This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Classic banana pudding flavors meet creamy, high-protein ice cream in this Banana Pudding Ice Cream made in the Ninja Creami. Fresh banana, vanilla pudding mix, and crunchy Nilla wafers comes together for a rich and creamy treat that tastes like banana pudding.
Just like my High Protein Banana Pudding, the combination of vanilla pudding mix, fresh banana, and crunchy cookie pieces gives this Ninja Creami recipe the classic flavor and texture that makes banana pudding so good. Vanilla protein powder simply adds a boost of protein without taking away from what makes the original dessert so good.
Everything You Love About Banana Pudding (in a Ninja Creami)
The best part about this recipe isn’t that it’s high in protein. It’s that it captures what makes banana pudding so good. Vanilla pudding mix creates that classic creamy flavor, fresh banana adds natural sweetness without overpowering the vanilla flavor, and chopped vanilla wafers give you those bites of cookie in every scoop.
The result is a Ninja Creami recipe that feels just like the classic dessert. It’s easy to make, perfect for dessert or an afternoon snack, and is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself keeping stocked in the freezer.
- Classic banana pudding flavor. Vanilla pudding mix, fresh banana, and Nilla wafers work together to recreate the nostalgic dessert.
- High in protein. Vanilla protein powder adds protein without taking away from the flavor or creamy texture.
- Creamy with the perfect texture. The Ninja Creami machine creates a smooth base with little bites of banana and crunchy cookies throughout.
- Made with simple ingredients. Everything is easy to find and comes together with just a few minutes of prep.
- Perfect for dessert or a snack. It’s satisfying enough to curb a sweet craving while adding more protein to your day.
Ingredient Notes
For full recipe instructions and complete list of ingredients, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Vanilla protein powder: Vanilla is the best choice here because it complements the banana pudding flavor instead of competing with it. Use a protein powder you already enjoy drinking, since the flavor will come through in the finished ice cream.
- Vanilla instant pudding mix: This is the ingredient that really makes the ice cream taste like banana pudding. It adds that classic vanilla pudding flavor while helping create a thick, creamy texture.
- Milk: Any milk you enjoy drinking will work. Dairy milk or your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk will also create great results.
- Banana: Use a ripe yellow banana with minimal brown spots. An overly ripe banana can become very sweet and overpower the vanilla pudding flavor.
- Nilla wafers: Breaking the cookies into pieces instead of crushing them completely gives you little bites of crunch throughout the ice cream.
- Whipped topping (optional): A dollop of whipped topping, a few fresh banana slices, and an extra vanilla wafer makes this feel even more like the classic dessert.
How to Make High-Protein Banana Pudding Ice Cream in the Ninja Creami
- Add the protein powder, pudding mix, and milk to a Ninja Creami pint container.
- Whisk until the pudding mix and protein powder are completely dissolved. Cover and freeze on a level surface in the freezer for 24 hours.
- Place the pint container in the Ninja Creami outer bowl, secure the lif with blade, and install on the machine. Run lite ice cream mode one time.
- While the ice cream spins, quarter banana and chop into ¼-inch pieces. Break cookies into pieces and combine with the banana. Create a hole in the center of the ice cream (all the way to the bottom of the container). Add the banana and cookies and run the mix-in mode one time. Scoop and top with whipped topping, if desired.
My Pro Tip
Recipe Tip
- Whisk until completely smooth. Make sure the protein powder and pudding mix are fully dissolved before freezing to create the creamiest texture.
- Don’t add the cookies until the Mix-in cycle. Adding them earlier causes them to soften too much.
- Add the banana as a Mix-in too. I’ve tested it both ways and found that adding the banana as a mix in versus before freezing is tastier, and makes it taste like banana pudding vs. banana ice cream!
- Freeze for the full 24 hours. Adding the fresh banana as a mix in softens the ice cream a bit, so make sure to freeze it fully before spinning!
- Enjoy soon after the Mix-in cycle. The Nilla wafers have the best texture when they’re still slightly crisp.
Storage and Make Ahead
Store any leftovers in the Ninja Creami pint container with the lid on. The cookies will soften over time, but the banana pudding flavor will still be just as good. When you’re ready for another scoop, re-spin. If it looks crumbly after spinning, add a splash of milk and respin again until creamy.
Other Ninja Creami Recipes
If you’ve made and loved this Ninja Creami Banana Pudding Ice Cream recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and comments below!
Ninja Creami High-Protein Banana Pudding Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 scoops vanilla protein powder
- 2 tbsp vanilla instant pudding, (regular or sugar free)
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 sliced banana, (yellow, not overripe)
- 4 Nilla wafer cookies, broken into pieces
- Whipped topping, freshly sliced bananas, more cookies, (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the protein powder, pudding mix and milk in the Ninja Creami pint container using a small whisk or spoon until completely dissolved.
- Cover and freezer on a level surface for 24 hours.
- Place the pint container in the Ninja Creami outer bowl and secure lid with blade, install onto machine. Run lite ice cream mode x1.
- Create a hole in the middle of the ice cream (all the way to the bottom). Add banana and cookies. Run mix-in mode x1.
- Scoop and top with whipped topping if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use a ripe yellow banana with only a few brown spots. Overripe bananas can overpower the pudding flavor.
- Whisk the base until completely smooth before freezing. This prevents any clumps of protein powder or pudding mix.
- First spin might be crumbly. The ice cream still looks a bit crumbly before the mix-in spin, but if it’s able to be smoothed out with a spoon, it will be perfect after the mix-ins are added.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an estimate.
