By Karyl Laeving. Updated December 18, 2025.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from 214 votes.
This High Protein Chocolate Yogurt Ice Cream (No Churn!) is ultra creamy, deeply chocolatey, and packed with protein for a satisfying frozen dessert that fits a healthy lifestyle. Made with Greek yogurt and simple pantry ingredients, it freezes beautifully without an ice cream machine and scoops like a dream.
Table of Contents
High Protein Chocolate Yogurt Ice Cream (No Churn!)
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy High Protein Chocolate Yogurt Ice Cream (No Churn!) made with Greek yogurt, cocoa, and protein powder. Rich chocolate flavor, scoopable texture, and freezer-friendly for an easy healthy dessert.
Ingredients
2 cups plain Greek yogurt, thick (480 g)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (25 g)
1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder (about 30 g)
3 tbsp honey or maple syrup (63 g)
1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)
1/8 tsp fine salt (about 0.7 g)
Optional: 2 tbsp mini dark chocolate chips (20 g)
Optional: 2 tbsp natural peanut butter for swirl (32 g)
Optional: 1 to 2 tbsp milk of choice to loosen if needed (15 to 30 ml)
Instructions
1. Add Greek yogurt, cocoa powder, protein powder, honey or maple syrup, vanilla, and salt to a blender or food processor.
2. Blend 30 to 45 seconds until completely smooth and glossy with no cocoa pockets.
3. Taste the base. If you want it sweeter, blend in 1 to 2 more teaspoons honey or maple syrup.
4. If the mixture is too thick to blend smoothly, add 1 tablespoon milk and blend again.
5. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
6. Pour into a freezer-safe loaf pan or container and smooth the top.
7. Cover tightly. Freeze 45 minutes, then stir vigorously to break up early ice crystals and smooth again.
8. Freeze 2 to 3 hours more until firm but scoopable.
9. Let sit at room temperature 5 minutes, then scoop and serve.
Notes
For the creamiest result, use full-fat or 2 percent thick Greek yogurt.
Liquid sweeteners help keep the texture softer and easier to scoop.
If using plant-based protein powder, texture may freeze slightly firmer. Let it soften a few extra minutes before scooping.
Store tightly covered up to 2 weeks. Press parchment directly onto the surface to reduce ice crystals.
Nutrition will vary based on yogurt, protein powder, and sweetener used.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Churn, Freezer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (about 120 g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
About This Recipe
What It Is
High Protein Chocolate Yogurt Ice Cream (No Churn!) is a frozen dessert built on thick Greek yogurt, cocoa powder, and protein powder. It delivers the taste of classic chocolate ice cream with a lighter nutrition profile and a smooth, creamy texture.
Why It Works
Greek yogurt provides natural creaminess and protein. Cocoa powder brings rich chocolate flavor without extra sugar. Protein powder reinforces structure and body, helping the ice cream freeze soft instead of icy.
When to Make It
Make this recipe when you want a fast, healthy dessert, a post workout treat, or a freezer friendly option for weekly meal prep.
Why You Will Love It
- High protein dessert that actually tastes indulgent
- No churn and no special equipment required
- Naturally gluten free and easy to customize
- Smooth, scoopable texture straight from the freezer
- Perfect for healthy dessert cravings any time
Key Ingredients and Notes
Greek Yogurt
Use thick plain Greek yogurt. Full fat creates the creamiest result, but 2 percent works well too. Greek yogurt is strained to remove excess whey, which helps prevent ice crystals. According to Healthline, Greek yogurt is naturally higher in protein and calcium than regular yogurt and supports satiety and muscle recovery .
Cocoa Powder
Unsweetened cocoa powder gives intense chocolate flavor. Dutch processed cocoa will taste smoother and darker, while natural cocoa adds a sharper chocolate note. King Arthur Baking explains how cocoa processing affects flavor and color in desserts .
