Pure Protein Ice Cream - Only 111 Calories
Pure Protein Ice Cream - Only 111 Calories! is a medium American (Keto) recipe that serves 4. 111 calories per serving. Recipe by Maria Emmerich on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 6 hrs 5 min | Total: 6 hrs 25 min
Cost: $127.66 total, $31.92 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cup Water (cold; fill Ninja Creami pint container to the fill line)
- 1 piece Large Egg (raw; use a fresh or pasteurized egg for safety)
- 2 scoop Cry Prime Beef Protein Powder (Chocolate Flavor) (≈30 g per scoop; provides ~20 g protein each)
- 1 scoop Cry Prime Collagen Powder (Chocolate) (≈12 g; adds texture and collagen)
- 1 scoop Cry Prime Salted Caramel Protein Powder (flavored protein powder; adds caramel taste)
- 1 tsp Malt Extract (optional; gives a malt flavor)
- 0.25 tsp Stevia Glycerite (optional; adjust sweetness to taste)
- pinch pinch Salt (enhances flavor; even salted caramel powder benefits from a little extra)
Instructions
Gather Ingredients & Equipment
Measure out water, egg, protein powders, collagen, malt extract, stevia, and salt. Set out the Ninja Creami, pint container, stick blender, mixing bowl, measuring cup, and spatula.
Time: PT2M
Blend Base Mixture
Add 1 cup of cold water, the raw egg, 2 scoops of chocolate beef protein powder, 1 scoop of chocolate collagen, 1 scoop of salted caramel protein powder, 1 tsp malt extract, ¼ tsp stevia glycerite, and a pinch of salt into the mixing bowl. Blend with the stick blender until completely smooth.
Time: PT3M
Add Remaining Water & Adjust Consistency
Pour the remaining water into the bowl, stirring with a spatula until the mixture reaches the Ninja Creami fill line (about 2 cups total).
Time: PT2M
Taste & Fine‑Tune Sweetness
Taste a small spoonful; add a touch more stevia or a pinch more salt if needed, then stir briefly.
Time: PT1M
Freeze the Mixture
Transfer the blended mixture into the Ninja Creami pint container, secure the lid, and place it upright in the freezer for at least 6 hours (overnight is best).
Time: PT5M
Process Light Ice Cream Setting
After the mixture is solid, attach the container to the Ninja Creami, select the "Light Ice Cream" setting, and let the machine run (about 2½ minutes).
Time: PT3M
Gelato Setting (Optional for Extra Creaminess)
If the result is still too icy, re‑freeze for 30 minutes, then run the "Gelato" setting for a smoother finish.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Press the release button, scoop the ice cream into bowls, and enjoy immediately. Store leftovers as directed.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 111
- Protein
- 18 g
- Carbohydrates
- 2 g
- Fat
- 2 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Keto, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free, High‑Protein, Low‑Carb
Allergens: Egg, Beef (protein powder), Collagen (animal source), Potential soy (if protein powder contains soy)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Water: Unsweetened almond milk, Coconut water
- Instead of Large Egg: Pasteurized egg, Egg white only
- Instead of Cry Prime Beef Protein Powder (Chocolate Flavor): Other beef protein powder, Whey protein isolate
- Instead of Cry Prime Collagen Powder (Chocolate): Other collagen peptides
- Instead of Cry Prime Salted Caramel Protein Powder: Vanilla protein powder, Unflavored protein powder
- Instead of Malt Extract: Malt powder, Malted milk powder
- Instead of Stevia Glycerite: Liquid stevia, Erythritol
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
Equipment Needed
- Ninja Creami Machine
- Ninja Creami Pint Container
- Stick Blender
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cup
- Spatula or Spoon
- Freezer
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Blending the raw egg with the powders until completely smooth to avoid grainy texture.
- Filling the Ninja Creami container exactly to the fill line to prevent overflow during processing.
- Freezing the mixture for a minimum of 6 hours before running the Creami.
- Using the Light Ice Cream setting first, then the Gelato setting if needed for extra creaminess.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use chilled water and keep the mixing bowl cold to help the mixture freeze faster.
- A pinch of sea salt amplifies the sweet and caramel notes.
- If you prefer a sweeter dessert, increase stevia glycerite by ½ tsp or add a few drops of sugar‑free vanilla extract.
