Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a creamy, nutrient-packed sweet treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Made with simple ingredients like fresh strawberries, cottage cheese, and a touch of natural sweetness, it’s a high-protein dessert that feels indulgent but is surprisingly healthy. You’ll love how it tastes just like strawberry cheesecake in homemade ice cream form!

Protein: 37 grams per serving (1/2 tub)
The protein in this recipe comes primarily from the cottage cheese and vanilla protein powder. Cottage cheese is a powerhouse ingredient, offering a boost of protein and a creamy base that mimics traditional ice cream. When I made this for the first time, I was amazed at how smooth and rich the texture turned out—proof you don’t need heavy cream to create dreamy, creamy ice cream!
Why you will love this recipe
- Protein: High in protein, thanks to cottage cheese and 60 grams of protein powder.
- Creamy: Creamy texture without needing an ice cream maker.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins for a personal touch.
- Healthy treat: Great for satisfying a sweet tooth while staying on track with health goals.
- Simple ingredients: Simple, nutrient-rich ingredients available at most grocery stores.
Key ingredients and substitutions
- Cottage Cheese: The main ingredient for the creamy base; use low-fat cottage cheese for a lighter version or full-fat cottage cheese for richness.
- Strawberries: Fresh or frozen work, adding natural sweetness.
- Vanilla Protein Powder: Boosts protein; choose your favorite brand.
- Xanthan Gum: Helps with texture, but you can skip it for a less thick result.
- Liquid Stevia: Adjust for sweetness or use maple syrup, agave, or honey.
- Graham Crackers: Add crunch and a cheesecake vibe; swap with digestive biscuits.
How to make strawberry cottage cheese ice cream
- Prepare the base: Add cottage cheese, filtered milk, vanilla protein powder, fresh strawberries, liquid stevia, salt, and xanthan gum to a Ninja Creami pint container.
- Blend until smooth: Use an immersion blender to blend everything into a creamy consistency with a smooth texture.
- Chill time: Secure the lid and refrigerate the ice cream mixture for 24 hours to ensure it sets properly.
- Flatten the surface: After chilling, let the pint sit for 10 minutes. Scrape down any humps to create a flat surface.
- Spin it up: Place the container in the Ninja Creami and select the “lite ice cream” setting for a perfectly creamy texture.
- Add mix-ins: Dig a small hole in the center of the ice cream and add diced strawberries and chopped graham crackers.
- Final mix: Put the container back into the Ninja Creami and select the “mix-in” setting.
- Serve and enjoy: Scoop into bowls or cones and savor the creamy, protein-packed goodness!

Recipe notes and tips
- Sweet burst: For a burst of sweetness, let the strawberries come to room temperature before blending.
- Icy texture: Avoid adding too much liquid to prevent an icy texture, and don’t skip the xanthan gum.
- 24 hour chill: Don’t skip the chill time—it’s crucial for getting that perfect texture!
Storage instructions
- Freezer-safe container: Store the ice cream in an airtight container or a loaf pan wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
- Keep it fresh: Lay a piece of parchment paper directly on top of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals.
- Re-spin if needed: If the texture hardens too much in the freezer, let it thaw for 10 minutes and re-spin it in your Ninja Creami.
- Eat within a week: While it might last longer, the best texture and flavor are enjoyed within 7 days.
Variations
- Berry swap: Use blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries instead of strawberries.
- Chocolate chip dream: Mix in mini chocolate chips for a strawberry-chocolate combo.
- Cheesecake vibes: Add a touch of cream cheese to the base for extra richness.
- Jam swirl: Add a swirl of strawberry jam for a concentrated fruity punch.
- Greek yogurt boost: Replace half the cottage cheese in the ice cream base with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
What to serve with strawberry cheesecake ice cream
- Fruity delights: Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a drizzle of strawberry jam.
- Crunchy treats: Crushed graham crackers, granola, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
- Saucy add-ons: Chocolate syrup, caramel drizzle, or pure maple syrup for extra indulgence.
- Sweet pairings: Serve alongside a slice of cheesecake, a warm brownie, or a shortbread cookie.
Frequently asked questions
It can be! Use a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol and ensure the graham crackers are swapped for a low-carb option.
You can skip it or use a pinch of cornstarch for a similar effect.
Absolutely! Just ensure you have enough containers for freezing.

More frozen goodies you’ll fall in love with
- White Chocolate Raspberry Protein Ice Cream
- Easy Keto Pumpkin Ice Cream
- Pineapple Coconut Ice Cream
- Easy Iced Strawberry Latte Recipe
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Strawberry Cottage Cheese Protein Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup filtered milk
- 60 g vanilla protein powder - 2 scoops
- 100 g strawberries - 5 strawberries for me
- 20 drops liquid stevia - add more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
Mix-Ins
- 50 g strawberries - diced (2-3 strawberries)
- 1 graham cracker - chopped (or 2 digestive biscuits)
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients except the mix-ins to a Ninja Creami pint container.1/2 cup cottage cheese, 1 cup filtered milk, 60 g vanilla protein powder, 100 g strawberries, 20 drops liquid stevia, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
- Blend them with an immersion blender until smooth.
- Secure the lid and place it on a flat surface in the fridge for 24 hours.
- Take the pint out of the fridge and let it sit for 10 minutes,
- Scrape down any visible hump until the surface is flat.
- Spin on the lite ice cream setting.
- Dig a hole in the center of the ice cream in the pint. Add the diced strawberries and chopped graham cracker.50 g strawberries, 1 graham cracker
- Place the pint back into the ninja creami and select the mix-in setting.
- Scoop and enjoy!
Notes
- For a burst of sweetness, let the strawberries come to room temperature before blending.
- Avoid adding too much liquid to prevent an icy texture.
- Don’t skip the chill time—it’s crucial for getting that perfect texture!
Storage instructions
- Freezer-safe container: Store the ice cream in an airtight container or a loaf pan wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
- Keep it fresh: Lay a piece of parchment paper directly on top of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals.
- Re-spin if needed: If the texture hardens too much in the freezer, let it thaw for 10 minutes and re-spin it in your Ninja Creami.
- Eat within a week: While it might last longer, the best texture and flavor are enjoyed within 7 days.