5 Ingredient Sea Salt & Honey Protein Ice Cream (Ninja CREAMi) Recipe

If you’ve ever daydreamed about digging into a decadent, creamy bowl of ice cream that refreshes you while also fueling your body, then this 5 Ingredient Sea Salt & Honey Protein Ice Cream (Ninja CREAMi) is about to become your new obsession. With the perfect balance of velvety cottage cheese, luscious honey, mellow vanilla, and pops of sweet dates, every bite tastes as indulgent as it is nourishing. Your Ninja CREAMi works its magic here, transforming a handful of staple ingredients into a treat so smooth and satisfying, you’ll never believe it’s packed with protein. Whether you’re a late-night snacker or a post-workout dessert lover, this is the recipe your inner foodie—and your muscles—will thank you for.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With only five ingredients, it’s amazing how much flavor and texture you get in every scoop of Sea Salt & Honey Protein Ice Cream (Ninja CREAMi). Each element plays a unique role: from creamy base to natural sweetness and a finishing touch of salt. Here’s why you don’t want to skip a single one:

• 16 oz cottage cheese: The backbone of our ice cream, cottage cheese creates an unbelievably creamy consistency while bringing loads of protein.
• 1/4 cup honey: For pure, unrefined sweetness that blends seamlessly and adds golden richness to every mouthful.
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Just a hint brings warmth and that classic ice cream flavor that pulls everything together.
• 1/4 tsp sea salt: Don’t skip this! A sprinkle of sea salt enhances all the flavors and makes the sweetness pop.
• 3 dates: These are your secret jewels for pockets of chewy sweetness in every bite. Make sure they’re pitted for easy blending.

How to Make & Honey Protein Ice Cream (Ninja CREAMi)

Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients

Grab your Ninja CREAMi pint container and start by adding the cottage cheese, honey, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Give them a good mix right in the container—no fancy equipment needed. You’ll want everything well incorporated, but don’t worry if it isn’t perfectly smooth yet. Hold off on the dates for now; they’ll make their entrance later during the mix-in stage.

Step 2: Freeze Until Solid

Cover the container with its lid and pop it into your freezer. Let it set for at least 4 hours—this gives the mixture time to firm up to the perfect texture for blending. A little patience goes a long way toward a scoopable, spoonable, creamy masterpiece.

Step 3: Slightly Soften Before Blending

Once the mixture is fully frozen, take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes, or run the container under hot water for a minute or two. This quick step helps your Ninja CREAMi blades blend everything into a dreamy smoothness without overworking your machine.

Step 4: Blend in the Ninja CREAMi

Pop the container into your Ninja CREAMi and choose the “lite ice cream” setting. Let it work its magic! You’ll be amazed as it spins those humble ingredients into a luxuriously creamy, thick ice cream that rivals any store-bought treat.

Step 5: Add Your Sweet Date Mix-Ins

Now’s the moment for those dates! Open the container, sprinkle in the pitted dates (you can roughly chop them for extra chewiness), and use the “mix-in” function. This last whirl will spread pockets of rich, caramel-like sweetness through your Sea Salt & Honey Protein Ice Cream (Ninja CREAMi), making each spoonful a happy surprise.

How to Serve & Honey Protein Ice Cream (Ninja CREAMi)

Garnishes

For a splash of extra flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle each bowl with a pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving. Not only does it look gorgeous, but it brings out every nuance of the honey and dates, offering a gourmet finish to your homemade creation.

Side Dishes

Although Sea Salt & Honey Protein Ice Cream (Ninja CREAMi) is absolutely perfect on its own, pair it with crisp almond biscotti, juicy sliced peaches, or fresh summer berries if you’re putting together a dessert platter. These simple sides add fun textures and complimentary flavors, transforming your treat into a stunning finale for any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, serve the ice cream in chilled glasses, topped with toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch. Or, sandwich a scoop between two homemade oat cookies for a wholesome ice cream sandwich. For special occasions, drizzle extra honey over the top and dot a few extra chopped dates for a rustic, irresistible sundae effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Sea Salt & Honey Protein Ice Cream (Ninja CREAMi) will keep beautifully for up to a week in the Ninja CREAMi container or any airtight freezer-safe container. To lock in that creamy texture, press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing—no freezer burn allowed here!

Freezing

If you’re planning to make a big batch ahead of time, simply freeze your base mixture as needed. You can prep multiple portions to have on standby. When ready to serve, blend straight from the freezer, adding dates and using the mix-in function for that fresh-from-the-CREAMi taste every single time.

Reheating

No real reheating necessary, but if the ice cream is extremely firm after prolonged freezing, just let it sit out for a few extra minutes, or use the Ninja CREAMi “re-spin” setting to bring back that lush, scoopable consistency. Your treat will taste just as creamy as day one!

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt also brings a tangy flavor and smooth texture, though you might lose a bit of the extra creaminess that cottage cheese offers. Still, the recipe will work and taste delicious.

What’s the benefit of adding sea salt to & Honey Protein Ice Cream (Ninja CREAMi)?

Sea salt does wonders by amplifying the sweetness of the honey and dates, highlighting the vanilla, and making each bite taste more balanced and rich. It’s a pro-level trick you won’t want to skip!

Can I make this without a Ninja CREAMi?

While the Ninja CREAMi gives you barista-worthy texture, you can absolutely try this recipe in a high-powered blender or food processor. Blend until silky smooth, then freeze in a shallow container, stirring every so often to prevent ice crystals.

Is & Honey Protein Ice Cream (Ninja CREAMi) kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids love the natural sweetness and creamy texture, and parents love the high-protein nutrition. Just chop the dates finely for younger kids who might not enjoy big bites of mix-ins.

Can I customize the mix-ins for & Honey Protein Ice Cream (Ninja CREAMi)?

Definitely! Try adding a swirl of peanut butter for extra richness, cocoa nibs for crunch, or even a few dark chocolate chips. The base ice cream is the perfect blank canvas for your favorite flavors.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of dreamy, nourishing desserts that satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you energized, Sea Salt & Honey Protein Ice Cream (Ninja CREAMi) is a must-try. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or impressing guests with your homemade skills, this recipe is sure to earn a permanent spot in your freezer. Give it a whirl and savor every creamy, honey-swirled bite!

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