These healthy ice cream bars are a creamy treat made without dairy, refined sugars, or gluten. An easy no-bake recipe that’s perfect for a healthy freezer dessert. Just 8 simple ingredients!
What I absolutely adore about these healthy cookie dough ice cream sandwiches is that the cookie dough layer stays soft and doesn’t harden into a rock when you store it in the freezer. It’s like eating cookie dough straight from the bowl with ice cream in the middle. Truly a match made in heaven.
What you will love about this recipe:
Simple to Make: No complicated techniques or fancy equipment needed. If you can mix ingredients together, you can make these creamy ice cream squares.
High in Protein: Thanks to the yogurt and the added protein powder, each square packs a protein punch, making it a satisfying snack or dessert.
Customizable: Feel free to add in some fresh or dried fruits or add-ins to suit your taste. Blueberries, peaches, a hint of cinnamon – the possibilities are endless.
Portion-Controlled: Because each square is individually made, it’s easier to enjoy in moderation.
As well as being really easy to make, these ice cream squares are healthier than your average treat as they are made with wholesome REAL food ingredients. With the added protein powder it makes them more balanced than the traditional high carb recipe. Old fashioned baked recipes always had tons of sugar, carbs and fats. The new modern way it to add protein making the recipe more balanced and healthy.
A well-balanced diet with proper ratios of macro nutrients (protein, healthy carbs and fats) provides all of the: energy you need to keep active throughout the day. nutrients you need for growth and repair, helping you to stay strong and healthy and help to prevent diet-related illness.
When you find your optimal balance and amounts of macro nutrients, you take a major step toward reaching your health goals and this balance has been improved in this recipe by the addition of healthy protein. Your body can only absorb around 25-30 grams of protein at one time and you likely need 80-100 plus grams a day so its important to spread it over all meals and snacks throughout the day so you can meet your required amount.
Why you will love these ice cream squares:
Cookie dough, but frozen + creamy = the vibe is totally nostalgic, but with better-for-you ingredients and a texture that melts in your mouth.
Endlessly customizable – swirl in peanut butter, top with flaky salt, try chocolate fudge protein in the dough layer – whatever you are craving.
Gut-friendly indulgence – no grains, no dairy, no refined sugar – just simple, gentle ingredients your body (and gut) will love.
Keeps perfectly in the freezer – soft enough to bite straight from the freezer, so they are always ready when you want a treat.
No baking is required for these healthy cookie dough ice cream squares which makes them even more perfect for summer! And come on, edible cookie dough with healthy ice cream on top! What on earth could be better than that?!
They are perfect for keeping in the freezer for whenever that craving hits. I love that the texture stays just soft enough to bite right from the freezer (no thawing needed). Plus, they’re so easy to customize – play with the layers and make them your own.
What you will need to make this recipe:
Almond Flour – keeps the cookie dough layer soft, buttery, and grain free.
Cashew Butter – the magic ingredient that makes the whole thing taste like legit cookie dough.
Honey or maple syrup – adds a hint of natural sweetness to balance the layers.
Canned coconut milk – full fat for that creamy, dreamy fudge layer.
Coconut oil – helps the fudge layer set perfectly in the freezer.
Vanilla – rounds out the cookie dough flavor .
Chocolate Chips – for a decadent touch
Protein Powder – Add the protein factor and also acts like a flour to help with the structure of the recipe.
Milk– keeps the cookie dough layer soft + scoopable, so it contrasts perfectly with the fudgy base.
These Cookie Dough Ice Cream Squares are packed with nostalgic flavor but made with gut-friendly, vegan, and grain free ingredients. Soft cookie dough meets creamy fudge, with no refined sugar and the perfect freezer-friendly texture. Keep a batch ready for when that craving hits!
Cookie Dough Protein Ice Cream Squares
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Layer
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup cashew or almond butter
- 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder, plain or vanilla
- 1/4 cup canned coconut milk (full fat)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fudge Layer
- 1/2 cup thick Greek-style yogurt,plain or vanilla
- 1/2 cup cashew butter
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk (full fat)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
Cookie Dough Layer
- In a bowl, mix together all the cookie dough layer ingredients until a soft dough forms.Gently press the cookie dough layer into 6 silicone mini squares mold (or a silicone tray with square cavities), smoothing to the edges. Or use a 7x 5-inch loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
Fudge Layer
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all ingredients for the fudge layer.Pour the fudge mixture over top of the cookie dough layer in the mold. Sprinkle chocolate chips over top.Freeze for 2 hours or until set.Pop out of the silicone mold or cut into 6-8 squares and enjoy straight from the freezer! Store any extras in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
