Why I Love This Recipe
This Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream recipe is absolutely irresistible, and it’s perfect for those who want to satisfy their sweet tooth without the guilt! It’s packed with 47 grams of protein and only 6 WW points, making it an ideal treat for anyone following a Weight Watchers plan or anyone looking for a high-protein dessert. The combination of creamy cottage cheese, the sweet flavor of strawberries, and the crunch of graham crackers makes every bite feel like a mini indulgence—yet it’s incredibly nutritious. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and the result is a healthy, creamy ice cream you can feel good about eating!
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Freeze Time: 1 day
Total Time: 1 day, 5 minutes
Servings: 1 pint
Calories: 288 kcal
WW Points: 6 points per serving
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base:
- 11.5 ounces Strawberry Protein Shake
- ½ cup Low Fat Cottage Cheese (No Salt Added)
- ¼ teaspoon Strawberry Extract
Mix-Ins:
- ½ cup Fresh Strawberries (chopped)
- ½ Graham Cracker (broken into pieces – ½ of one whole graham cracker or 4 small graham crackers)
Optional:
- 1-2 tablespoons Unsweetened Almond Milk
Instructions
Make the Ice Cream Mixture:
- Blend the Ingredients:
Pour the strawberry protein shake, cottage cheese, and strawberry extract into a blender. Blend until the cottage cheese is completely smooth and incorporated into the mixture. - Pour and Freeze:
Pour the blended mixture into the Ninja Creami pint container. Freeze the container on a level surface for 24 hours. Your freezer should be set to between 9°F and -7°F. To ensure an even freeze without a bump forming on top, leave the lid off while freezing.
Process the Ice Cream:
- Prepare the Ninja Creami:
After the 24-hour freezing period, remove the pint container from the freezer. Place it into the outer bowl of the Ninja Creami machine. - Process:
Select the “LITE ICE CREAM” setting on the Ninja Creami. If the ice cream looks dry or crumbly after the first spin, add 1-2 tablespoons of unsweetened almond milk and run the machine again. Repeat this step as necessary to achieve a creamy texture. - Add Mix-ins:
Once the ice cream reaches the desired consistency, add chopped fresh strawberries and graham cracker pieces down the center of the ice cream. Process on the mix-ins setting until evenly distributed. - Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the pint from the machine and scoop out the creamy, delicious strawberry cottage cheese ice cream. Serve and enjoy immediately!
Tips & Tricks
- Blending Cottage Cheese: It’s essential to blend the cottage cheese thoroughly before freezing. A high-speed blender or immersion blender works best to ensure a smooth texture. Avoid using a frother, as it won’t break up the cottage cheese adequately.
- Adjusting the Texture: If your ice cream looks dry or crumbly after the first spin, just add a tablespoon of almond milk at a time and re-spin until you achieve your preferred consistency. The almond milk will help make it smooth and creamy without altering the flavor too much.
- Customizing the Flavor: This recipe is very versatile! While strawberries and graham crackers are a winning combo, you can experiment with other flavors. Consider adding chocolate chips, peanut butter, or cookies for a different twist. Just make sure to chop any large mix-ins into smaller pieces so they mix in easily.
- Freeze on a Level Surface: Freezing the mixture with the lid off, on a level surface, helps prevent a bump from forming at the top of the ice cream. This ensures an even freeze and smooth texture when processed.
Notes
- Serving Size: This recipe yields about 1 pint of ice cream, which can be portioned into multiple servings or enjoyed as a full pint.
- Protein Content: With 47 grams of protein in the whole pint, this makes for a great post-workout treat or high-protein dessert.
- Graham Crackers: If you prefer a gluten-free version, you can substitute the graham crackers with a gluten-free alternative.
FAQs
1. Do I need a Ninja Creami to make this recipe?
While the Ninja Creami is highly recommended for achieving the best texture, you can also use other methods to freeze and churn the ice cream. However, the consistency might not be as smooth without the Ninja Creami machine.
2. Can I use other protein shakes?
Yes! If you don’t have strawberry protein shake, you can substitute it with any other flavor, such as vanilla or chocolate. Just be aware that the flavor profile will change, but it’ll still be delicious!
3. Can I add other mix-ins to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. You can add things like mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts, dried fruit, or even a spoonful of peanut butter for extra flavor and texture. Just remember to chop larger mix-ins into small pieces to ensure they blend well.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can make this ice cream up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it stored in the freezer and ensure it is well-covered. Allow it to soften slightly before serving if it becomes too hard in the freezer.
Storage
- Freezer: Store any leftover ice cream in the freezer for up to 1-2 weeks. If you store it longer, it may become too hard, so you might need to allow it to soften at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
- Sealing: Make sure to cover the ice cream with the Ninja Creami lid or transfer it to an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
This Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a great, high-protein dessert that you can feel good about enjoying! Whether you’re following Weight Watchers, trying to hit your protein goals, or simply craving something sweet, this ice cream hits the spot while keeping you on track with your healthy lifestyle
