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About This Recipe
This Strawberry Cheesecake Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream recipe is the perfect lightened up, healthy treat that packs 27 grams of protein per serving and you can enjoy the entire pint for less than 300 calories.
If you haven’t jumped on the viral cottage cheese ice cream bandwagon, you’re missing out! There’s a reason it’s gone viral and it makes the most delicious, healthy, creamy ice cream!
If you don’t have a Ninja Creami Ice Cream maker, I seriously recommend one. It truly lives up the the hype and just makes the best ice cream. But if you aren’t trying to add another appliance right now, I totally get that too and have included the instructions for the traditional loaf pan version. You can just as easily make this creamy strawberry ice cream without an ice cream maker.
Skeptic about the cottage cheese? Don’t worry I was too at first but let me tell you, this cottage cheese ice cream tastes just like the kind you would buy at the grocery store with a lot less calories!
The cottage cheese helps the texture of the ice cream and makes it thick and creamy! It blends right in with your other ingredients so you don’t taste it at all. Plus, it adds extra protein which is always a plus.
Looking for more enjoy cottage cheese? Try cottage cheese scrambled eggs or cottage cheese mac and cheese!
This ninja creami strawberry ice cream really is the best summer dessert! I love high protein ice cream recipes like these because they’re so easy to customize to your preferences and there are so many yummy different variations. Need more or less protein? Just adjust the amount of protein powder. Need more or less carbs? Add extra mix-ins or skip the graham crackers. The perfect recipe to make your own and fit your goals!
If you’re looking for more high protein ice cream recipes, try my Reese’s peanut butter Ninja Creami or Ninja Creami vanilla protein ice cream. Or for homemade ice cream without a Ninja Creami ice cream machine, try my cookie dough protein ice cream or mint Oreo protein ice cream!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Cottage Cheese Protein Ice Cream
- The best healthy ice cream for a sweet treat on a hot summer day!
- Don’t have a Ninja Creami? No problem! Loaf pan version also included! All you need is a freezer-safe container.
- Easily customizable and fun to switch up with different toppings and mix-ins!
- A healthy high-protein dessert that tastes like the real deal!
- Enjoy the whole pint for less than 300 calories and 27 g protein per serving!
- Milk – I used unsweetened almond milk but any milk of choice will work. If making the loaf pan version, you will omit the milk.
- Whole milk cottage cheese – trust me on the whole milk on this one! The extra fat helps add the creamy consistency and perfect texture we want from ice cream.
- Protein powder – I used PEScience vanilla protein powder (code Laurenfitfoodie to save!) but any protein should work here so just use your favorite protein powder. Use a plant-based dairy-free protein powder if needed.
- Jello pudding mix – This helps to add flavor and also acts as a thickening agent. I used white chocolate flavor but you could use vanilla or cheesecake. I also used the sugar-free kind but regular works perfectly too. Since we’re using so little of it, subbing would hardly effect the nutrition or flavor of the ice cream.
- Vanilla extract
- Liquid stevia – can also sub for honey or pure maple syrup.
- Fresh strawberries
- Graham crackers – use gluten-free graham crackers if needed.
- Switch up your protein powder: change out the vanilla for cake pop or strawberry cheesecake to add even more flavor!
- Use a protein shake: like Fairlife or Premier shakes, to make this even easier! Use the same amount and just omit the milk and protein powder.
- Extra mix-ins: add any extra mix-ins! Chocolate chips for chocolate covered strawberry, granola, marshmallows, etc.
- Make it vegan: use dairy-free milk and cool whip, sub dairy-free greek yogurt for cottage cheese, vegan instant pudding mix and make sure protein powder is vegan-friendly!
- Switch up the fruit: swap the fresh strawberries for any fresh fruit you prefer! Cherries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.
How To Make
The full printable recipe is below, but let me walk you through the process so you know what to expect when you’re making it!
1. Add all the ingredients (except the strawberries and crackers) to an empty Creami pint and use an immersion to combine (or you can blend in a food processor or small blender).
2. Then add 1/2 of the strawberries and blend again.
3. Freeze for at least 12 hours.
4. Add a splash of milk or cream, then run through the Lite Ice Cream cycle once. Then make a well in the center of the ice cream and add the crushed graham crackers and remaining strawberries. Run through the mix-in cycle then top with whipped cream if desired and enjoy!
Loaf Pan Version:
- Add the cottage cheese, protein powder, stevia, and vanilla to a large bowl and blend with an immersion blender (or blend with a food processor or high blender) until smooth. Add half of the strawberries and blend again until combined.
- Then with a rubber spatula, fold in the cool whip, remaining strawberries and crushed graham crackers (save some crackers and strawberries for topping).
- Transfer ice cream mixture to a loaf pan. Top with remaining strawberries and graham crackers.
- Cover with cling/plastic wrap and freeze for 3-4 hours or until solid.
- Take out and let sit for 10 minutes so it’s easier to scoop. Then scoop, top with whipped cream if desired and enjoy!
Ninja Creami Version: If you don’t finish the full pint, you can save the rest for later! Use a spoon to smooth and level out the top of the remaining ice cream in the Ninja Creami container and place back in the freezer. When ready to eat, re-spin the frozen pint until desired consistency. If you want to save your leftovers in another container, transfer the leftover ice-cream to another container and freeze. To enjoy, let it thaw on the container for a bit or microwave it for 5-10 seconds to soften.
