Chunky Monkey High-Protein Ice Cream

Name: Chunky Monkey High-Protein Ice Cream
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 24 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup plain 0% Greek yogurt; 1 scoop low-carb vanilla protein powder; 2 tablespoons banana-flavored sugar-free pudding mix; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon banana extract; 1 1/4 cups water; 1/4 cup sugar-free chocolate chips; 1/4 teaspoon coconut oil; 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans preferred); 1 small mashed ripe banana (optional); A pinch of cinnamon (optional); A tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder (optional); A tablespoon of nut or seed butter (optional); A drizzle of sugar-free maple syrup (optional); Low-carb granola for topping (optional)

Posted on February 21, 2026

Chunky Monkey high-protein ice cream topped with bananas and nuts

Ninja Creami Recipes

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Do you ever crave a bowl of nostalgic banana-chocolate ice cream while juggling a busy week and trying to keep your protein goals on track? I know I do — I still smile thinking about the time I tried to eat a whole banana split before a Zoom call and ended up with chocolate on my shirt. If you’re new to making freezer desserts or using a Ninja Creami, that first batch can feel intimidating, but I promise this Chunky Monkey High-Protein Ice Cream is easy and stress-free. I’ll walk you through simple steps, tips I learned the hard way, and a few quick fixes so you can enjoy a scoop without the fuss. For the exact appliance-specific version I used as a template, you can check the Chunky Monkey Ninja Creami recipe I referenced while developing this one.

Highlights

A Quick Look at This Chunky Monkey High-Protein Ice Cream Recipe

This Chunky Monkey High-Protein Ice Cream is centered on Greek yogurt and low-carb vanilla protein powder, delivering a satisfying protein boost that helps support recovery and keeps you full longer. With added banana pudding mix for banana flavor and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for healthy fats and texture, it’s relatively low in added sugars when you use sugar-free chocolate chips. The recipe is high in protein and naturally wholesome when made with the listed ingredients, and it fits well into balanced meal plans as a lighter dessert or post-workout treat. It’s also friendly for meal prep: freeze in single-serve containers, and you’ll have a portable, nutrient-packed indulgence ready for busy days. If you want to see a Ninja Creami-focused variation, here’s a helpful reference on the same base technique: Ninja Creami version of Chunky Monkey.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chunky Monkey High-Protein Ice Cream

Here’s the full ingredient list adapted for simple grocery shopping and easy swaps. Measurements are written to follow the original recipe that yielded a creamy, scoopable texture in my Ninja Creami.

Essentials

1 cup (1 tasse) plain 0% Greek yogurt — the protein powerhouse and base for creaminess.
1 scoop (1 mesure) low-carb vanilla protein powder — adds protein and vanilla flavor; choose a vanilla whey or plant-based powder you like.
2 tablespoons banana-flavored sugar-free pudding mix (like Simply Desserts) — gives concentrated banana taste and helps stabilize the texture without added sugar.
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract — rounds out flavor.
1/4 teaspoon banana extract — a little goes a long way for bright banana notes.
1 1/4 cups water — thins the mixture to a churnable consistency; you can adjust slightly for desired thickness.
1/4 cup sugar-free chocolate chips — melts beautifully for the “chunky” chocolate ribbons.
1/4 teaspoon coconut oil — helps the chocolate melt smoothly and harden into lovely chunks.
1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans recommended) — for that classic Chunky Monkey crunch and healthy fats.

Optional add-ons

1 small mashed ripe banana (for extra natural sweetness and banana flavor; optional if you prefer to keep carbs lower).
A pinch of cinnamon for warmth.
A tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder if you want a deeper chocolate swirl.
A tablespoon of nut or seed butter (almond, peanut, or sunflower) to make it richer and add healthy fats.
A drizzle of sugar-free maple syrup if you like a slightly sweeter base.
Low-carb granola to sprinkle on top for extra crunch.

Substitutions and shortcuts

Greek yogurt: You can substitute full-fat Greek yogurt if you prefer a richer texture; the recipe will be higher in calories but creamier. Non-dairy yogurts can work, but results vary — choose an unsweetened, thick coconut or almond yogurt for best texture.
Low-carb vanilla protein powder: If you don’t have low-carb powder, any vanilla protein powder will work; reduce added sweeteners if your powder is already sweetened. Plant-based powders may produce a slightly grittier texture — blend a little longer.
Banana pudding mix: If you can’t find sugar-free banana pudding mix, use regular banana pudding and reduce other sweeteners, or substitute 1 tablespoon banana flour or a couple of teaspoons banana extract plus 1 teaspoon gelatin for body.
Water: Swap part or all of the water for milk (dairy or unsweetened plant milk) for extra creaminess. Use chilled liquid to speed freezing.
Chocolate chips: Use dark chocolate chips or chop a low-sugar chocolate bar. If you prefer, you can omit chocolate entirely and add cacao nibs.
Nuts: Substitute with chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or a seed mix for nut-free versions.
Shortcut: If you don’t have a Ninja Creami, freeze the base in a shallow container and break up and whisk every 30–45 minutes as it freezes to mimic churning; texture won’t be identical but will still be delicious.

