Who doesn’t love a scoop of Chunky Monkey? That dreamy mix of bananas, chocolate, and walnuts hits all the right notes. Now imagine recreating it at home—with a healthier twist! This version is easy to whip up with the Ninja Creami and turns a classic favorite into a protein-packed treat. Perfect for when you want something indulgent and guilt-free. Let’s dive in!
Quick Recipe Highlights:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Freeze Time: At least 8 hours (or overnight)
- Serving Size: Makes one pint (2-3 servings)
- Skill Level: Super simple—even for beginners!
- Equipment: Ninja Creami, pint container, and (optional) an immersion blender
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ice Cream Base:
- 1 ripe banana (about 4 ounces), chopped into chunks
- 1 cup milk (whole milk for creaminess, or Oatly Full Fat for a vegan option)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (Clean Simple Eats or Truvani work great)
Mix-Ins:
- 2-3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips (try dark or sugar-free for a healthier option)
- 2-3 tablespoons chopped walnuts (pecans or almonds work too)
Ingredient Notes:
- Want it dairy-free? Use plant-based milk and protein powder.
- Don’t have fresh bananas? Frozen ones are fine—just thaw them first.
- Love extra mix-ins? Go ahead and add more chocolate or nuts. No judgment!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Prep the Base:
- Toss your banana chunks into your Ninja Creami pint container. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth, or mash with a fork if you’re keeping it low-tech.
- Add the protein powder and milk. Blend again until it’s creamy and smooth.
- Pop on the lid and freeze the mixture for at least 8 hours (overnight works best). Pro tip: Make sure the container is on a flat surface in the freezer!
Process the Ice Cream:
- When frozen, take the pint container out of the freezer and remove the lid.
- Insert the pint into your Ninja Creami. Process it using the “Lite Ice Cream” setting.
- Is it looking crumbly? No worries—hit the “Re-spin” button. Still not creamy enough? Add a tiny splash of milk and re-spin again.
Add Those Mix-Ins:
- Make a small well in the center of your ice cream (this might happen naturally while processing).
- Pour in your chocolate chips and walnuts.
- Use the “Mix-In” setting to blend them evenly into your ice cream.
Serve It Up!
- Scoop out your homemade Chunky Monkey ice cream and enjoy it immediately. Maybe even grab a waffle cone if you’re feeling fancy.
Fun Tweaks & Variations
Make it your own! Here are some ideas:
- Vegan Version: Use non-dairy milk and vegan-friendly chocolate chips.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy twist.
- Seasonal Swaps: No bananas? Try mangoes or peaches for a fresh take.
- Extra Fancy: Drizzle some warm chocolate sauce or a little caramel on top.
Tips for Serving & Storage
- How to Serve: Scoop it into chilled bowls to keep it nice and cold. Garnish with extra chocolate chips or nuts if you’re all about presentation.
- Got Leftovers?: Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks.
- Re-spin for Best Texture: Just let it sit at room temp for 5 minutes, then re-spin in the Ninja Creami before enjoying.
With this easy recipe, you’re just a few steps away from a creamy, dreamy dessert. Whether you’re reliving memories of Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey or putting your own spin on a classic, this recipe is sure to hit the sweet spot. Have fun experimenting—and happy scooping!
Let me know if this works for you or if you’d like me to tweak it further!
Ninja Creami Copycat Chunky Monkey Ice Cream
Creamy, rich, and packed with sweet banana, crunchy walnuts, and chocolate chips, this homemade Chunky Monkey ice cream is a healthier, protein-packed twist on a classic favorite. Made effortlessly with the Ninja Creami, it’s a treat you can enjoy guilt-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes (Including freezing time)
- Yield: 2-3 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 1 large ripe banana (4 oz), chopped
- 1 cup milk (whole milk or Oatly Full Fat for dairy-free)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (e.g., Clean Simple Eats, Truvani)
Mix-Ins:
- 2–3 tbsp mini chocolate chips (dark or sugar-free optional)
- 2–3 tbsp chopped walnuts (or substitute with pecans/almonds)
Instructions
Prepare the Base:
- Blend banana chunks in the Ninja Creami pint container using an immersion blender (or mash by hand until smooth).
- Add milk and protein powder to the container. Blend until creamy and lump-free.
- Secure the lid tightly, and freeze the pint flat for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Process the Ice Cream:
- Remove pint from the freezer. Insert into the Ninja Creami and process using the “Lite Ice Cream” setting.
- If the texture is crumbly, use the “Re-spin” function. Add a splash of milk if needed and repeat until smooth.
Add Mix-Ins:
- Make a small well in the center of the ice cream. Add chocolate chips and walnuts.
- Use the “Mix-In” setting to fold the ingredients into the ice cream.
Serve:
- Scoop into bowls or waffle cones and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
- Top with extra chocolate chips or nuts for presentation.
- Pair with warm brownies or cookies for a decadent dessert.
Tips & Tricks:
- For a vegan option, use plant-based milk and protein powder.
- Bananas should be fresh, not frozen, for better texture.
- Adjust mix-in quantities to suit your preference.
Storage & Reheating:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
- Let frozen ice cream sit for 5 minutes at room temperature before re-processing with the “Re-spin” function.
This creamy, customizable Ninja Creami Chunky Monkey recipe is perfect for anyone craving a sweet, protein-rich dessert. Quick, easy, and endlessly adaptable—it’s a treat you’ll want to make on repeat!
