There’s something undeniably comforting about enjoying a bowl of creamy ice cream, especially on a warm afternoon. I can still remember the days in my childhood when my family would gather around the kitchen table, scooping out generous portions of our favorite flavors while sharing stories and laughter. Those memories are what inspired me to create the Chunky Monkey Ninja Creami—a healthy spin on a nostalgic treat! With just a few simple ingredients and my trusty Ninja Creami, making this delightful dessert is not only easy but also incredibly satisfying. Don’t worry if you’re a first-timer; this recipe will be stress-free and totally doable!
Highlights
Why I Love This Recipe of Chunky Monkey Ninja Creami
What makes Chunky Monkey Ninja Creami special to me is its perfect blend of health and indulgence. As someone who strives to eat well, yet has a sweet tooth that beckons me to the freezer, this recipe strikes an ideal balance. It’s protein-packed, low in sugar, and brings together the flavors of banana, chocolate, and nuts into a creamy dream that’s suitable for any health-conscious individual. For beginner cooks, this recipe is a breeze; you’ll need no fancy cooking skills or prior experience to whip it up. Plus, on a cozy night spent at home, there’s nothing better than knowing you can enjoy a homemade treat without the guilt!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chunky Monkey Ninja Creami
To prepare this delightful treat, gather the following ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the creamy deliciousness you’ll enjoy.
170 g Unsweetened Almond Milk: This dairy-free alternative adds creaminess to the ice cream base without extra calories or sugar. It’s rich in vitamin E and a great source of hydration.
113 g Low-Fat Cottage Cheese (No Added Salt): Packed with protein and offering a unique, rich texture, cottage cheese is the secret ingredient to our creamy masterpiece. It provides a smooth base while keeping the recipe light.
1 Small Banana: This delicious fruit adds natural sweetness and acts as a binding agent in the mixture. Bananas are an excellent source of potassium and are perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.
1 Scoop (33.6 g) Unflavored Whey Protein Powder: Providing an extra boost of protein, this powder helps us stay full and satisfied. Look for a high-quality brand to ensure you’re getting all the benefits without added sugars.
1.5 Tablespoons Chopped Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips: Because every treat deserves a bit of chocolate! Choose sugar-free chips to keep things healthier while enjoying the sweet richness chocolate has to offer.
2 Teaspoons Chopped Walnuts: These crunchy nuts add texture and healthy fats, enhancing the overall flavor profile while keeping your heart happy.
Optional: 1-2 Tablespoons Unsweetened Almond Milk: Depending on your desired consistency, you can add a bit more almond milk at the end to reach your perfect creamy texture.
Essentials + Optional Add-Ons + Substitutions and Shortcuts:
If you want to take your Chunky Monkey Ninja Creami to the next level, consider adding a tablespoon of natural nut butter for an extra dose of flavor and healthy fats. You can also substitute walnuts for pecans or almonds if that’s what you have on hand. And for those who are dairy-sensitive, feel free to swap the cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
How to Make Chunky Monkey Ninja Creami: Step-by-Step
Prepare the Ice Cream Mixture: Start by pouring 170 g of unsweetened almond milk into a small blender. Then, add 113 g of low-fat cottage cheese, 1 small banana (peeled and sliced), and one scoop (33.6 g) of unflavored whey protein powder. Blend on high until all ingredients are fully combined into a smooth and creamy mixture. This is where the magic begins!
Freeze the Mixture: Carefully pour your blended mixture into a one-pint Ninja Creami container. For the best results, make sure to freeze it flat on a surface in your freezer. It’s crucial to ensure that the temperature ranges between -12.8 and -21.7 degrees Celsius (9 and -7 degrees Fahrenheit) for optimal freezing. To avoid having a bump on the top of the frozen mixture, leave the lid off while the mixture freezes.
Let it Freeze: Allow the mixture to freeze for a full 24 hours. I know it can be hard to wait, but trust me, it will be worth it!
Process in the Ninja Creami: After 24 hours, remove the container from the freezer. Place it into the outer bowl of the Ninja Creami base. Choose the ‘LITE ICE CREAM’ program and let the machine work its magic. If your ice cream ends up dry or crumbly, this is where you can add 1-2 tablespoons of unsweetened almond milk for a smoother consistency. Sometimes, it may need this extra help a few times to get just right.
Add Mix-ins: Once you’ve achieved your desired texture, dig a well into the center of the ice cream and pour in 1.5 tablespoons of chopped sugar-free chocolate chips and 2 teaspoons of chopped walnuts. Next, process the mixture on the ‘mix-ins’ program to evenly distribute those delicious add-ins.