How to Make Chunky Monkey High-Protein Ice Cream Step-by-Step

I like to keep the process tidy and predictable — the less guessing, the better the results. This method is designed with the Ninja Creami in mind but includes tips if you’re using a different freezer/churn approach.

Combine the base ingredients.
- In a blender, add the plain Greek yogurt, low-carb vanilla protein powder, banana pudding mix, vanilla extract, banana extract, and water. I usually measure the water chilled from the fridge; it helps the mixture freeze faster and more evenly. Blend until completely smooth. This step is key to avoiding graininess — the protein powder and pudding mix need full hydration. For nutrient preservation, blending gently and sticking to cold water helps maintain texture and flavor without denaturing proteins.
Freeze the mixture.
- Pour the smooth mixture into your Ninja Creami pint container, leaving a tiny bit of headspace (the Ninja Creami pint is designed for this). Seal and freeze for at least 24 hours, ideally 24–48 hours for best texture. Make sure the container sits flat in the freezer so it freezes evenly.
Process in the Ninja Creami.
- Remove the frozen pint and securely place it in the Ninja Creami outer bowl. Use the “Lite Ice Cream” setting to spin. If the mixture comes out crumbly or powdery — this can happen if the base is too frozen or the protein powder absorbed too much — use the “Re-Spin” function once or twice until it becomes smooth and creamy. If it’s still too dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of cold milk or water through the hole in the lid between spins. For appliance-specific guidance, I often refer back to a practical guide I trust: a Chunky Monkey Ninja Creami resource for tweaking spin times and speeds.
Prepare the chocolate ribbons.
- While the ice cream is spinning, melt the sugar-free chocolate chips with the coconut oil in short bursts in the microwave (30 seconds, stir, repeat) or over a double boiler. The coconut oil keeps the chocolate fluid and gives it a glossy sheen that hardens into nice shards when mixed into cold ice cream. Stir until completely smooth.
Add the mix-ins.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the softened, creamy ice cream and sprinkle the chopped nuts on top. Use a spoon or spatula to fold them in gently — doing this too vigorously will deflate the ice cream. Aim for visible streaks of chocolate and bits of nuts rather than uniformly mixing them in; those pockets of texture are part of what makes Chunky Monkey fun.
Final texture check and serve.
- If you like a firmer texture, refreeze the pint for 10–20 minutes after adding the chocolate so it sets. If you prefer softer scoops right away, serve immediately. I usually enjoy a brief 5–10 minute temper at room temperature so scoops come out perfectly without melting into a puddle.

Tips to preserve nutrients and texture:

Use cold liquids and chill your container if possible before adding the base — this shortens the time the mixture spends in the temperature danger zone and helps proteins and probiotics in the yogurt maintain integrity.
Don’t over-blend protein powder; blend only until smooth to prevent foaming, which can lead to a less creamy finish.
Keep added fats (like coconut oil) minimal to maintain a lighter macro profile while still enabling chocolate to harden into chunks.

For a deeper dive into appliance timing and tricks, I often compare notes with established guides like this one: Ninja Creami Chunky Monkey instructions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making frozen desserts is forgiving, but a few recurring mistakes can affect texture and flavor. I’ve learned these from trial and error, and sharing them helps you get it right the first time.

A quick note: most issues are fixable with small adjustments — don’t toss a batch unless it’s truly salt-instead-of-sugar bad. Here are three frequent missteps and how I fix them.

Mistake 1: Using room-temperature liquids that cause icy texture

If you add warm or room-temperature liquids, the base freezes unevenly and forms ice crystals. Always use cold water or milk and blend thoroughly before freezing. If your first spin is icy, add 1–2 tablespoons of cold milk or a neutral oil like MCT and re-spin.

Mistake 2: Overloading with protein powder or poor hydration

Protein powders absorb liquid. Too much powder or insufficient mixing can result in a chalky, dry texture. Measure accurately, blend until smooth, and if needed, add a touch more liquid before freezing. If you forget and the pint is already frozen and crumbly, the Ninja Creami’s Re-Spin is your friend — add a splash of cold liquid and re-spin to get creaminess back.