Loaf Pan Version: Cover tightly with saran wrap and store. If stored well, it will stay fresh in the freezer for 3-4 months.
Helpful Ninja Creami Tips
- Prep in advance. I have found that I don’t necessarily need to wait 24 hours, but if I make this ice cream the morning of, say 8 hours in advance, I am good!
- Avoid Icy Edges. Run the container under hot water for 30 seconds before running it through the machine (or let sit out on the counter for 15-20 minutes). After the initial spin, run a butter knife or spoon along the sides and re-spin.
- Additional Re-spins. If you like your ice cream more like soft serve, you can re-spin 2-3 times before adding in your mix ins. This will soften the ice cream. If you like your ice cream more scoop-able, I recommend sticking with 1 re-spin.
- Don’t overfill the container. The ice cream will expand in volume as your re-spin so don’t worry if it looks like the pint isn’t initially full. Leaving adequate room in the container will allow the ice cream to spin correct to make the best, most creamy ice cream.
Why does my Ninja Creami look powdery after the first spin?
It is normal and expected for the ice cream base to be crumbly and powdery after the first spin. The second spin (especially when you add a little more liquid) is when the magic happens! If ice cream is still not to desired consistency after first re-spin, you do an additional 2-3 re-spins (until desired consistency).
Can I make this ninja creami strawberry ice cream recipe without protein powder?
Yes, you can omit the protein powder or use a protein shake like a Fairlife protein drink or a premier protein shake instead. But trust me, you won’t taste it at all. There’s no gritty texture or overly-strong flavor. And it’s such an easy way to sneak in a protein boost if you need one. The ice cream, however, will still be perfectly delicious without it!
Does this strawberry cheesecake cottage cheese ice cream tastes like cottage cheese?
No, you can’t taste the cottage cheese at all! The cottage cheese just gives this ice cream the best creamy texture while adding extra protein! I highly recommend using the full-fat cottage cheese though to get the optimal flavor and texture.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure leave a review, tag me on Instagram or TikTok at @LaurenFitFoodie or hashtag #LaurenFitFoodie so I can see your creations!
Strawberry Cheesecake Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream
Ingredients
Ninja Creami version:
- 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (180g) any dairy or nondairy
- 1/4 cup cottage cheese(60g) 4%
- 3 Tbsp vanilla protein powder (21g)
- 1/2 Tbsp white chocolate Jello pudding mix sugar-free or regular
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp liquid stevia
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (140g) finely diced & divided
- 1 graham cracker sheet crushed + extra for topping
- whipped cream for serving
Loaf pan version:
- 15 oz. whole milk cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder (60g)
- 1 tsp liquid stevia – or add honey to desired sweetness
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (140g) finely diced
- 8 oz. lite cool whip thawed
- 6 graham cracker sheet crushed
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Instructions
Ninja Creami version:
- Add all the ingredients (except the strawberries and crackers) to an empty Ninja Creami pint and use an immersion blender to combine (or you can blend in a food processor or blender). Then add 1/2 of the strawberries and blend again.
- Freeze for at least 12 hours.
- Add a splash of milk or cream, then run through the Lite Ice Cream cycle once. Then make a well in the center of the ice cream and add the crushed graham crackers and remaining strawberries. Run through the mix-in cycle then top with whipped cream if desired and enjoy!
Loaf pan version:
- Add the cottage cheese, protein powder, stevia, and vanilla to a large bowl and blend with an immersion blender (or blend with a food processor or high blender) until smooth. Add half of the strawberries and blend again until combined.
- Then with a rubber spatula, fold in the cool whip, remaining strawberries and crushed graham crackers (save some crackers and strawberries for topping).
- Transfer ice cream mixture to a loaf pan. Top with remaining strawberries and graham crackers.
- Cover with cling/plastic wrap and freeze for 3-4 hours or until solid.
- Take out and let sit for 10 minutes so it’s easier to scoop. Then scoop, top with whipped cream if desired and enjoy!
Equipment
- Ninja Creami optional
Notes
Nutrition per serving: 232 calories 24C / 8F / 16P
MyFitnessPal Entry: LFF Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream (Loaf Pan) Ninja Creami Tips:
- Prep in advance. I have found that I don’t necessarily need to wait 24 hours, but if I make this ice cream the morning of, say 8 hours in advance, I am good!
- Avoid Icy Edges. Run the container under hot water for 30 seconds before running it through the machine (or let sit out on the counter for 15-20 minutes). After the initial spin, run a butter knife or spoon along the sides and re-spin.
- Additional Re-spins. If you like your ice cream more like soft serve, you can re-spin 2-3 times before adding in your mix ins. This will soften the ice cream. If you like your ice cream more scoop-able, I recommend sticking with 1 re-spin.
- Don’t overfill the container. The ice cream will expand in volume as your re-spin so don’t worry if it looks like the pint isn’t initially full. Leaving adequate room in the container will allow the ice cream to spin correct to make the best, most creamy ice cream.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition is hand-calculated and accurate. No autocalulations! However, note that values can vary based on the brands you use and if you substitute ingredients.
