This high-protein Ninja Creami peppermint ice cream is a festive, lighter take on a classic holiday flavor. It delivers creamy texture, plenty of peppermint and a protein boost—perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth without the heaviness of traditional ice cream.
I love using my Ninja Creami to make protein-packed frozen treats, and this peppermint version is rich, creamy and full of nostalgic winter flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Ninja Peppermint Ice Cream
This easy homemade peppermint ice cream has minimal prep, high protein, and a satisfyingly creamy texture. A few reasons it stands out:
- Lighter base. Made with milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter scoop.
- High protein. Each pint delivers a generous protein boost.
- Simple prep. No churning needed—about 5 minutes to assemble, then freeze.
- Creamy texture. Despite being lighter and higher in protein, it stays creamy and scoopable.
If you enjoy minty flavors, try my Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream as well.
For more protein-packed frozen treats, see the Ninja Creami Milkshake (High Protein), Cottage Cheese Ninja Creami Ice Cream, or Ninja Creami Frozen Yogurt recipes.
Ingredients
Full recipe instructions and exact ingredient amounts are included in the recipe card below.
- Milk: Use 2% for a good balance of lightness and creaminess; whole milk works too.
- Vanilla protein powder: Adds sweetness, flavor and protein—use your preferred brand.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: A couple tablespoons improve texture and slow melting; regular or sugar-free both work.
- Peppermint extract: Use sparingly—peppermint extract is potent and provides the characteristic peppermint note.
- Peppermint candy: Crushed candy canes, starlight mints or peppermint pieces for crunch and festive color.
Variation Ideas
- Chocolate peppermint: Swap in chocolate protein powder, add a teaspoon cocoa powder and stir in mini chocolate chips.
- Oreo peppermint: Fold in 1–2 crushed Oreos during the mix-in stage.
- Extra creamy: Use whole milk and blend in 2 tablespoons cream cheese to the base.
- Pink peppermint stick: Add 2–3 drops of red food coloring for the classic pink hue.
How To Make Ninja Creami Peppermint Ice Cream
- Mix & Freeze. Whisk milk, protein powder, pudding mix and peppermint extract in the Ninja Creami pint container until well combined. Cover and freeze on a level surface for 24 hours.
- Spin. Place the frozen pint into the Creami outer bowl, secure the blade lid and run the Lite Ice Cream mode once. Check texture.
- Mix-In. Make a small hole in the center of the pint, add the crushed peppermint pieces, then run the Mix-In mode once so the candy is evenly incorporated.
- Scoop. Scoop and enjoy immediately.
How to Store
Smooth the top of the ice cream in the pint container and replace the lid. Store in the freezer. For best texture after thawing, run the pint through the Ninja Creami on Lite Ice Cream mode once or let it sit at room temperature about 10 minutes before scooping.
Jamie’s tips
Tips For The Creamiest Ice Cream
- Mix well. Fully dissolve the protein powder and pudding mix for a smooth base; an immersion blender or milk frother helps.
- Measure peppermint carefully. Peppermint extract is strong—start small and adjust to taste.
- Freeze 24 hours. Give the pint the full freeze time for the creamiest result; avoid spinning early.
- Use adequate milk fat. 2% or whole milk yields a creamier texture than low-fat or plant-based milks, which can be icier.
More Ninja Creami Recipes
Perfect Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream
Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Ninja Creami Oreo Shake (High Protein)
Ninja Creami Pistachio Ice Cream
If you’ve made and loved this Ninja Creami Peppermint Ice Cream or any other recipe here, please leave a star rating and comment below!
Ninja Creami Peppermint Ice Cream
Jamie N, Registered Dietitian
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups 2% milk (or whole milk)
- 1 1/2 scoops vanilla protein powder (use your favorite)
- 2 tbsp instant vanilla pudding mix (regular or sugar-free)
- 1/8 tsp peppermint extract
- 2 tbsp crushed peppermint candy (candy canes or peppermint mints)
Instructions
- Mix milk, protein powder, pudding mix and peppermint extract in the Ninja Creami pint container with a small whisk or spoon until combined.
- Freeze for 24 hours on a level surface.
- Place the frozen pint in the Creami outer bowl, secure the blade lid and run Lite Ice Cream mode once. Check consistency.
- Make a small hole in the center, add crushed candy canes and run Mix-In mode once.
- Scoop and enjoy.
Notes
Ensure the protein powder and pudding mix are well dissolved—an immersion blender helps. Allow the full 24 hours freeze time for the best texture.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline.
Food photography by Marie-Catherine Dubé.