Eggnog brings rich holiday nostalgia—the creamy dairy, warm spices, and sweet custard taste that feels festive. Turning that into ice cream elevates the experience even more, especially with a protein boost that makes a treat feel nourishing instead of indulgent.
With the Ninja Creami, you can craft a protein-packed, eggnog‑inspired frozen dessert at home. It skips heavy custards, stays customizable, and delivers a creamy finish every time you spin it.
This recipe blends classic eggnog flavor with high‑quality protein to make a scoopable dessert you’d happily serve all year. Let’s dive into how to make it, what swap options you can try, and how to get the best texture without complications.
1. Why Make Eggnog Protein Ice Cream Yourself?
Why go through the trouble when store‑bought eggnog or protein shakes exist?
Because homemade gives you control over sweetness, spices, and protein quality. You choose real ingredients, no preservatives, and adjust flavor to your preference. Protein keeps you fuller longer, and turning it into ice cream feels celebratory while still fitting nutritional goals.
Ninja Creami simplifies the process: freeze, spin, and get creamy texture without the hassle or custard-based risks.
2. What Ingredients Deliver Real Eggnog Flavor and Protein?
What makes a satisfying and authentic yet protein-rich ice cream?
Core Ingredients:
- ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk or dairy milk
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (plain, full‑fat) for creaminess and tang
- ½ cup eggnog or homemade eggnog (use alcohol‑free or low‑sugar)
- 1 scoop vanilla or eggnog‑flavored protein powder (~25g protein)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey for sweetness
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt to enhance flavor
This mix yields balanced sweetness, spice, and protein, while Greek yogurt and almond milk reduce fat compared to heavy cream.
3. How Do You Combine These Ingredients Properly?
How do you ensure smooth texture and balanced flavor before freezing?
Step-by-Step Base Prep:
- Whisk almond milk, yogurt, eggnog, protein powder, sweetener, vanilla, spices, and salt until fully smooth.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or spice—add more nutmeg or cinnamon lightly if needed.
- Let the mixture stand 5 minutes to hydrate protein powder and allow flavors to meld.
- Pour into Ninja Creami pint container up to the max‑fill line.
- Seal and freeze flat for at least 24 hours.
Be sure to remove lumps by wiping the bottom of container with a spatula—protein powder can clump if not mixed well.
4. How to Creamify the Eggnog Protein Ice Cream
When it’s time to transform the frozen block, what’s the process?
Creami Step Process:
- Remove pint from freezer; allow 1–2 minutes to soften slightly—this helps prevent paddle damage.
- Insert into Creami outer bowl and lock the lid.
- Choose “Ice Cream” setting and start.
- After blending, inspect texture. If the mixture appears crumbly or powdery, add 1–2 tablespoons almond milk and select “Re‑spin”.
You should end up with a rich, creamy scoopable ice cream that tastes like eggnog with a protein kick.
5. Want Crunch or Swirls? How to Add Mix‑Ins Correctly
Would adding mix‑ins improve the texture or flavor complexity?
Yes. Here’s how to incorporate them without overmixing your protein base:
- Use “Mix‑in” mode: scoop out a small well in the center of ice cream.
- Add up to ¼ cup total of your mix-ins, then run mix‑in cycle to gently distribute.
Suggested Mix‑Ins:
- Crushed pecans or walnuts
- Dark chocolate chips
- Swashes of caramel or baking rum sauce
- Candied ginger bits for a holiday kick
These additions elevate the eating experience without compromising the ice cream texture.
6. Flavor Variations You Can Try
Want to experiment while keeping the eggnog-protein theme?
Variation Options:
- Almond Joy Eggnog: Add shredded coconut and almond slivers as mix‑ins.
- Spiced Mocha Nog: Stir in 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder and mini chocolate chips.
- Dairy‑free version: Use coconut yogurt and coconut milk; select non‑dairy protein powder.
- Alcohol‑infused twist: Add a tablespoon of rum or bourbon to the base before freezing (alcohol lowers freezing point slightly).
Each option adds a new layer of flavor while preserving the creamy base.
7. Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
How should you serve this ice cream to feel festive and refined?
- Scoop into chilled dessert bowls or martini glasses.
- Garnish with grated nutmeg, cinnamon stick, or a dusting of cocoa.
- Serve with holiday cookies or gingerbreads on the side.
- Layer with granola or spiced granola for crunch contrast.
These presentation tips make your protein ice cream feel like a holiday treat rather than a standard freeze.
8. Nutritional Snapshot (Estimated per Serving)
Curious how it stacks up macros?
| Nutrient | Estimate (serving ≈ ½ pint) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220–250 kcal |
| Protein | 20–25g |
| Fat | 5–7g |
| Sugar | 15–18g |
| Carbohydrates | 20–22g |
| Fiber | 1–2g |
Greeks yogurt and protein powder deliver substantial protein with moderate sugar and lower fat than typical ice creams.
Video:
9. How to Store and Re‑Spin Leftovers Correctly
Want to enjoy it later? Keep its refreshing flavor.
- Smooth the surface and reseal the pint with lid.
- Refreeze flat and upright.
- When ready to serve again, run “Re‑spin” with a splash of almond milk to revive texture.
- Consume within 5–7 days for best flavor and consistency.
Avoid re‑spinning repeatedly—texture degrades after multiple refreezes.
10. Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Want consistently smooth ice cream? Avoid these errors:
- Insufficient mixing of protein powder leads to gritty lumps.
- Skipping full freeze. The Creami needs a solid block to work effectively.
- Too much protein powder. Excess results in chalky or dry texture.
- Not adding liquid before re‑spin: dry or crumbly results need additional dairy or milk.
- Using overheated mix‑ins. Always cool ingredients before adding to avoid melting the base prematurely.
Attending to each detail ensures reliable results every time.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whey or plant‑based protein powder?
Yes—whey blends smoothly and emphasizes dairy richness; plant-based options may need extra liquid to avoid gritty texture.
Can I skip the yogurt?
You can, but yogurt boosts creaminess and tang. If omitted, consider adding collagen or more protein liquid.
Is eggnog waist‑friendly?
Go for low‑sugar or light eggnog versions. You control added sweeteners and portion size.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—but freeze in two separate Ninja Creami pints and process separately.
Does this taste like eggnog or protein shake?
It tastes like festive eggnog with added richness and sweet protein—not like a plain shake if you balance sweetness and spices.
12. Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Keep Making This Recipe
This Ninja Creami Eggnog Protein Ice Cream delivers holiday charm and protein power in one scoop. You get control over sweetness, spice, and protein quality. You avoid overloading on sugar and fat while still feeling indulgent.
The Ninja Creami makes creating this treat simple—freeze overnight, spin, and enjoy the creamy output. Add nutty mix‑ins or swirls to elevate each serving further. The result tastes homemade, festive, and satisfying.
Once you taste a protein-rich frozen treat that loves your taste buds and your nutritional goals, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. It takes classic eggnog, gives it cream‑ice texture, and adds a muscle‑friendly boost. Dessert and nourishment in one bold scoop.
