Apple pie meets cheesecake in this Apple Pie Cheesecake Protein Ice Cream! Made with creamy cottage cheese, tender maple cinnamon apples, crunchy cookie crumbles, and a swirl of nut butter, this homemade ice cream tastes like your favorite fall dessert. Each serving packs 15 grams of protein with no refined sugar! It’s the perfect healthier dessert to make in your Ninja CREAMi when you’re craving something sweet.
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Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Protein Ice Cream
If you love apple pie and cheesecake, you’re going to love this recipe! The cottage cheese creates a rich, creamy ice cream base with a slightly tangy cheesecake flavor, while the sautéed apples bring all those classic apple pie flavors. I love adding Simple Mills Sweet Thins for a little crunch and a spoonful of Oat Haus Granola Butter for an extra layer of flavor.
Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your dessert rotation:
- High in protein: Each serving has approximately 15 grams of protein, making it a satisfying dessert.
- No refined sugar: Naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup and made with simple ingredients.
- Classic apple pie flavors: Tender green apples, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and vanilla give this ice cream that nostalgic homemade apple pie flavor.
- Rich and creamy: Cottage cheese creates a cheesecake-inspired ice cream base without needing heavy cream.
- Easy to customize: Switch up the cookies, nut butter, or toppings to make it your own.
What You Will Need:
- Blender or Ninja Creami – To get the true ice cream consistency, you will need a blender. I have a Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker, which is HIGHLY recommended. It gives the perfect combination of speed, pressure, and time to create creamy ice cream. Ninja’s innovative Creamerizer System finely shaves and churns ice particles, which differentiates it so much from a regular blender. You won’t have those frozen icy pieces. It is an investment, but SO worth it.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how a handful of simple ingredients can turn into such a delicious frozen dessert.
For the Ice Cream:
- 16 oz. cottage cheese: The base of this protein ice cream! Cottage cheese creates a creamy texture, adds protein, and gives the ice cream that slightly tangy cheesecake flavor. I recommend using a small-curd cottage cheese for the best results.
- 2 tbsp maple syrup: Naturally sweetens the ice cream without refined sugar.
- 12 Simple Mills Sweet Thins: These add the perfect cookie crunch and give the ice cream a pie crust-inspired finish. I recommend using a cinnamon-flavored variety if available.
- 1 tbsp nut butter or granola butter: Adds richness and extra flavor. I used Oat Haus Granola Butter, but almond butter or cashew butter would also work!
- For the Maple Cinnamon Apples
- 1 green apple: I recommend Granny Smith for its tart flavor, which balances the sweetness of the maple syrup.
- 1 tbsp maple syrup: Helps sweeten the apples as they soften.
- ½ tsp vanilla bean paste: Adds a rich vanilla flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples and cinnamon.
- 1 tbsp grass-fed butter: Used to sauté the apples until tender and flavorful.
- ½ tsp apple pie spice: Gives the apples that classic warm apple pie flavor.
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon: Adds even more cinnamon flavor to the apple mixture.
How To Make It
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, maple syrup, vanilla bean paste, apple pie spice, and cinnamon. Cook for about 8 minutes (stirring occasionally) until the apples are tender. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
- In a Ninja CREAMi pint container, combine the cottage cheese, 2 tbsp maple syrup, and cooled cinnamon apples. Stir until combined (keeping the mixture below the max fill line). Divide between containers if necessary.
- Secure the lid and place the container on a level surface in the freezer for 24 hours (or until completely frozen).
- Place the frozen pint into your Ninja CREAMi and process using the Light Ice Cream setting. If the mixture is crumbly, use the Re-Spin setting until smooth and creamy.
- Create a small hole in the center of the ice cream. Add the Simple Mills Sweet Thins and nut or granola butter (gently pressing the cookies into the ice cream). Process using the Mix-In setting.
- Scoop into bowls and enjoy immediately (with extra cinnamon, cookie crumbles, or granola butter if desired).
If you like your ice cream a bit softer, you can always process it a second time in the Ninja CREAMi, or let it sit out for a few minutes before scooping.
Tips for the Best Ninja CREAMi Protein Ice Cream
Let the apples cool before freezing. Adding hot apples directly to the cottage cheese can affect the texture of the ice cream base. Allow them to cool before combining everything.
Blend the cottage cheese for a smoother texture. If you’re not a fan of the texture of cottage cheese, blend it with the maple syrup before adding the apples. You’ll get a smoother ice cream base without noticeable curds.
Freeze for a full 24 hours. The ice cream base needs to be completely frozen before processing in your Ninja CREAMi.
