High Protein Frozen Yogurt Recipe (w/ Ice Cream Maker)

This delicious high protein frozen yogurt recipe is easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be customized to fit your personal preferences. (And it has 38 grams of protein!) Whether you're looking for a perfect summer treat or a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream, this recipe has you covered!  

I used a traditional ice cream maker to achieve that perfect ice cream texture. I assume a Ninja Creami would also work well, but I haven't tried it myself.

And I've flavored this recipe with honey and cinnamon, but you can flavor it however you choose, of course. Use your favorite sweetener, too! (See the Recipe Variations section below.)

For more high protein simple recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth, check out our Chocolate Protein Shake Ice Cream, this Coconut Frozen Yogurt, and this Vanilla Almond Frozen Yogurt.

Jump to:

• 🧁 Ingredients for high protein frozen yogurt
• 🥄 Equipment
• 👩🏼‍🍳 How to make high protein frozen yogurt
• 🥣 Substitutions
• 🍓 Variations
• 🥶 Storage Info
• ⚡️ Top Tip
• 🧁 More frozen dessert recipes
• FAQ
• Recipe

🧁 Ingredients for high protein frozen yogurt

These ingredients make a delicious cinnamon honey frozen yogurt but feel free to swap out the flavor ingredients to create your own protein frozen yogurt flavors. (See Recipe Variations below.)

Nonfat Greek Yogurt

Plain Greek yogurt forms the base of this healthy dessert. Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier than regular yogurt, and it's an excellent choice for a healthy gut.

Vanilla Protein Powder

Vanilla whey protein adds the extra kick of protein to this healthy recipe. Whey protein powder mixes easily with the other ingredients, creating a smooth texture.

Honey

Honey adds a touch of sweetness and flavor. It is is a healthier alternative to refined sugars and blends well with the yogurt mixture.

Ground Cinnamon

Ground cinnamon adds a warm spice that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the honey and the tanginess of the Greek yogurt. I love Vietnamese cinnamon for its bold flavor.

Find the full recipe details in the recipe card below.

🥄 Equipment

There are several ways to make frozen desserts like ice cream and frozen yogurt. I like using an ice cream maker because unlike the Ninja Creami, you can choose your flavor in the moment (the tub gets frozen ahead of time, not the mix of ingredients).

Ice Cream Maker

An ice cream machine helps in churning the yogurt mixture to the right consistency, giving the real ice cream feel and preventing the formation of ice crystals. 

Medium Bowl

We'll use a mixing bowl when combining the ingredients. I like this mixing bowl set because of the non-slip bottom and smooth inner surface (easy to get ingredients out, easy to clean).

Kitchen Scale

I highly recommend using a kitchen scale for precise measurements and best results, especially when dealing with ingredients like protein powder. 

Airtight Container

Essential for storing the homemade ice cream once it's done. An airtight container prevents the formation of ice crystals and keeps your frozen yogurt fresh. These ice cream containers are specially made for frozen desserts, and they work well.

👩🏼‍🍳 How to make high protein frozen yogurt

1. Mix yogurt and sweetener: In a medium bowl, combine the nonfat Greek yogurt with honey. Stir until fully blended, ensuring the honey is evenly distributed.

2. Add vanilla whey: Slowly mix in the vanilla whey protein. Stir until the protein powder is fully incorporated into the yogurt mixture. 

3. Add cinnamon: Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon and mix well. 

4. Follow the instructions on the ice cream maker: Pour the yogurt mixture into your ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer's instructions. For the ice cream maker I have, it takes about 5-10 minutes to churn, assuming the bowl has been frozen sufficiently (12-24 hours).

5. Serve or Store: Once done, you can serve the frozen yogurt immediately or transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the freezer.

🥣 Substitutions

Yogurt

If you prefer a less tangy flavor, you can use plain yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.

However, this will result in fewer grams of protein and you'll likely have ice crystals forming.

It'll be less creamy, but still delicious! Plant-based yogurt can also be used.

Protein Powder

This recipe was formulated for whey protein (any flavor, whey isolate or whey concentrate).

For a vegan version of this recipe, substitute the whey with a plant-based protein powder (pea protein blend). I opt for chocolate plant-based protein powders because they tend to taste better than other flavors. 

I don't recommend using whey/casein blends, because the mixture would be super thick (too thick).

Sweetener

Maple syrup is a great swap for the honey in this recipe, especially if you are making a vegan frozen yogurt.

You can also use lower glycemic natural sweeteners like agave or coconut sugar, or your favorite zero-calorie natural sweeteners.

🍓 Variations

Of course, you can flavor this frozen yogurt however you like! Use other sweeteners instead of honey, add fresh or frozen fruit.

Use other flavored whey protein powders, add sugar free chocolate chips, chopped nuts, etc. Go crazy! Here are some ideas:

Chocolate Chip Protein Frozen Yogurt

Use a more neutral flavored sweetener (coconut sugar, light agave, stevia, and erythritol are good choices) and skip the cinnamon. Once the yogurt mixture is almost done churning, add a tablespoon or two of sugar free chocolate chips.

Chocolate Protein Frozen Yogurt

Use chocolate protein powder and a tablespoon of cocoa powder to get a chocolate yogurt base (and skip the cinnamon, or not!). Add some sugar free chocolate chips to the yogurt mixture for a more rich chocolate dessert.

Peanut Butter Swirl Protein Frozen Yogurt

When the yogurt mixture is almost done churning, drop in a dollop of peanut butter for an extra creamy, nutty flavor that complements the yogurt.

Fresh Strawberry Protein Frozen Yogurt

Use strawberry whey protein and add fresh strawberries for a fruity version of this high protein frozen yogurt. (Add the fresh strawberries when the yogurt mixture is almost finished churning in the ice cream maker.)

🥶 Storage Info

For the best results, store your homemade ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. This prevents the formation of ice crystals and keeps the texture smooth.

These ice cream containers are specially made for frozen desserts, and they work well. The frozen yogurt can last up to two weeks, though it's best enjoyed fresh within the first few days.

⚡️ Top Tip

Make sure the ice cream maker bowl is frozen well for best results. The colder the bowl is, the faster the frozen yogurt will freeze up.

🧁 More frozen dessert recipes

This healthy frozen yogurt is a fantastic option for those hot summer days when you want a refreshing, high-protein treat that doesn’t require tons of sugar. Enjoy experimenting with variety of flavors and additional ingredients to create your own perfect snack!

FAQ

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