. Be sure to level off the ice cream before freezing so that you can re-spin it for next time.
Katie
Hope you all love this recipe as much as we do! Enjoy!