Decadent, creamy chocolate ice cream made in the Ninja Creami using protein-packed cottage cheese. You would never guess this pint contains a full cup of cottage cheese — it tastes rich and custard-like. Here’s how to make it.
Looking for more ways to use cottage cheese? Try blended cottage cheese breakfast bowls.
Why you’ll love it
The Ninja Creami and cottage cheese have both become popular for good reason. Cottage cheese offers a mild, creamy base that’s high in protein and supplies calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin B12. It’s a versatile ingredient that makes a satisfying ice cream base without sacrificing nutrition.
The Ninja Creami turns lighter bases into scoopable, indulgent treats. This chocolate cottage cheese ice cream delivers a frozen custard-like texture and about 16 grams of protein per pint, depending on ingredients you use. It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and perfect whether you want a lower-sugar option or a richer, full-fat treat.
If cottage cheese texture concerns you, don’t worry — when blended and processed in the Creami it becomes silky and smooth, indistinguishable from regular ice cream.
Ingredients
- Cottage Cheese: Full-fat gives the creamiest result, but low-fat will work. Small-curd or blended cottage cheese is best for texture.
- Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix: Use sugar-free or regular depending on your preference for sweetness and carbs.
- Cocoa powder: Boosts chocolate depth and richness.
- Honey: One tablespoon sweetens the pint; swap with your preferred sweetener or omit for a less sweet version.
- Vanilla extract
- Milk: Any milk works — higher-protein or whole milk will yield a thicker result.
- Heavy cream: A couple tablespoons add extra creaminess if you’re using milk as the base.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Ice Cream in the Ninja Creami
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl or directly in the Ninja Creami pint.
- Blend until completely smooth using an immersion blender, countertop blender, or a vigorous whisk. Smoothness before freezing ensures the best texture.
- Pour the blended mixture into the pint container, level it, and freeze flat for 24 hours.
- Place the frozen pint into the Ninja Creami and run the Ice Cream setting once (a few minutes).
- If the texture is crumbly, add a splash of milk and use the Re-Spin function. Repeat as needed until the ice cream becomes silky and scoopable.
- When the mixture is smooth and creamy, it’s ready to enjoy. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to blend the cottage cheese beforehand?
For the creamiest result, yes. Blend until smooth before freezing. If you don’t have a blender, choose small-curd cottage cheese; the Ninja Creami will smooth it but starting fully blended gives the best texture.
Is cottage cheese ice cream healthy?
It can be. Cottage cheese boosts protein and nutrients, making this a higher-protein alternative to traditional ice cream. Adjust pudding mix and sweeteners to control sugar and calories.
Is cottage cheese ice cream actually good?
Yes. When balanced with chocolate, vanilla, and a touch of sweetener, this recipe is rich and satisfying. It’s slightly different from classic ice cream but delicious and a great way to add protein to a treat.
Variations
- Vanilla version: Swap the chocolate pudding mix for vanilla pudding and omit cocoa powder. Increase vanilla extract to taste.
- Mix-ins: After the final spin, use the mix-ins setting and add crushed cookies, peanut butter cups, fresh berries, nuts, chocolate chips, graham crackers, shaved chocolate, or coconut flakes.
- Higher protein: Add a scoop of protein powder, but increase liquid to keep the mixture blendable.
You’ll also love
Easy cottage cheese with fruit bowls and red pepper egg bites (a Starbucks-style egg white bite) are great companion recipes.
Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Ninja Creami Recipe
Jamie N, Registered Dietitian
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Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese, full-fat preferred
- 2 tbsp chocolate instant pudding mix
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a bowl and blend until completely smooth. If you don’t have a blender, whisk vigorously or use small-curd cottage cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to the pint container and freeze flat for 24 hours.
- Process in the Ninja Creami on the Ice Cream setting once.
- If crumbly, add a splash of milk and re-spin until smooth and creamy.
- Taste for texture; serve immediately for the best scoopable creaminess.
Notes
- Blend until completely smooth before freezing to ensure the creamiest texture.
- Freeze the pint flat so it spins evenly in the machine.
- Re-spin if needed and add a splash of milk if the mixture looks dry or crumbly.
- Serve immediately — Ninja Creami ice cream is at its smoothest right after spinning.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate.
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