Chickpea Ice Cream with Cinnamon Roll Flavor (Ninja Creami)

Name: Chickpea Ice Cream with Cinnamon Roll Flavor (Ninja Creami)
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 24 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas (drained and rinsed); 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk; 2.5 tablespoons low-carb vanilla protein powder; 2 tablespoons almond butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 teaspoons maple syrup or other sweeteners; 0.125 teaspoon salt; Optional add-ons: sugar-free cream cheese, chopped toasted almonds or pecans, nutmeg, molasses, or cinnamon-sugar crumble

Posted on February 21, 2026

Chickpea Ice Cream with Cinnamon Roll flavor made in Ninja Creami

Ninja Creami Recipes

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Do you ever get a late-night craving for something sweet that feels like a warm cinnamon roll but without the heaviness? I remember the first time I tried swapping traditional ice cream for a legume-based version—I was equal parts skeptical and curious, and ended up pleasantly surprised. If you love cozy treats like authentic Italian hot chocolate, this Chickpea Ice Cream with Cinnamon Roll Flavor (Ninja Creami) hits that comfort spot without the stress. For beginners, blending chickpeas into ice cream can feel odd at first, but I’ll walk you through every simple step so it stays easy and totally stress-free.

Highlights

A Quick Look at This Chickpea Ice Cream with Cinnamon Roll Flavor (Ninja Creami) Recipe

Chickpea Ice Cream with Cinnamon Roll Flavor (Ninja Creami) is a surprisingly nutritious treat that balances comfort with smart macros. Chickpeas provide fiber and plant-based protein, while low-carb vanilla protein powder and almond butter boost protein and healthy fats. The recipe is fiber-rich and can be low in added sugar depending on your sweetener choice, making it a lighter comfort-food option. It works well as part of a balanced meal plan, a protein-forward snack, or a make-ahead dessert for those who want flavor without excess sugar.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chickpea Ice Cream with Cinnamon Roll Flavor (Ninja Creami)

Essentials

1.5 cups cooked chickpeas (drained and rinsed) — the base of this recipe; they add fiber and plant protein.
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk — keeps the mixture dairy-free and adds subtle vanilla flavor.
2.5 tablespoons low-carb vanilla protein powder — adds creaminess and a protein boost; choose a brand you like.
2 tablespoons almond butter — for healthy fats and that rich mouthfeel reminiscent of cinnamon roll dough.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract — rounds out the flavor profile.
0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon — key for the cinnamon roll vibe.
2 teaspoons maple syrup OR Lakanto maple-flavored syrup OR 6–8 drops stevia — pick your sweetener based on your goals.
0.125 teaspoon salt — enhances and balances the flavors.

Optional add-ons

A swirl of sugar-free cream cheese or mascarpone for a faux icing swirl.
Chopped toasted almonds or pecans for crunch.
A pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
A teaspoon of molasses or dark maple for deeper caramel notes (adds sugar).
A cinnamon-sugar crumble (made with a sugar substitute) to mimic the cinnamon roll topping.

Substitutions and shortcuts

Chickpeas: You can use canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed) to save time, or cook dried chickpeas ahead and freeze in measured portions.
Almond milk: Any unsweetened plant milk—oat, cashew, or soy—works, though oat will be slightly sweeter and thicker.
Almond butter: Swap for cashew butter or sunflower seed butter if you have a nut allergy—expect a slightly different flavor.
Protein powder: If you don’t have low-carb vanilla powder, plain whey or plant protein works; reduce added sweetener if the powder is sweetened.
Sweetener: Use honey or pure maple syrup if you don’t mind natural sugar; reduce to taste. For a no-sugar option, stevia or erythritol-based syrups are good.
Ninja Creami substitute: If you don’t own a Ninja Creami, freeze the mixture in a shallow container and blend briefly in a high-speed blender or food processor, then refreeze and whip before serving for a similar texture.
Shortcut: If you’re short on time, pulse chickpeas and almond milk first until smooth, then add the rest and briefly re-blend—less perfect texture but still delicious.

Chickpea Ice Cream with Cinnamon Roll Flavor (Ninja Creami)

How to Make Chickpea Ice Cream with Cinnamon Roll Flavor Step-by-Step

I find the simplicity of this recipe comforting—there’s no custard to temper, no long simmering. The goal is to preserve the chickpeas’ nutrients while building a silky, cinnamon-roll flavored frozen treat.

Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
- Why: Rinsing removes excess sodium from canned chickpeas and reduces any canned taste. I always give them a brief rinse until the water runs clearer.
- Nutrient note: Chickpeas are full of fiber and iron; quick handling preserves minerals.
Puree the chickpeas in a blender or food processor until the mixture is almost smooth.
- Technique: Start on low and gradually increase speed. Scrape down the sides so you don’t end up with pea-sized bits. A powerful blender yields the creamiest base.
Add the almond milk, protein powder, almond butter, vanilla, cinnamon, sweetener, and salt. Blend again until well combined (the mixture will be thick).
- Texture tip: The mixture should look like a thick milkshake—thicker than ice cream base but pourable. If you want a silkier base, add a tablespoon or two more almond milk, but save some for processing adjustments.
Pour into a Ninja Creami pint container and level the surface.
- Fill to the indicated line on your pint container for the best processing balance. Leveling helps the machine recreate consistent ice crystals.
Freeze for 24 hours.
- Patience pays off: Freeze time ensures the mixture solidifies properly for the Creami to shave and re-spin into a creamy texture.
Process on the Lite Ice Cream setting. Process again if necessary, or add up to 0.25 cup of almond milk and process again for a creamier texture.
- Adjusting texture: If the first spin is crumbly, I stir in a tablespoon of almond milk and respin. Avoid adding too much liquid at once—go slowly to keep creaminess without melting.
Optional icing drizzle: Mix 1 tablespoon powdered sweetener, 1 teaspoon almond milk, 0.25 teaspoon vanilla, and a pinch of cinnamon to drizzle on top.
- Serving finish: Use a small spoon to create a drizzle that mimics a cinnamon roll glaze; chill briefly if it becomes too runny.