Enjoy: Finally, scoop out your Chunky Monkey Ninja Creami and savor every creamy, chocolatey, and nutty bite completely guilt-free!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Blending Long Enough: A common mistake is not blending the ingredients long enough to achieve a super smooth mixture. Make sure you blend until all chunks are gone for that ultra-creamy texture.
Freezing at Incorrect Temperatures: Ensure your freezer is at the right temperature. If it’s too warm, the mixture won’t freeze properly, leading to disappointingly soft ice cream.
Ignoring Texture Adjustments: If your ice cream turns out too crumbly or dry, remember that adding almond milk can save the day. Don’t hesitate to adjust the texture to your liking; it’s all part of the process.
Serving Suggestions for Chunky Monkey Ninja Creami
Top it Off: For an extra special treat, consider topping your Chunky Monkey Ninja Creami with fresh sliced bananas, a sprinkling of chopped walnuts, or even a drizzle of natural nut butter. Each of these additions can elevate the experience, giving you more flavor and healthy fats.
Serve in a Bowl or Cone: While this recipe is perfect for enjoying straight from the Ninja Creami cup, it’s also a delightful option for serving in a bowl, or if you’re feeling adventurous, scoop it into a healthy ice cream cone for an extra fun dessert.
Pair with Other Treats: This creamy delight can also be paired with a nostalgic homemade brownie or a slice of whole-grain banana bread. Imagine the combination of flavors you’ll experience with these friends on your plate!
Nutritional Values of Chunky Monkey Ninja Creami
The best part about the Chunky Monkey Ninja Creami is that it is both delicious and nutritious. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe a health-conscious delight:
Protein-Packed: With whey protein powder and cottage cheese, each serving has a solid amount of protein, helping you feel satisfied and fuller longer.
Low in Sugar: This recipe focuses on natural sweetness from bananas and sugar-free chocolate chips, making it a friendly option for those watching their sugar intake.
Healthy Fats: Adding walnuts not only enhances the taste but also provides heart-healthy fats that can support overall well-being.
Vitamins and Minerals: Bananas bring vital potassium, while almond milk is fortified with important nutrients, contributing to your daily nutritional needs.
Conclusion
Making your Chunky Monkey Ninja Creami is easier than it looks. This delightful, healthy treat can satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping your health goals intact. It’s customizable—tweak it to your liking with your favorite add-ins or adjust the sweetness level. Best of all, this recipe is cozy, classic, and beginner-approved, making it perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious indulgence without any guilt.
So go ahead, gather your ingredients and embrace the process of making this delightful treat. I can’t wait for you to try it!
FAQs About Chunky Monkey Ninja Creami
1. What is Chunky Monkey Ninja Creami?
Chunky Monkey Ninja Creami is a healthy ice cream alternative made from almond milk, cottage cheese, banana, whey protein powder, and chocolate chips. It’s creamy, delicious, and guilt-free!
2. Can I adjust the sweetness in Chunky Monkey Ninja Creami?
Absolutely! You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less banana or choosing different sugar-free chocolate chips based on your taste preferences.
3. How can I substitute cottage cheese in Chunky Monkey Ninja Creami?
If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute cottage cheese with a non-dairy yogurt or a plant-based cream cheese for a similar texture.
4. How long should I freeze Chunky Monkey Ninja Creami?
You’ll want to freeze the mixture for a full 24 hours to ensure it firms up properly before processing in the Ninja Creami.
5. Can I add other mix-ins to my Chunky Monkey Ninja Creami?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other mix-ins such as chia seeds, peanut butter, or different nuts to create your version of the Chunky Monkey Ninja Creami.

Chunky Monkey Ninja Creami
- Total Time: 1450 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
A healthy and delicious ice cream alternative blending banana, chocolate, and nuts into a creamy treat.
Ingredients
- 170 g Unsweetened Almond Milk
- 113 g Low-Fat Cottage Cheese (No Added Salt)
- 1 Small Banana
- 1 Scoop (33.6 g) Unflavored Whey Protein Powder
- 1.5 Tablespoons Chopped Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips
- 2 Teaspoons Chopped Walnuts
- Optional: 1-2 Tablespoons Unsweetened Almond Milk
Instructions
- Pour unsweetened almond milk into a blender, add cottage cheese, banana, and protein powder. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a one-pint Ninja Creami container and freeze flat for 24 hours.
- After freezing, process in the Ninja Creami using the ‘LITE ICE CREAM’ program. Adjust texture as needed with almond milk.
- Add chocolate chips and walnuts, then mix using the ‘mix-ins’ program.
- Scoop and enjoy your Chunky Monkey Ninja Creami.
Notes
You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds and use a dairy-free alternative for cottage cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1440 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending and Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: healthy ice cream, banana, chocolate, dessert recipe, Ninja Creami, low sugar