Mistake 3: Mixing chocolate or nuts too aggressively

Vigorous mixing distributes chocolate and nuts evenly but deflates the ice cream and melts it. To keep texture, fold in mix-ins gently and aim for streaks rather than uniform distribution. If chocolate starts to melt and soften the ice cream, return the pint to the freezer for 10–20 minutes to firm up, then re-spin very briefly to smooth the surface.

Serving Suggestions for Chunky Monkey High-Protein Ice Cream

This ice cream shines in simple presentations that highlight its texture and balance. A short note before ideas: I love pairing it with fresh fruit or a warm espresso pour-over for contrast — and you can dress it up or keep it casual depending on your goals.

Here are three easy and satisfying serving ideas that I use again and again.

Banana-Nut Parfait

Layer a scoop of the ice cream with sliced banana, a sprinkle of chopped walnuts, and a tablespoon of high-protein granola. The banana increases natural sweetness, the nuts add crunch and healthy fats, and the granola provides fiber and extra texture.

For a neat reference on variations and tips that pair well with the Ninja Creami method, see this detailed page: Chunky Monkey Ninja Creami variations.

Espresso Affogato Twist

Scoop a small serving into a chilled bowl and pour a shot of cooled espresso over it for a protein-packed affogato that’s more sophisticated than your average dessert. The bitterness of coffee balances the sweet banana and chocolate. If you’re avoiding caffeine, use chilled chai or decaf espresso — it still brightens flavor.

Mini Sundae Bar for Meal Prep

Make individual servings in small containers: one scoop, a drizzle of melted sugar-free chocolate, and a few chopped nuts. Seal and freeze. These are perfect for post-workout refueling or a controlled dessert portion after dinner. When you pull one out, let it soften 5–10 minutes and enjoy.

Conclusion

I love this Chunky Monkey High-Protein Ice Cream because it captures the playful nostalgia of banana and chocolate while supporting real nutrition goals with a strong protein foundation and flexible macros. It’s forgiving, easy to adapt, and works beautifully for meal prep, post-workout recovery, or a lower-sugar indulgence. Whether you swap ingredients to suit dietary needs, make single-serve pints for the week, or experiment with new add-ins, this recipe is a practical and satisfying way to enjoy a lighter comfort dessert. If you try it, I’d love to hear about your tweaks and favorite mix-ins — share your results and any fun variations you discover.

FAQs About Chunky Monkey High-Protein Ice Cream

Q1: Can I make Chunky Monkey High-Protein Ice Cream without a Ninja Creami?

A1: Yes — you can still make this recipe without a Ninja Creami. Freeze the blended mixture in a shallow metal or glass pan and stir vigorously every 30–45 minutes as it freezes, breaking up ice crystals until it firms to a scoopable texture. The consistency may be slightly different, but it will still be tasty and high in protein.

Q2: Is Chunky Monkey High-Protein Ice Cream suitable for post-workout recovery?

A2: Chunky Monkey High-Protein Ice Cream can be a convenient post-workout option because it supplies a notable amount of protein from Greek yogurt and protein powder. Pairing it with a small carb source, like a sliced banana or granola, can help replenish glycogen if you’ve had an intense session.

Q3: How long will Chunky Monkey High-Protein Ice Cream keep in the freezer?

A3: Stored in an airtight container, Chunky Monkey High-Protein Ice Cream should keep well for up to 2 weeks with minimal texture change. Beyond that, ice crystals may form and the texture can become dryer. For best results, consume within 7–10 days.

Q4: Can I make Chunky Monkey High-Protein Ice Cream dairy-free?

A4: You can make a dairy-free version by using a thick, unsweetened coconut or almond yogurt and a compatible plant-based protein powder. Texture may vary slightly, so you might need to add a touch more fat (like a teaspoon of coconut oil) for richness and creaminess.

Q5: Will Chunky Monkey High-Protein Ice Cream be high in sugar because of the pudding mix or chocolate?

A5: Not necessarily — the recipe uses a sugar-free banana pudding mix and sugar-free chocolate chips to keep added sugars low. If you use standard pudding mix or sweetened chocolate, the sugar content will increase. Always check labels and choose low-sugar or sugar-free options if you want to keep it low in added sugars.

Chunky Monkey High-Protein Ice Cream

Highlights

A Quick Look at This Chunky Monkey High-Protein Ice Cream Recipe