Use the Re-Spin function if needed. It’s normal for high-protein ice cream to look a little crumbly after the first spin. Re-spinning can help create a smoother, creamier consistency.
Add your cookies at the end. Processing the cookies using the Mix-In setting helps distribute them throughout the ice cream while keeping some of that delicious crunch.
Substitutions and Variations
There are plenty of ways to customize this apple pie protein ice cream depending on your preferences and what you have on hand.
- Cottage cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese will generally create a richer, creamier texture, while low-fat cottage cheese is a lighter option.
- Apples: Granny Smith apples are my favorite for this recipe, but Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples are great alternatives if you prefer something sweeter.
- Cookies: Swap the Simple Mills Sweet Thins for your favorite gluten-free cookies, graham crackers, or cinnamon cookies.
- Nut butter: Almond butter, cashew butter, or granola butter all work beautifully.
- Extra protein: You can add a small amount of vanilla protein powder to the ice cream base for additional protein. You may need to adjust the liquid to maintain a creamy consistency.
How to Store
Store leftover ice cream in the Ninja CREAMi pint container with the lid tightly secured in the freezer for up to 2 weeks for the best texture.
If the ice cream becomes completely solid after refreezing, allow it to soften slightly before processing again according to your Ninja CREAMi model’s instructions. Keep in mind that the cookies may lose some of their crunch after freezing.
Why the Ninja CREAMi is a Game-Changer
The Ninja CREAMi is truly a game-changer when it comes to making homemade ice cream. Unlike traditional ice cream makers that require constant attention and churning, the Ninja CREAMi takes your frozen base and transforms it into a perfectly creamy texture in just a few minutes. Whether you’re making a healthy version like this one or a more indulgent treat, the CREAMi ensures that every scoop is smooth and velvety.
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I post all of my recipes on social media as well and you can stay up-to-date on what I am up to! Also, I love seeing people try my recipes! When make these, snap a picture and share it to your socials. Tag @cookingkatielady and #cookingkatielady so I can admire your masterpiece and share with others!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does cottage cheese ice cream taste like cottage cheese?
Not as much as you might think! The cottage cheese gives the ice cream a slightly tangy flavor similar to cheesecake. When combined with maple syrup, cinnamon apples, and cookie crumbles, it creates a delicious cheesecake-inspired dessert.
Can I make this without a Ninja CREAMi?
The Ninja CREAMi is recommended for the creamiest results. You can try blending the ingredients and freezing them in a freezer-safe container, stirring periodically as they freeze, but the texture will be different and likely icier.
Can I use frozen apples?
Fresh apples are best for this recipe because they hold their shape better when sautéed. Frozen apples may release more moisture and become softer.
Is this apple pie protein ice cream gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use Simple Mills Sweet Thins and a gluten free nut/granola butter.
How much protein is in each serving?
This recipe is estimated to provide approximately 15 grams of protein per serving, depending on your cottage cheese brand, toppings, and serving size.
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Description
Ingredients
For the Ice Cream
For the Maple Cinnamon Apples
Instructions
-
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, maple syrup, vanilla bean paste, apple pie spice, and cinnamon. Cook for about 8 minutes (stirring occasionally) until the apples are tender. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
-
In a Ninja CREAMi pint container, combine the cottage cheese, 2 tbsp maple syrup, and cooled cinnamon apples. Stir until combined (keeping the mixture below the max fill line). Divide between containers if necessary.
-
Secure the lid and place the container on a level surface in the freezer for 24 hours (or until completely frozen).
-
Place the frozen pint into your Ninja CREAMi and process using the Light Ice Cream setting. If the mixture is crumbly, use the Re-Spin setting until smooth and creamy.
-
Create a small hole in the center of the ice cream. Add the Simple Mills Sweet Thins and nut or granola butter (gently pressing the cookies into the ice cream). Process using the Mix-In setting.
-
Scoop into bowls and enjoy immediately (with extra cinnamon, cookie crumbles, or granola butter if desired).
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 257kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10.7g17%
- Saturated Fat 8.5g43%
- Cholesterol 8.5mg3%
- Sodium 416.3mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 26.8g9%
- Dietary Fiber 1.6g7%
- Sugars 19.4g
- Protein 15g30%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Did you make this recipe?
The next time you make it, snap a picture, and share it to your socials. Tag @cookingkatielady and #cookingkatielady so I can admire your masterpiece and share with others!:)
Please note that my nutrition label is approximate and can have slight rounding. Macros can very depending on brands you use.