- For a fruit‑infused version, blend in ¼ cup of frozen berries before freezing.
Troubleshooting
Ice cream is icy or grainy.
Blend longer to fully dissolve powders, ensure the mixture is completely smooth before freezing, and run the Gelato setting after a short re‑freeze.
Mixture is too thick to blend.
Add a splash more cold water (1‑2 Tbsp) and blend again until smooth.
Raw egg taste is noticeable.
Use a pasteurized egg or substitute with ¼ cup of pasteurized liquid egg whites.
Container cracks during processing.
Make sure the mixture is fully frozen solid and the lid is tightly sealed before attaching to the Creami.
Storage
Refrigerator: Keep unopened container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Store sealed in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; ice cream will melt.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the blended mixture a day ahead and keep it in the freezer; the Creami can process it directly after the minimum freeze time.
- Portion the mixture into multiple pint containers for different flavors in the same batch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of pure protein ice cream in the keto community?
Pure protein ice cream has become a staple dessert for the keto and low‑carb community because it satisfies a sweet craving while keeping carbs and fat extremely low. It reflects the modern health‑focused culture where high‑protein, dairy‑free treats are prized for supporting weight‑loss and muscle‑building goals.
How does pure protein ice cream fit into the broader American keto cuisine tradition?
American keto cuisine emphasizes low‑carb, high‑protein foods that mimic traditional comfort dishes. This ice cream replaces sugar‑laden dairy desserts with a protein‑dense, dairy‑free alternative, aligning with the trend of re‑imagining classic treats for a low‑carb lifestyle.
What traditional ingredients are used in pure protein ice cream versus acceptable substitutes?
The core ingredients are water, raw egg, beef‑based protein powder, collagen powder, and flavored protein powders. Acceptable substitutes include almond milk for water, pasteurized egg or egg whites for raw egg, whey or plant‑based protein powders instead of beef, and natural sweeteners like erythritol in place of stevia glycerite.
What occasions or celebrations is pure protein ice cream traditionally associated with in the keto community?
Keto followers often serve pure protein ice cream at holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or post‑workout celebrations because it offers a guilt‑free sweet treat that aligns with their macro goals. It’s also popular as a daily dessert for those on long‑term keto plans.
What other keto‑friendly dishes pair well with pure protein ice cream?
Pair it with a warm berry compote made from low‑carb berries, a drizzle of sugar‑free chocolate sauce, or a side of keto‑friendly almond biscotti. It also works nicely after a savory keto meal such as cauliflower crust pizza or grilled salmon.
How has pure protein ice cream evolved over time in low‑carb cuisine?
Early low‑carb desserts used heavy cream and sugar substitutes, resulting in high‑fat treats. As protein powders and collagen supplements became mainstream, recipes shifted toward high‑protein, low‑fat versions like this one, especially with the advent of machines like the Ninja Creami that create smooth textures without dairy.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making pure protein ice cream?
Common errors include under‑blending the powders (causing grainy texture), overfilling the Ninja Creami container (which can cause the lid to pop off), and not freezing the mixture long enough before processing. Using a non‑pasteurized egg can also lead to safety concerns.
Why does this pure protein ice cream recipe use a raw egg instead of just water and protein powder?
The raw egg acts as an emulsifier, binding water and protein powders to create a smoother, creamier texture that mimics traditional ice cream. Without the egg, the result leans toward a sorbet‑like consistency.
Can I make pure protein ice cream ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture, freeze it in the Ninja Creami pint container for the required 6 hours, and keep the finished ice cream sealed in the freezer for up to one month. For short‑term storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days.
What does the YouTube channel Maria Emmerich specialize in?
The YouTube channel Maria Emmerich focuses on keto, low‑carb, and whole‑food recipes, offering meal plans, cooking tutorials, and nutrition advice for people seeking sustainable weight‑loss and health transformation through diet.
How does the YouTube channel Maria Emmerich's approach to keto cooking differ from other keto cooking channels?
Maria Emmerich emphasizes whole‑food ingredients, detailed macro tracking, and practical meal‑prep strategies, whereas many other keto channels rely heavily on processed keto products. Her videos often include personal health stories and scientific explanations behind the recipes.
Last updated: August 14, 2026
