Craving a creamy, chocolatey dessert that won’t wreck your diet? This Ninja Creami cottage cheese ice cream is my go-to for satisfying sweet tooth cravings with over 20g of protein per serving. It’s so easy and tastes like a dream. Let’s get started!
At a Glance: Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Freeze Time: 24 hours
- Processing Time: 5-10 minutes
- Total Time: ~24 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 2 (½ pint each)
- Difficulty: Super easy
- Equipment: Ninja Creami
- Dietary Info: High-protein, gluten-free, keto-friendly with tweaks
How This Recipe Became My Dessert Obsession
Picture a hot summer evening—I’m beat from a gym session and craving ice cream. But store-bought pints were either sugar bombs or tasted like cardboard. While scrolling X for ideas, I found a post raving about cottage cheese in Ninja Creami recipes. I was like, “Cottage cheese? No way!” But curiosity won, and after a few tries, I was hooked. Blending cottage cheese makes it super creamy, like gelato, and this chocolate version is rich, fudgy, and keeps me full. I’ve tweaked it over a dozen batches to get it just right. If you love fitness or just want a healthier treat, this is your jam. Ready to make it?
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you need for this high-protein chocolate ice cream. I’ve included my favorite brands to make shopping easy.
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tbsp instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp monk fruit sweetener
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
How to Make It: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Blend It Smooth
- What to Do: Toss 1 cup cottage cheese, ½ cup almond milk, 2 tbsp pudding mix, 1 tbsp cocoa powder, 2 tbsp monk fruit sweetener, 1 tsp vanilla, and 2 tbsp heavy cream (if using) into a blender. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until silky.
- My Tip: A high-powered blender works best. An immersion blender in a tall container is okay too.
- Time: 5 minutes
Step 2: Pour and Freeze
- What to Do: Pour the mix into a Ninja Creami pint container, keeping below the max fill line. Pop on the lid and freeze flat for 24 hours.
- My Tip: Write the date on the lid to track freezing time.
- Time: 24 hours
Step 3: Spin It in the Ninja Creami
- What to Do: Take the pint out (let it sit 5 minutes if super hard). Place in the Ninja Creami and hit “Lite Ice Cream.”
- My Tip: If it’s powdery, add 1 tbsp almond milk and re-spin once or twice.
- Time: 5-10 minutes
Step 4: Add Some Crunch (Optional)
- What to Do: Mix in 2 tbsp chocolate chips or almonds using the “Mix-In” setting or a spoon.
- My Tip: Freeze mix-ins for 5 minutes to prevent them from melting the ice cream.
- Time: 2 minutes
Step 5: Scoop and Savor
- What to Do: Scoop into chilled bowls or cones. Sprinkle with cocoa powder or extra chips for flair.
- My Tip: Chill bowls for 5 minutes to keep them cold.
- Time: 1 minute
My Top Tips and Mistakes to Skip
I’ve goofed this recipe a few times, so here’s how to get it perfect.
Tips for Nailing It
- Blend Like Crazy: Curds make it icy, so blend until super smooth.
- Go Full-Fat: Full-fat cottage cheese is creamier, but low-fat’s fine for lighter diets.
- Re-Spin if Needed: Powdery texture? Add a splash of milk and spin again.
- Freeze Flat: A tilted pint can mess up the Ninja Creami blade.
Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t)
- Overfilling: I spilled mix everywhere once—stick to the max fill line.
- Rushing the Freeze: Less than 24 hours gave a weird texture. Plan ahead.
- Grainy Sweeteners: Erythritol was gritty; use liquid monk fruit for keto.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage:
- Keep in the Ninja Creami pint with the lid for up to 2 weeks.
- Or use a sealed container with plastic wrap to block freezer burn.
Reheating:
- Re-spin with 1 tbsp milk for creamy results.
- Or thaw 10-15 minutes at room temp for soft-serve.
My Tips:
Don’t microwave—it turns into a soupy mess.
Nutrition Breakdown
Here’s the nutrition scoop, based on my tests. explains why protein-packed desserts rock.
Per ½ Pint (No Mix-Ins):
- Calories: ~180
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 8g (4g net carbs with keto options)
Notes:
- Varies with cottage cheese (4% vs. low-fat) or milk.
- Mix-ins add ~50 calories.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Can I make this without a Ninja Creami?
Blend, freeze in a loaf pan for 4-6 hours, and scoop after thawing 10-15 minutes. It’s less creamy but still tasty.
What’s the best cottage cheese to use?
Full-fat, small curd like Good Culture for smooth, rich results.
How do I make it keto?
Use sugar-free pudding, liquid monk fruit, and almond milk or heavy cream.
Why’s my ice cream powdery?
Protein-heavy mixes do that. Add 1 tbsp milk and re-spin.
Is low-fat cottage cheese okay?
Yep, but full-fat tastes richer.
My Final Thoughts
This chocolate cottage cheese ice cream is my secret weapon for guilt-free treats. My first scoop blew me away—fudgy, creamy, and packed with 20g of protein! I learned the hard way to blend thoroughly after a few icy batches. The cottage cheese tang blends so well with chocolate, and dark chocolate chips make it feel fancy. I love scooping it into chilled bowls with a cocoa sprinkle for that chef vibe. Try it and play with flavors—strawberry next for me! Share your creations in the comments or on Pinterest. What mix-ins will you add?