You remember those deliciously sweet and soft vanilla ice cream sandwiches from childhood, right? Lately, I’ve found myself longing for that nostalgic taste but with a healthier twist. This inspired me to create this Healthy Ice Cream Sandwich recipe.
Making an ice cream sandwich isn’t hard: It’s basically two chocolate cookies with some vanilla ice cream pressed in between. But flavor matters = my recipe makes the chocolate cookies from scratch to get the taste and texture just right.
My memory isn’t what it used to be, but this tastes and feels like what I remember from childhood (when this was one of my favorite things). Let’s reimagine our beloved traditional ice cream sandwich, but with a “macro-friendly” spin.
We will swap out the high-sugar ice cream with a deliciously creamy blend of chocolate favoured thick yogurt, oat flour, protein powder, a dash of vanilla extract, and just a smidge of honey (no added sugar). We will hold it all together not with sugary cookies, but with oat flour, no bake cookies. The result? A masterpiece of flavor and nutrition!
So, it’s all the fun and flavor of a classic ice cream sandwich but lightened up and loaded with goodness. And the best part? No ice cream maker needed for the best ice cream sandwiches ever. These classic hot-weather treats remind me of drinking from the hose, piles of bikes discarded in front yards, sitting on the front porch, and licking the sticky, sweet chocolate cake from my fingertips, while creamy vanilla ice cream melts down my wrist.
Ice cream sandwiches are an easy-to-make quintessential summer treat. Be the hero of your neighborhood block party, and bring them out to enjoy while the kids chase fireflies and the adults revel in nostalgia.
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 sandwiches.
High in Protein: Thanks to the Greek yogurt and the added protein powder, each sandwich 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 sandwich is individually made, it’s easier to enjoy in moderation. No chance of overeating when there is just 2 cookies! 😊
Perfect for Summer: There’s nothing quite like a refreshing ice cream sandwich on those hot summer days, and this healthy version is no exception.
As well as being really easy to make, these ice cream sandwiches 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.
Eating protein-rich foods has many health and fitness benefits, including:
Speeding recovery after exercise and/or injury.
Reducing muscle loss
Building lean muscle
Helping maintain a healthy weight
Curbing hunger
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.
Variations:
Switch Up the Base: Get creative with the base of your ice cream sandwiches by trying different options. Try granola, graham crackers, oatmeal cookies or even homemade shortbread for a unique twist on the classic ice cream sandwich experience.
Dip In Melted Chocolate: Take your Healthy Ice Cream Sandwiches to the next level by dipping them in melted chocolate. Once assembled, let the sandwiches firm up in the freezer, then dip them halfway into melted dark, milk, or white chocolate. Allow the chocolate to set before enjoying a decadent, chocolate-coated treat. Yum!
Roll On Toppings: Add a fun and flavorful twist to your ice cream sandwiches by rolling the sides in a variety of delicious toppings. After assembling the sandwiches, roll the exposed edges into crushed nuts, shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips or even sprinkles for a festive touch.
Healthy Protein Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients
Base Cookie
- 1/2 cup oat flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1-2 tablespoons milk of choice
Ice Cream Filling
- 1/2 cup thick Greek-style yogurt
- 1 scoop protein or collagen peptides powder
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix cookie layer ingredients into a soft dough. Roll out and cut into 4 small rounds.Mix ice cream filling ingredients until smooth. Spoon filling between two cookie rounds.Freeze sandwiches for at least 2 hours before serving.
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