Protein Powder
Chocolate or vanilla protein powder both work. Whey protein creates the creamiest texture, while plant based protein still freezes well with slightly firmer results. Choose a lightly sweetened option for better balance.
Sweetener
Honey or maple syrup keeps the texture soft and scoopable. Liquid sweeteners lower the freezing point, which helps avoid icy texture. BBC Good Food notes that liquid sugars improve softness in frozen desserts .
Vanilla and Salt
Vanilla rounds out the chocolate flavor. A small pinch of salt enhances sweetness and depth.
How to Make High Protein Chocolate Yogurt Ice Cream (No Churn!)
- Blend the base
Add Greek yogurt, cocoa powder, protein powder, sweetener, vanilla, and salt to a blender or food processor. Blend for 30 to 45 seconds until completely smooth with no visible cocoa pockets. - Taste and adjust
Taste the mixture. Add more sweetener if needed. The base should taste slightly sweeter than desired since freezing dulls sweetness. - Fold in mix ins if using
Stir in chocolate chips, peanut butter swirl, or chopped nuts using a spatula. - Freeze
Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or freezer safe container. Smooth the top. Cover tightly. - Stir once for extra creaminess
After 45 minutes, remove and stir vigorously to break up ice crystals. Smooth again and return to freezer. - Freeze until scoopable
Freeze for 2 to 3 hours until firm but scoopable. - Serve
Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping for best texture.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use thick Greek yogurt, not regular yogurt
- Blend thoroughly to avoid cocoa clumps
- Sweeten slightly more than usual before freezing
- Stir once during freezing for smoother texture
- Store in shallow containers for faster freezing
- Cover surface with parchment to reduce ice crystals
- Let soften briefly before scooping
Variations and Substitutions
Higher Protein Version
Add an extra half scoop of protein powder and 1 tablespoon milk to maintain creaminess.
Dairy Free Option
Use coconut milk yogurt or almond milk yogurt. Coconut based yogurt gives the creamiest dairy free texture.
Chocolate Peanut Butter
Swirl in 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter before freezing.
Mocha Chocolate
Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder to intensify chocolate flavor.
Kid Friendly Chocolate Chip
Fold in mini chocolate chips for a fun texture kids love.
If you love frozen yogurt style desserts, try this 3 Ingredient Yogurt Berry Bark (Healthy Frozen Treat) from Flavor & Recipes for another trending freezer favorite.
Serving and Storage
Serving
Serve scoops in chilled bowls or cones. Add fresh berries, sliced banana, or a drizzle of peanut butter. Pair it with Healthy Greek Yogurt Brownies (Low Sugar and Fudgy) for a high protein dessert combo.
Storage
Store covered in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Press parchment directly on the surface to prevent freezer burn.
Re Freezing
This ice cream re freezes well. Let it soften for a few minutes before serving again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chocolate yogurt ice cream really high protein?
Yes. Greek yogurt and protein powder together create a dessert with significantly more protein than traditional ice cream.
Why is my yogurt ice cream icy?
Icy texture usually comes from thin yogurt or not enough sweetener. Use thick Greek yogurt and liquid sweeteners to keep it smooth.
Can I make this without protein powder?
Yes. The texture will be slightly softer. Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch or 2 tablespoons powdered milk to help structure.
Can I eat this every day?
This recipe is balanced and lower in sugar. Enjoy it as part of a varied diet, especially after workouts or as a healthy dessert.
How long does no churn yogurt ice cream last?
It keeps well for about 2 weeks when tightly covered.
Conclusion
This High Protein Chocolate Yogurt Ice Cream (No Churn!) proves that healthy desserts can be creamy, rich, and deeply satisfying. With simple ingredients, strong chocolate flavor, and protein packed nutrition, it deserves a permanent spot in your freezer rotation.
If you love high protein treats, also check out Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies (Soft and High Protein) and Greek Yogurt Protein Cups (20g High Protein Snack) on FlavorAndRecipes.com.
Leave a rating, drop a comment, and share your creations. Tag us so we can feature your scoops.
