These easy ice cream bites are creamy dairy-free ice cream made with cashew nuts.  I used to love the store-bought bite-size vanilla ice creams as a child. So, I’ve been on a quest to make a plant-based version. These frozen sweet treats bring back so many memories that I had to try a homemade healthier version at home to fix my sweet tooth.

Let me introduce these cashew ice cream protein bites or the best little frozen treats you will ever taste. If there’s anything that can make a dessert more adorable, it’s miniaturization, and making mini versions of a rich, creamy, decadent ice creams is no exception. By using an ice cube tray (or muffin cups) as the mold for mini desserts, it’s super simple to make your own mini-ice cream treats that are as delicious as they are cute.

As if ice cream itself wasn’t perfect enough, someone thought up mini ice creams, and you guys, I’ve been obsessed with them ever since. They are so delicious and so versatile, and I’m sure once you try them, you will find it hard to keep from whipping up a batch regularly.

Sweet, creamy, and satisfying, these individual “bites” of ice cream are actually a decent source of protein, thanks to the cashews, coconut cream and some protein powder. They can be flavored in many tasty ways, too!

All the sweetness and richness of ice cream, but more fun and guilt-free for your healthy eating plan. These mini ice cream bars are the perfect bite-size for parties or for a daily sweet treat to end your long day.  And since they are frozen, you can just eat what you want and save the rest for later.

Sometimes you just need a ‘lil something’ at the end of a meal to signal that its time to stop eating.  These bad boys are perfect for that! The ingredients for these mini ice cream bites are all basic, easy-to-find items that come together in a snap with a mixer or a blender. That makes it super easy to stir up a batch on the fly!

How hard is it to normally make ice cream? Some traditional ice cream recipes can be very challenging, but this easy version is quick. Just stir it up and freeze! Doesn’t get any easier than that!

These ice cream bites are creamy and indulgent, low in carbs, and high in deliciousness! Make these cool and delicious treats ahead of time for a guilt-free indulgence whenever you crave a sweet treat. Made with simple ingredients to create the creamiest, most delicious frozen snacks that are perfect to make ahead and store in the fridge for when you need a sweet treat🤩

Get ready to fall head over heels for these adorable and delectable bite-sized ice cream bites, they are a show-stopper for any occasion!

Ice Cube Tray Ice Cream Protein Bites

Grab an ice cube tray and you are in for a treat with these little Ice Cream Protein Bites - the perfect easy bite-size snacks or desserts. Creamy and indulgent, low in carbs, and high in deliciousness!

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword banana nice cream protein bites, chocolate covered ice cream bites, clean eating dessert or snack, healthy ice cream bites, ice cube tray ice cream protein bites, nice cream bites

Servings 20

Ingredients

• 1 cup cashews, soaked 3+ hours and drained
• 1 13.5 oz can coconut cream, full fat (solid part only) *see note below
• 1 scoop protein or collagen peptides powder, plain or vanilla
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Coating

• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• Flaky salt - optional

Instructions

• Note: Place the can of coconut cream in the fridge or freezer for at least 1-2 hours before making these bars to allow coconut cream to separate.

  When you are ready to make your ice cream bites, open chilled can and scoop out the cream that has separated and set hard on the top. Save the remaining coconut water to use in a smoothie, drink, or discard.

  Add the hardened coconut cream, cashews, protein powder, honey and vanilla to a blender. Blend until you get a smooth and creamy texture.

  Pour the ice cream into ice cube molds or a 12-hole muffin silicone pan onto aboard or plate. The plate makes it easier to transfer the mold to the freezer in the next step. Set it aside.

  If using muffin cups as the mold, pour the ice cream mixture into the mold up to half their level – don't over-fill or the bites will be too thick and hard to crunch later on.

  Freeze the bites for 2-3 hours or until they are hard.

  You can eat them plain now. Push out the ice cream bites from the mold. Keep at room temperature for 5-8 minutes before eating to achieve the best creamy texture.

  If you intend to cover them in melted chocolate place back in the freezer to keep them firm while you melt the chocolate.

Chocolate Coating

• Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave with 20 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth.

  Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oil together.

  Once chocolate is melted, use two forks to hold each ice cream bite and one by one, dip into the melted chocolate, and roll around until fully coated, then place back on the parchment lined tray.

  Or hold each one with a fork over the melted chocolate and spoon it over letting the excess drip back into the bowl. 

  Sprinkle with flaky salt if desired, then chill until chocolate has set.

  Once chocolate is set and crisp, enjoy your homemade ice cream bites.

  Store in the fridge for 4-5 days if you want a melty gooey texture for your bites. Store in the freezer for up to a month for a Magnum ice cream consistency. If frozen, let sit for a few minutes to thaw a bit so the inside softens.

Print Recipe

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