Strawberry Protein Ice Cream (37g Protein)
Strawberry Protein Ice Cream (37g Protein) is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 90 calories per serving. Recipe by Justin Anderson on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 20 min
Cost: $2.96 total, $0.74 per serving
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Fairlife Milk (2% reduced‑fat, high protein)
- 1/4 cup Greek Yogurt (plain, full‑fat for creaminess)
- 1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder (≈30 g, whey or plant‑based)
- 1 tablespoon Honey (raw or clover)
- 1 cup Strawberries (chopped, fresh or thawed frozen)
- 2 tablespoons Almond Milk (unsweetened, added at the end for extra creaminess)
Instructions
Blend Base Ingredients
Add the Fairlife milk, Greek yogurt, vanilla protein powder, and honey to the blender. Blend on low until the protein powder is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Time: PT2M
Incorporate Strawberries
Add the chopped strawberries to the blender and pulse briefly—just enough to distribute the fruit without turning it into a puree.
Time: PT1M
Freeze Overnight
Transfer the mixture to a freezer‑safe container, seal tightly, and place in the freezer for at least 8 hours (overnight) until solid.
Time: PT0M
Process in Ninja Creami (White Ice Cream Setting)
Remove the frozen container, attach it to the Ninja Creami, select the “White Ice Cream” setting, and let the machine run.
Time: PT5M
Add Almond Milk and Re‑mix
Create a small well in the churned ice cream, pour in the almond milk splash, then select the “Mix‑In” setting to blend it in for extra creaminess.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy immediately. Optionally garnish with fresh strawberry slices.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 90
- Protein
- 9 g
- Carbohydrates
- 9 g
- Fat
- 4 g
- Fiber
- 0.5 g
Dietary info: High protein, Gluten‑free, Vegetarian
Allergens: Milk, Tree nuts
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Fairlife Milk: Regular low‑fat milk, Almond milk
- Instead of Greek Yogurt: Regular plain yogurt, Skyr
- Instead of Vanilla Protein Powder: Unflavored protein powder with a dash of vanilla extract, Collagen peptides
- Instead of Honey: Maple syrup, Agave nectar
- Instead of Strawberries: Raspberries, Mixed berries
- Instead of Almond Milk: Any other plant milk, Whole milk
Equipment Needed
- Blender
- Measuring Cups
- Spatula
- Freezer‑Safe Container
- Ninja Creami Machine
- Ninja Creami Paddle (included)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Freezing the mixture overnight until solid
- Running the Ninja Creami on the White Ice Cream setting
- Adding a splash of almond milk and re‑processing on the Mix‑In setting
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor
- Fairlife milk adds extra protein and a creamy mouthfeel
- If you don’t have a Ninja Creami, a standard ice‑cream maker works but will need a longer churn time
Troubleshooting
Ice cream is icy or grainy after processing
Ensure the mixture was fully frozen solid before running the Creami; add a splash more almond milk and re‑run the Mix‑In cycle.
Protein powder didn’t dissolve, leaving lumps
Blend the milk, yogurt, protein powder, and honey first for a full minute before adding strawberries.
Ice cream is too soft after the first cycle
Run a second “White Ice Cream” cycle or add a few more frozen berries to firm it up.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days
Freezer: Can refreeze for up to 1 month, though texture may become slightly grainy
Room temperature: Do not keep at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- The base can be prepared and frozen up to 3 days in advance
- If you want a firmer texture, add an extra tablespoon of honey before freezing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of High-Protein Strawberry Ice Cream in modern American fitness cuisine?
High‑Protein Strawberry Ice Cream reflects the recent American trend of blending indulgent desserts with functional nutrition, especially among fitness enthusiasts seeking post‑workout recovery foods that still satisfy a sweet craving.
How does High-Protein Strawberry Ice Cream differ from traditional strawberry ice cream in American cuisine?
Traditional strawberry ice cream relies on cream and sugar for richness, while this version swaps heavy cream for high‑protein Fairlife milk, Greek yogurt, and a scoop of vanilla protein powder, delivering roughly 37 g of protein per batch with less added sugar.
What traditional regional variations of strawberry ice cream exist in the United States, and how does this high‑protein version compare?
In the U.S., classic versions include Southern strawberry ice cream made with heavy cream and buttermilk. The high‑protein version uses dairy‑rich yet lower‑fat ingredients and adds protein powder, making it a healthier, gym‑friendly alternative.
What occasions or celebrations is High-Protein Strawberry Ice Cream traditionally associated with in American fitness culture?
It’s popular after strength‑training sessions, at protein‑focused brunches, and as a guilt‑free treat at summer barbecues where athletes want a sweet finish without compromising macros.
How does High-Protein Strawberry Ice Cream fit into the broader trend of functional desserts in American cuisine?
Functional desserts like this blend pleasure with performance, aligning with the growing demand for foods that support muscle recovery, weight‑management, and overall health while still delivering classic dessert textures.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for strawberry ice cream versus acceptable substitutes in this high‑protein recipe?
Traditional strawberry ice cream uses heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and fresh strawberries. In this high‑protein version, Fairlife milk, Greek yogurt, vanilla protein powder, and honey replace cream and sugar, while almond milk adds extra creaminess as a substitute for additional dairy.
What other American fitness‑friendly dishes pair well with High-Protein Strawberry Ice Cream?
Pair it with a warm protein‑packed oatmeal bowl, a nut‑butter banana toast, or a grilled chicken salad for a balanced post‑workout meal that keeps protein intake high throughout the day.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making High-Protein Strawberry Ice Cream?
Common errors include not freezing the base solid enough before running the Ninja Creami, over‑blending the strawberries which creates a puree, and skipping the final almond‑milk Mix‑In step, which can leave the texture too dense.
Why does this High-Protein Strawberry Ice Cream recipe use the Ninja Creami’s White Ice Cream setting instead of a regular ice‑cream maker?
The White Ice Cream setting is designed for low‑fat, high‑protein mixtures that need extra agitation to achieve a smooth texture without the high fat content that traditional churners rely on for creaminess.
Can I make High-Protein Strawberry Ice Cream ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the base, freeze it, and keep the frozen container in the freezer for up to three days before processing. After churning, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
What does the YouTube channel Justin Anderson specialize in?
The YouTube channel Justin Anderson focuses on quick, nutrition‑forward recipes that blend fitness goals with everyday cooking, often featuring high‑protein twists on classic comfort foods.
How does the YouTube channel Justin Anderson's approach to protein‑rich desserts differ from other fitness cooking channels?
Justin Anderson emphasizes minimal equipment (like the Ninja Creami) and uses readily available grocery‑store ingredients, whereas many other channels rely on specialty protein powders or elaborate techniques that require more time and tools.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
