Homemade Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream Recipe

With just four simple ingredients — banana, protein powder, walnuts, and chocolate — this healthier take on Chunky Monkey ice cream delivers protein, flavor, and satisfying texture.

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This nutritious protein ice cream provides approximately 227 calories per serving, with about 14 g protein, 34 g carbohydrates, and 5 g fat.

chunky monkey protein ice cream with nutrition info for calories and macros

If you’ve enjoyed the classic Chunky Monkey flavor, you’ll recognize the combination of bananas, walnuts, and chocolate. I wanted to recreate that same taste with a lighter, protein-packed version that’s easy to make at home.

On a recent grocery run I checked the nutrition label for the packaged version and was surprised: a relatively small scoop contained a lot of calories. That inspired me to make a version that keeps the flavor but cuts unnecessary calories and adds protein.

At its core, Chunky Monkey is really just:

Bananas
Walnuts
Chocolate

That simplicity makes it easy to recreate. I use frozen bananas as the base — when blended they turn into a creamy, soft-serve-like texture without any dairy. To boost protein, I add a scoop of vanilla protein powder. Finally, I fold in chopped walnuts and chocolate chunks for the classic chunky texture.

Chunky Monkey Ice Cream Ingredients 1200x1200

The process is simple and quick. Keep overripe bananas in the freezer so you always have the base ready. Blend them with protein powder in a food processor until smooth and creamy, then stir in the chocolate and walnuts. You can enjoy it immediately as a soft, spoonable treat or freeze it briefly for a firmer texture.

Easy Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream

Only four ingredients make this quick, nutrient-dense version of Chunky Monkey ice cream — perfect for a high-protein dessert or snack.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Low Fat

Keyword: banana protein ice cream, chunky monkey protein ice cream

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 227cal

Author: Amy Roskelley

Equipment

Food processor

Ingredients

2 medium bananas (frozen)
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
14 grams chocolate chunks
2 tablespoons walnuts, chopped

Instructions

Keep overripe bananas in the freezer so they are ready when you want to make this. Frozen bananas are the key to the creamy base.
Place frozen banana pieces in the food processor and add the vanilla protein powder. No additional liquid is necessary.
Process until the mixture reaches a smooth, soft-serve consistency. Pause and scrape down the sides as needed.
Gently fold in the chocolate chunks and chopped walnuts. Serve immediately for soft-serve texture or transfer to a container and freeze briefly for firmer ice cream.