This orange julius protein ice cream is super easy to make in the Ninja Creami, features a super creamy texture and is packed with protein. It’ll be your new go-to when you’re craving something sweet but still wanna keep it healthy!
NINJA CREAMI PROTEIN ORANGE JULIUS
I could not be more excited to share this recipe with you! This Ninja Creami Orange Julius Protein Ice Cream tastes just like the classic treat but in a delightful ice cream.
Oh, and it’s also packed with protein!
My kids cannot get enough protein ice cream, and often have this or my Ninja Creami Chunky Monkey ice cream for breakfast or a fun after-school snack!
This Ninja Creami orange julius protein ice cream will satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you full for hours. Win/win.
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Table of contents
Looking for more healthy recipes? Try my black bean brownie batter, chocolate chip energy bites, or quinoa granola!
EQUIPMENT NEEEDED FOR THIS RECIPE
Ninja Creami Ice Cream Machine
You’ll need a Ninja Creami ice cream maker in order to churn creamy orange julius protein ice cream. A few people have asked if you can make this in your blender and I’m sorry to say that it won’t work.
It took me a long time to invest in the Ninja Creami because it does cost a bit, but I’m SO glad I did and we use it all the time now!
There are 3 models of the Ninja Creami machine, and I decided on the 7-in-1 which has worked great for us.
Ninja Creami Pint Container
The Ninja Creami models come with at least one pint container (or a 24-ounce container if you get the deluxe).
I bought extra pint containers so I can make all the ice creams we will eat in a week and just pull them out for busy morning and quick after-school snacks or easy treats.
Immersion Blender, Milk Frother, or Whisk
I love my immersion blender and use it all the time! You can also use a milk frother or just a basic whisk to make Ninja Creami protein ice cream.
INGREDIENTS IN NINJA CREAMI ORANGE JULIUS
Orange julius protein ice cream has just a few simple ingredients and is SUPER easy to make! The combination of milk, vanilla, and orange makes an ice cream reminiscent of orange creamsicles and is SO good!
***Ingredient amounts and instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
orange juice
You can use any kind of orange juice, including making it from frozen concentrate. Try some fun variations! We loved one made with pineapple orange juice and it was delish!
milk of choice
I recommend using whole milk for the creamiest texture. If you’re dairy-free, I recommend using a milk that is higher in fat such as Oatly full-fat oat milk which is certified gluten-free.
I do not recommend using 1 percent or fat-free milk, and heavy cream isn’t necessary if you’re using whole milk.
vanilla protein powder
I love Clean Simple Eats protein powder, it gives the ice cream a really smooth texture and doesn’t have a funky flavor.
Feel free to use whatever protein powder you already love! Just be aware that however the protein powder tastes on its own, it will give that same flavor to your ice cream.
For dairy-free, I recommend Truvani or Just Ingredients.
vanilla extract
This isn’t absolutely necessary since you’re already using vanilla protein powder, but I’ve found that adding just a little extra gives a boost of flavor that is super tasty!
HOW TO MAKE GLUTEN FREE NINJA CREAMI ORANGE JULIUS PROTEIN ICE CREAM
The Ninja Creami makes protein ice cream SO easy! This orange julius protein ice cream whips up in just a minute or two, but make sure you plan time for it to freeze.
Full ingredients and instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1: Mix Ingredients
Combine all ingredients in a Ninja Creami jar and use an immersion blender to mix until smooth.
If you don’t have an immersion blender, use a medium bowl or large cup and whisk until smooth
Step 2: Freeze
Fasten the lid on your Ninja Creami container (make sure it clicks!) and place in an upright position in your freezer.
Freeze overnight or longer
PRO TIP: Be sure that you set the container on a level surface. If the base is not level on top, it might not blend.
Step 3: Blend
When you’re ready to enjoy some Ninja Creami orange julius protein ice cream, remove the base from the freezer, fit into the outer bowl assembly, and process on the “lite ice cream” setting.
If it’s crumbly on top after the first spin, press re-spin. You can also add a splash of milk or orange juice, but don’t add too much or it will give you a thinner texture.
PRO TIP: Allowing your base to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before processing can help to avoid the need for a re-spin.