Pairing and flavor note: If you enjoy warm spiced drinks, this works beautifully alongside a spicy latte; I often sip something like a caramel white chocolate mocha protein ice cream inspired drink while I let my pint freeze.

Nutrient preservation tips:

Don’t overheat any component—there’s no cooking step, so vitamins stay intact.
Use unsweetened almond milk to limit added sugar.
Choosing low-sugar or low-carb sweeteners keeps carbs down without affecting fiber from chickpeas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made a few of these mistakes myself when experimenting with legume-based desserts. They’re easy to fix if you know what to watch for.

Mistake 1: Not rinsing the chickpeas

Skipping the rinse can leave a slightly metallic or canned flavor and excess sodium. Always drain and rinse well.

Mistake 2: Over-adding liquid during processing

It’s tempting to pour in lots of almond milk to speed up blending, but too much liquid gives an icy texture after freezing. Add liquid slowly and adjust only if the mixture is unworkably thick.

Mistake 3: Not giving the mixture enough freezing time

The Ninja Creami needs a fully solidified pint to create the right texture. Don’t rush the 24-hour freeze—partial freezes produce grainy results.

Serving Suggestions for Chickpea Ice Cream with Cinnamon Roll Flavor

This ice cream is cozy on its own, but a few smart pairings can elevate the experience without undoing your healthy ambitions.

I love how Chickpea Ice Cream with Cinnamon Roll Flavor (Ninja Creami) brings together the comfort of a cinnamon roll with the smart nutrition of chickpeas and protein powder. It supports a healthy lifestyle by offering protein, fiber, and lower added sugars when you choose your sweetener carefully. The recipe is flexible—swap nut butters, milks, or sweeteners to fit your needs—and practical for meal prep or light indulgence. Try it this weekend, tweak the flavors to your liking, and let me know which tweaks became your favorite.

I like to keep serving ideas simple and flexible, so they fit into different meal plans and tastes.

Warm fruit compote

Top a scoop with a quick apple or pear compote spiced with cinnamon and a splash of lemon. The warmth contrasts nicely with the cold and enhances the cinnamon-roll profile.

Crunch element

Add texture with toasted nuts, a sprinkle of toasted oats, or a crushed low-carb cinnamon biscuit for an authentic cinnamon roll crunch.

Beverage pairing

Serve alongside a warm spiced drink or a lightly sweetened latte. I sometimes enjoy it next to a bright, creamy beverage like a chai eggnog latte for a full cozy spread.

And for a fun, retro twist, try a small scoop sandwiched in a low-sugar cookie or with a splash of cherry compote reminiscent of a cherry vanilla milkshake vibe—just keep portion sizes mindful.

Conclusion

FAQs

Q1: Can I make Chickpea Ice Cream with Cinnamon Roll Flavor without a Ninja Creami?

A1: Yes—if you don’t have a Ninja Creami, freeze the mixture in a shallow, airtight container. After it’s solid, pulse it briefly in a high-speed blender or food processor to break up the ice crystals, then refreeze and stir or re-blend once more before serving. Texture will be close, though the Creami’s shaving action is unique.

Q2: Is Chickpea Ice Cream with Cinnamon Roll Flavor (Ninja Creami) suitable for people watching carbs?

A2: This recipe can be low in added sugars if you use a low-carb sweetener like Lakanto syrup or stevia and a low-carb protein powder. Chickpeas do contribute carbohydrates and fiber, so it’s sensible to factor a serving into your daily carbs—fiber helps moderate net carbs for many people.

Q3: Can I use canned chickpeas for Chickpea Ice Cream with Cinnamon Roll Flavor (Ninja Creami)?

A3: Absolutely. Canned chickpeas are the quickest option—just drain and rinse well to remove excess sodium and any canned taste. If you cook chickpeas from dry, you’ll control texture and salt, but canned works beautifully.

Q4: How long will Chickpea Ice Cream with Cinnamon Roll Flavor (Ninja Creami) keep in the freezer?

A4: Stored in an airtight container, this ice cream should keep for 1–2 weeks with minimal texture change. For best creaminess, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping or briefly respin in your Creami if you have it.

Q5: Can I add mix-ins to Chickpea Ice Cream with Cinnamon Roll Flavor (Ninja Creami)?

A5: Yes. Add-ins like chopped nuts, a sugar-free cinnamon-sugar crumble, or a few dark chocolate chips work well. If you use chunky add-ins, fold them in after the first spin so the Creami doesn’t over-process them and they stay texturally interesting.

Enjoy experimenting with this cozy, protein-forward treat—I’m excited to hear how your version turns out.