Okay, I’ve officially done it again—another cottage cheese ice cream you would never know is made with cottage cheese! This Healthy Copycat Moose Tracks Protein Ice Cream is hands down one of my favorite flavors I’ve made so far. It has all the dreamy flavor notes of the classic Moose Tracks you grew up loving—creamy vanilla base, peanut butter cups, and rich fudge swirls—but in a much better-for-you version.
The best part? It’s packed with protein (thanks to my secret ingredient: cottage cheese), it’s refined sugar-free, and it seriously tastes like the real thing.
This recipe actually starts with my vanilla cottage cheese ice cream base and then layers in just a few extra add-ins to capture that classic Moose Tracks flavor. The base is ultra-creamy thanks to the Ninja Creami, which is seriously a game-changer for homemade ice cream.
BE SURE TO SAVE THIS RECIPE TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD FOR LATER!
One key ingredient you’ll need for the base is vanilla pudding mix. I love using the Simply Delish brand because it’s one of the cleanest options out there—it’s gluten-free, plant-based, and sweetened without anything artificial.
You can use my discount code This recipe uses my vanilla ice cream recipe as the base and then a few extra add ins to give it the moose tracks flavor. It gets its ultra-creamy texture thanks to the Ninja Creami. One thing you will need for the ice cream base is a vanilla pudding mix. The cleanest ones that I love are by Simply Delish —use my code KATIE10 for 10% off Simply Delish pudding mixes!
This post isn’t sponsored at all—I just truly believe that using the brands I mentioned makes this recipe taste the most like the real thing while still keeping the ingredients clean and better for you.
What’s In Classic Moose Tracks Ice Cream?
Classic Moose Tracks is delicious, but unfortunately, it’s loaded with:
- High fructose corn syrup
- Artificial flavors
- Processed peanut butter cups
- Added gums and stabilizers
- Tons of refined sugar
Not exactly the kind of dessert that makes you feel your best.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Version:
- High-Protein, Low-Sugar
- Made with Cottage Cheese – You Can’t Taste It!
- Creamy, Fudgy, Crunchy Texture
- Naturally Sweetened
- Seriously Tastes Like Classic Moose Tracks
The Perfect Healthy Swaps:
Instead of traditional peanut butter cups and fudge chunks, I use some of my favorite healthier products from the Simply Gum Brand—they’re clean, simple, and taste amazing. This is not sponsored, I truly love these products and have tested this recipe so many times and this is what gave me the closest taste and texture to moose tracks ice cream.
Peanut Butter Crispies
These give the ice cream that satisfying crunch and that rich, nutty peanut butter flavor that makes Moose Tracks so iconic.
Ingredients: Organic peanut butter, organic brown rice crisps, organic coconut nectar, sea salt.
Chocolate Date Bars
These add that fudge-like texture and chocolatey richness, but with real-food ingredients.
Ingredients: Organic dates, organic cacao, organic peanut butter, organic almonds, sea salt.
I love Simply’s products because they keep it real—just a few ingredients, all recognizable, nothing artificial. They’re one of my go-to brands for building healthy sweet treats that actually taste indulgent.
Ingredients:
- 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.
- Cottage Cheese – You will need 16 ounces of cottage cheese. I used 1% small curd to keep the fat and calories lower, but use what you prefer!
- Maple Syrup – 1/8 cup organic maple syrup
- Vanilla Bean Paste – 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste (or sub vanilla extract if you don’t have or can not find)
- Vanilla Pudding Mix – 1 tbsp Simply Delish Sugar Free Vanilla Pudding Mix (sweetened with stevia!) – Code KATIE10 for 10% off.
- Peanut Butter Chocolates – I used 3 of the Simply Gum brand Peanut Butter Crispies and 3 of the Simply Gum brand Salted Peanut Chocolate Date Bars.
How To Make It
- In a pint sized Ninja CREAMi container, combine all the ingredients minus the chocolate candy. Mix well, cover with the lid, & freeze. This should take about 4-6 hours or so to be completely solid.
- Blend the ice cream in your Ninja CREAMi using the lite ice cream setting. I run it twice to ensure it is fully incorporated.
- Add the 6 pieces of chocolate peanut butter candy. Blend again in your CREAMi, using the “mix in” setting.
- Immediately dig in and enjoy!
Flavor Notes:
- Creamy vanilla base with subtle peanut butter undertones
- Crunchy peanut butter crispies throughout
- Soft, fudgy chocolate chunks from the date bars
- Perfect balance of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy
How To Store Leftovers
If you end up having any leftovers, you can store them in an air tight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. I like to let mine defrost a few hours before I want to enjoy it again in my fridge for that perfect creamy consistency. Or, you can run it under hot water for 2 minutes and then re-mix it in your CREAMi.
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.
FAQ’s:
Does it taste like cottage cheese?
Nope! You would never know! Trust me on this.
Can I use other mix-ins?
Of course! You can customize with your favorite nut butter, chocolate chunks, or granola if you can’t get your hands on the Simply brand products.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You could try using a dairy-free yogurt or blended coconut cream, but the texture and protein content will be different.
How much protein is in it?
There are 17 grams of protein per serving (1/4 pint).
Check Me Out On Social Media!
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!
The Ninja CREAMi makes it so easy to create healthy, high-protein frozen desserts at home, and this honey sea salt ice cream is the perfect example of how simple, wholesome ingredients can create a treat that tastes indulgent without the guilt.
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Description
Okay, I’ve officially done it again—another cottage cheese ice cream you would never know is made with cottage cheese! This Healthy Copycat Moose Tracks Protein Ice Cream is hands down one of my favorite flavors I’ve made so far. It has all the dreamy flavor notes of the classic Moose Tracks you grew up loving—creamy vanilla base, peanut butter cups, and rich fudge swirls—but in a much better-for-you version.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
In a pint sized Ninja CREAMi container, combine all the ingredients minus the chocolate candy. Mix well, cover with the lid, & freeze. This should take about 4-6 hours or so to be completely solid.
-
Blend the ice cream in your Ninja CREAMi using the lite ice cream setting. I run it twice to ensure it is fully incorporated.
-
Add the 6 pieces of chocolate peanut butter candy. Blend again in your CREAMi, using the "mix in" setting.
-
Immediately dig in and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 287kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10g16%
- Saturated Fat 3.9g20%
- Cholesterol 10mg4%
- Sodium 676.6mg29%
- Total Carbohydrate 23.1g8%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 19.9g
- Protein 16.8g34%
* 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.