HOW TO STORE PROTEIN ICE CREAM
If you have leftover ice cream, smooth it into an even layer in the Ninja Creami container, then place back in the freezer.
Process using the “lite ice cream” setting as you normally would.
Re-frozen ice cream will not be as creamy but will still taste good 🙂
MORE RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE
No-Churn Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream
Gluten-Free Orange Poppyseed Bread
Chocolate Brownie Protein Balls
Stay tuned! I’ll be sharing more of my favorite Ninja Creami recipes soon.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this dairy free?
Yes! Simply swap a dairy-free vanilla protein powder (make sure it’s one you like!) and dairy-free milk. I recommend a higher-fat milk such as Oatly full-fat oat milk.
Why is my Ninja Creami ice cream crumbly?
If your Ninja Creami ice cream is crumbly, add a splash of milk, cream, or yogurt and use the re-spin button. Using a dairy-free milk can increase the likelihood of a crumbly consistency, so be sure you’re using a full-fat liquid and run the re-spin a few times if needed.
Do I have to freeze the Ninja Creami ice cream for 24 hours?
I’ve found that freezing Ninja Creami ice cream for at least 8-12 hours is sufficient, and sometimes yields a creamier texture!
Can I make this recipe in a blender?
Sorry, a blender will not work with this recipe. I know the Ninja Creami can seem like a big investment, but it’s a total game changer for making ice cream and especially healthy protein ice cream at home. I promise it’s worth it!
Do you have any coupon codes?
I sure do! You can use this link to get $20 off your purchase of a Ninja Creami (or anything else in the Ninja store): $20 off Ninja Creami
Let’s connect! You can follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook
NINJA CREAMI ORANGE JULIUS PROTEIN ICE CREAM RECIPE
Ninja Creami orange julius protein ice cream makes a delicious treat on a hot summer day or an easy way to get a nutritious, high protein breakfast on busy mornings!
I also love enjoying orange julius protein ice cream after a good workout. I would love to hear how you enjoy it! Snap a pic and tag @LifeAfterWheat on social when you make it!
Ninja Creami Orange Julius Protein Ice Cream
Tastes just like an orange julius, but it's packed with 28 grams of protein and has no added sugar! This makes the CREAMIEST ice cream in your Ninja Creami!
Ingredients
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder (see notes)
Instructions
- Combine milk, orange juice, vanilla extract, and vanilla protein powder in Creami pint container.
- Use an immersion blender to mix until it's smooth. You can also use a milk frother or just a whisk, but if you're using a whisk you might want to mix in a larger container.
- Cover with accompanying lid and place on a level surface in your freezer. Freeze for at least 8 hours.
- When you're ready for ice cream, remove from freezer and use the light ice cream setting. If it's crumbly on top, re-spin once.
Notes
To Make Dairy-Free
Use a dairy-free milk such as Oatly full fat (the higher fat content makes for a creamy texture) and dairy-free protein powder. Be sure it's one you like as the flavor will come through! I recommend Truvani or Just Ingredients, linked below.
Protein Powder
I love the flavor of Clean Simple Eats protein powder, and it makes for such a creamy texture! I've linked it below.
If Ice Cream is Crumbly
If your ice cream is crumbly on top after the first cycle, just hit the re-spin button. You can also add a splash of milk, or orange juice to soften a little.
I have found that dairy-free options tend to get more crumbly; using a df milk with higher fat content such as Oatly full fat can help with that, as can a couple re-spins.
Juice Options
Try using half orange juice and half pineapple juice!
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker -
Ninja Creami Pints 4 Pack BPA-Free & Dishwasher Safe -
nutribullet NBI50100 Immersion Blender Arm & Whisk Attachment, For Smoothies, Soups & Dips, 350 Watt, Charcoal Black,2" L X 2" W X 16" H -
Clean Simple Eats Simply Vanilla Whey Protein Powder, Natural Sweetened and Cold-Processed Whey Protein Powder, 20 Grams of Protein (30 Servings) -
Just Protein Powder -
Truvani Organic Vegan Protein Powder
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 209Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 77mgCarbohydrates: 18gNet Carbohydrates: 17gFiber: 1gSugar: 14gProtein: 28g