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    Home > Blog > Protein Desserts > High Protein Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt

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

    Updated: Aug 18, 2024 · Published: Sep 6, 2016 · By Andréa Marchese · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    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!  

    close of view of scoops of cinnamon protein frozen yogurt in a glass ice cream dish
    Frozen Yogurt made in an Ice Cream Maker

    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

    • glass ice cream dish with chocolate protein ice cream topped with cacao nibs with a wooden dessert spoon
      Chocolate Protein Shake Ice Cream
    • glass ice cream dish with coconut frozen yogurt and a wooden dessert spoon with a light background
      Coconut Frozen Yogurt
    • small glass dessert dish with vanilla protein ice cream and chopped almonds on a wood table
      Vanilla Almond Protein Frozen Yogurt
    • bowl of gingerbread spice protein ice cream in a white bowl with gingerbread sprinkles and a gingerbread man cookie on top
      Gingerbread Protein Ice Cream (3 Ingredients!)

    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

    Can I make this without an ice cream maker?

    Yes, you can freeze the mixture in an airtight container and stir every 30 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency. However, an ice cream machine yields the best texture.

    Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

    Yes, but the result will be less thick and lower in protein. It may also have some ice crystals in it because the yogurt mixture won't be as thick and creamy.

    Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

    Yes, use plant-based yogurt, plant-based protein powder, and maple syrup or other vegan friendly sweeteners.

    How do I prevent ice crystals from forming?

    Use an airtight container for storage and ensure the ice cream maker bowl is frozen for 12-24 hours before use.

    Can I use unflavored protein powder?

    Yes, but you may need to adjust the sweetness to taste. I would also add vanilla extract for the subtle flavor boost.

    What can I substitute for whey protein?

    You can use vegan protein powder. I suggest a pea protein blend for the best texture, and I think chocolate plant-based protein powders taste better than other flavors. 
    I don't recommend whey/casein blends because they would make the mixture super thick.

    Can I make this recipe lower in sugar?

    Yes, you can reduce the honey or use a natural sugar substitute to make a low sugar version.

    Recipe

    close of view of scoops of cinnamon protein frozen yogurt in a glass ice cream dish

    High Protein Frozen Yogurt Recipe (with Ice Cream Maker)

    Andréa Marchese
    Makes one serving.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 8 minutes mins
    Cook Time 0 minutes mins
    Total Time 8 minutes mins
    Servings 1 serving

    Equipment

    • mixing bowl
    • Ice cream maker
    • kitchen scale

    Ingredients

    • 8 oz fat-free Greek yogurt 227g
    • 1 tablespoon honey 21g
    • ¼ cup vanilla whey protein 26g
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 1g

    Instructions
     

    • Mix yogurt and honey.
    • Add vanilla whey, and mix well.
    • Add cinnamon.
    • Follow instructions on ice cream maker (or enjoy as is!).

    Notes

    🥣 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.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 302kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 2g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 27g
    Tried this recipe?Please consider leaving a review!

    More High Protein Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Recipes

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    • ice cream dish with vanilla looking (cake batter flavored) protein ice cream in rounded scoops, topped with nonpareil sprinkles and with a wooden dessert spoon
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    • three layered popsicles with red, white, and blue layers
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    Comments

    1. Andréa says

      October 07, 2016 at 9:55 pm

      Hi Diane,
      I've never used sugar-free honey, but it should work! Or other sugar substitutes.
      Enjoy!
      Andréa

    2. Diane says

      October 07, 2016 at 12:10 pm

      These recipes have more carbs than I eat. Can they be made with Sugar free honey or sugar substitutes? I'd love the cinnamon ice creM,

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    andrea at the gym holding cupcakes

    Hi, I'm Andréa! I’ve been baking with protein powder since 2013, and I can give you all the top tips for creating delicious high protein snacks, desserts, and more.

    More about me →

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