Ninja Creami High Protein Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Recipe

Introduction

This high-protein pumpkin ice cream made with cottage cheese is a creamy, nutritious treat perfect for autumn and beyond. Using a Ninja Creami, you can create a silky smooth dessert that balances pumpkin spice flavors with a hint of natural sweetness.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups 2% or full-fat cottage cheese (Trader Joe’s 2% works great!)
• ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ⅓ cup milk
• 3-4 tbsp pure maple syrup (to taste)
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ⅛ tsp fine sea salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add cottage cheese, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, milk, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and salt to your Ninja Creami pint container.
2. Step 2: Blend everything with an immersion blender until smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Taste the base and add more maple syrup for sweetness or more spice for warmth if desired.
4. Step 4: Secure the lid and freeze the pint container for 12–24 hours, making sure it sits completely level.
5. Step 5: Once frozen solid, let the pint rest on the counter for 10–15 minutes or warm the outside under hot water for 1–2 minutes to help the ice cream spin smoothly.
6. Step 6: Insert the pint into the Ninja Creami and select the “Lite Ice Cream” or “Creamy Ice Cream” function depending on your model.
7. Step 7: If the texture is crumbly, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk and re-spin until smooth and creamy.
8. Step 8: Enjoy immediately for a soft-serve texture, or freeze again for 30–60 minutes for firmer, scoopable ice cream.

Tips & Variations

• Use full-fat cottage cheese for a richer, creamier texture.
• Adjust maple syrup quantity to control sweetness to your preference.
• Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and texture.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute cottage cheese and milk with a creamy plant-based alternative, but note texture may vary.

Storage

Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week. To soften before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes or briefly microwave in short bursts. Stir well to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree because pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices, which can alter the taste and texture of the ice cream.

What if I don’t have a Ninja Creami?

This recipe is formulated for the Ninja Creami machine. Without it, you might struggle to achieve the same smooth texture; however, you could try freezing the mixture in an ice cream maker or stirring every 30 minutes as it freezes to reduce ice crystals.