Ninja Creami-made ice cream made with cottage cheese is an unexpectedly delicious and creamy treat. The cottage cheese gives the base a smooth, slightly tangy backbone that balances sweeteners and mix-ins beautifully. Using the Ninja Creami makes the process quick and simple—blend, freeze, spin, and enjoy a homemade frozen dessert that feels rich without relying on heavy cream alone.

I tested this viral cottage cheese ice cream recipe that’s been popular on TikTok and adapted it for the Ninja Creami. The base is surprisingly simple—just three main ingredients—yet it produces a creamy, scoopable result. I’ve experimented with other Ninja Creami recipes like protein blends and fruit sorbets, and this cottage cheese version ranks high for texture and versatility.
Below you’ll find the straightforward recipe, suggested variations, tips for the best texture, and answers to common questions about using the Ninja Creami for cottage cheese ice cream.
What is Cottage Cheese Ice Cream?
Cottage cheese ice cream is simply cottage cheese blended smooth and combined with a sweetener and any flavoring or mix-ins you prefer. Blending the curds until they are silky removes the grainy texture and turns cottage cheese into a creamy base that freezes well. When processed in an ice cream machine like the Ninja Creami, this base becomes a rich, tangy ice cream with fewer traditional dairy fats.
You can use nut butter for body and flavor, honey or another sweetener for sweetness, and add any mix-ins—chocolate chips, chopped dates, crushed cookies, or swirled fruit preserves—to create your favorite combinations.
Ingredients Needed — Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
- 1 18oz container of whole milk cottage cheese
- 2 tablespoons nut butter (peanut or almond)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons honey, to taste
How to Make Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
- Blend the cottage cheese, nut butter, and honey with an immersion blender or countertop blender until completely smooth and lump-free.
- Transfer the blended mixture to the Ninja Creami pint (or another freezer-safe container). If you like, fold in a small amount of dry vanilla pudding mix for extra creaminess, mixing gradually so it dissolves.
- Freeze the pint upright for at least 24 hours for best results. In some cases, a longer chill or an extended deep-freeze can improve texture; some users report acceptable results after about 6–8 hours, but 24 hours is the most consistent.
- Install the pint in the Ninja Creami and run the ice cream program. After the initial spin, open the pint and add any mix-ins—chocolate chips, chopped dates, cookie pieces, or fruit.
- Use the “respin” option as needed until the texture is smooth and scoopable. Serve immediately or return to the freezer briefly to firm up.
- Enjoy your cottage cheese ice cream!
Other Mix-Ins and Variations to Try
- Chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a chocolate version.
- Fresh or frozen berries blended into the base for fruit flavors.
- Chopped dates or swirls of caramel for natural sweetness and chew.
- Nut butters beyond peanut—almond or cashew for different flavor profiles.
- Crushed sandwich cookies or Oreos added after the first spin for texture.
- Protein drink bases (if desired) can be blended into other Ninja Creami recipes for extra protein, though they are not required for this cottage cheese version.
Recommended Tools
Ninja Creami machine (or a similar pint-based ice cream maker) for the easiest, creamiest results. An immersion blender or a high-speed blender is essential to achieve a smooth cottage cheese base. Extra freezer-safe pints make it easier to keep multiple flavors on hand.
How do I store leftovers?
Replace the lid on the pint and store it in the freezer, or transfer the ice cream to an airtight container. If the ice cream firms up too much, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before respinning or scooping to restore creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions and Tips
Do I need to wait 24 hours before spinning? Freezing for 24 hours gives the most consistent texture, though some have found acceptable results after 6–8 hours. For best results, follow the 24-hour recommendation.
Can I put frozen fruit directly into the pint? It’s best to blend frozen fruit first to avoid stressing the machine. The Ninja Creami manual advises against adding large amounts of frozen solids directly to the pint.
Do I have to use protein drinks? No. Protein drinks can be useful in other recipes but are not necessary for this cottage cheese ice cream.
Can I use non-dairy milk? Yes. If you prefer a dairy-free option, blend the base with unsweetened almond or oat milk, but note that texture and flavor will change slightly.

Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 424
- Sugar: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
Viral Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Recipe
- Author: Jenna
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 10 min (plus freezing)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Easy
- Method: Blend
- Cuisine: American