Raspberry Ice Cream (High-Protein Ninja Creami Recipe)

If you’re looking for a homemade raspberry ice cream that’s creamy, packed with protein, and made with simple ingredients, this recipe is about to become a hot summer day favorite! Instead of using heavy cream, egg yolks, or lots of sugar, this version gets its rich, creamy texture from cottage cheese and vanilla protein powder. The result is a fresh raspberry ice cream with bright berry flavor, an unbelievably smooth texture, and 90 grams of protein per pint!

Raspberry Ice Cream (High-Protein Ninja Creami Recipe)

For the longest time, I made ice cream without an ice cream maker, but having a Ninja Creami on hand has really changed my ice cream game! I can make incredibly healthy & high-protein ice cream that still has a perfect creamy texture.

I’m still shocked that the combo of cottage cheese, protein powder, and raspberries worked to make a delicious ice cream.

The texture is high, smooth, and creamy, and it tastes delicious!

If hitting protein goals is a priority, then put this ice cream on your list! For half a pint, you get 45 grams of protein. Yes, please!

Don’t have a Ninja Creami but still want to make this? Not to worry! I’ve included an easy no-churn method too for this great recipe, too.

Why you’ll love this high protein raspberry ice cream

Packed with protein – Cottage cheese and vanilla protein powder are a protein powerhouse here, making this a satisfying dessert with way more protein than traditional store-bought ice creams.

Creamy texture. The Ninja Creami transforms the frozen ice cream base into silky, scoopable ice cream.

Naturally sweetened – The raspberries provide plenty of sweetness, and you can add a drizzle of honey if you’d like it sweeter.

Made with just 3 simple ingredients – No heavy whipping cream, egg whites, custard base, or complicated steps.

Simple ingredients you’ll need

Scroll down to view the recipe card below for the full ingredients list, nutrition facts, and step-by-step instructions.

• Cottage cheese – The secret ingredient! Cottage cheese creates an incredibly creamy ice cream base while adding protein and richness without heavy cream or whole milk. I recommend full-fat or 2% cottage cheese for the creamiest results.
• Fresh or frozen raspberries – Fresh raspberries offer the brightest raspberry flavor, but frozen raspberries work just as well. If using frozen berries, thaw slightly before blending.
• Vanilla protein powder – Vanilla protein powder adds sweetness, vanilla flavor, and boosts the protein content. Use one you already enjoy drinking since the flavor will come through in the finished ice cream.
• Honey (optional) – If your berries are extra tart or your protein powder isn’t very sweet, add a drizzle of honey to taste before blending.

How to make ninja creami raspberry ice cream

Step 1: Add the cottage cheese, raspberries, vanilla protein powder, and optional honey to a blender. Blend until completely smooth. The mixture should be silky with no cottage cheese curds remaining.

Step 2: Pour the ice cream mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container. Freeze on a level surface overnight (at least 24 hours is even better).

Step 3: Process using the Lite Ice Cream setting. If the ice cream looks crumbly after the first spin, add a small splash of milk (about 1 tablespoon) and use the Respin function.

Step 4: Scoop into an ice cream bowl and enjoy right away for the creamiest texture! It’s super delicious with chocolate cake, too!

Watch me make a 3-ingredient healthy homemade ice cream

The full how to video can be watched below, or on my YouTube channel!

No Ninja Creami? Here’s another way

You can still make this homemade raspberry ice cream without a Ninja Creami or ice cream machine.

1. Blend all ingredients until completely smooth.
2. Pour into a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid.
3. Freeze for 45-60 minutes.
4. Stir thoroughly with a spoon or whisk to break up ice crystals.
5. Repeat every 30-45 minutes for about 3-4 hours until thick and creamy.

OR

Freeze the blended mixture completely, then break it into chunks and blend in a high-powered food processor or blender until smooth and creamy. This method creates a soft-serve consistency that’s delicious right away.

Pro tips

• Blend the mixture until completely smooth before freezing.
• Taste the mixture before freezing since sweetness is harder to adjust afterward.
• Fresh berries usually provide the brightest flavor, but frozen berries work beautifully year-round.
• If your protein powder is highly sweetened, you probably won’t need honey.
• If the ice cream seems crumbly after spinning, always use the Respin function with a splash of milk before adding more liquid.

Variations to try

Chocolate Raspberry – Mix in dark chocolate chips after respinning.

Lemon Raspberry – Add 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest to brighten the raspberry flavor.

Mixed Berry – Replace half the raspberries with strawberries or blueberries.

Raspberry Cheesecake – Add crushed graham crackers as a mix-in after the final spin.

How to store

Store leftovers directly in the Ninja Creami container with the lid in place.

If frozen solid again, simply process using the Lite Ice Cream setting or Respin until creamy before serving.

If using the no-churn method, store in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 4 months. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use frozen raspberries?

Absolutely! Frozen red raspberries work just as well as fresh fruit. Let them thaw slightly before blending for the smoothest ice cream base.

Can I make this without protein powder?

Yes. The texture will still be creamy thanks to the cottage cheese, although the protein content will be lower, and it will be less sweet. You will want to add a little honey or maple syrup for sweetness.

Why is my Ninja Creami ice cream crumbly?

That’s completely normal. Most high-protein Ninja Creami recipes benefit from one Respin with a tablespoon of milk for that creamy ice cream texture.

Does it taste like cottage cheese?

Not at all! Once blended with the raspberries and protein powder, the cottage cheese simply creates a rich, creamy base without a noticeable cottage cheese flavor.

More healthy frozen treats you’ll love

• Chocolate Protein Popsicles
• Strawberry Sorbet
• Raspberry Cheesecake Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

Save this raspberry ice cream made with cottage cheese to Pinterest and make it later!

If you try this homemade raspberry ice cream recipe, I’d love it if you left a star rating and comment below letting me know how it turned out!

XO

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