Making Ninja Creami Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a delightful way to enjoy a creamy treat that’s both delicious and nutritious. This ice cream is perfect for hot summer days, family gatherings, or just a special dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. With the Ninja Creami, you can whip up this unique strawberry ice cream that combines fresh fruit with the rich protein of cottage cheese, making it a standout choice for health-conscious individuals and dessert lovers alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious dessert in no time.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Using cottage cheese adds protein and reduces calories compared to traditional ice creams.
- Versatile Flavor Options: Swap strawberries for your favorite fruit to create different flavor combinations.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it at parties, gatherings, or enjoy it as a guilt-free snack.
- Creamy Texture: The Ninja Creami ensures a smooth and creamy consistency that rivals store-bought ice cream.
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious Ninja Creami strawberry cottage cheese ice cream, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Ninja Creami machine
- Immersion blender
- Liquid measuring cup
- Small bowl
- Pint container
Importance of Each Tool
- Ninja Creami machine: This innovative appliance creates perfect ice cream textures quickly and efficiently.
- Immersion blender: Ideal for blending ingredients smoothly without transferring between containers.
Ingredients
Making strawberry ice cream with cottage cheese is a cinch, thanks to the Ninja Creami machine. This silky smooth ice cream is full of flavor and sweetness!
For the Ice Cream Base
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
- 3 Tablespoons sugar or monk fruit sweetener
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup 2% milk
Optional Sweetener
- 1 Tablespoon sugar or monk fruit sweetener, to taste
How to Make Ninja Creami Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
In a small bowl, combine sliced strawberries and 3 tablespoons of sugar or monk fruit sweetener. Stir to coat the berries. Allow them to sit for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps the berries release their juices, creating a natural syrup.
Step 2: Blend Ingredients Together
In a large liquid measuring cup, combine the strawberries (and their juices), cottage cheese, and milk. Use an immersion blender to blend these ingredients until they are completely smooth.
Step 3: Adjust Sweetness
Taste the mixture. If needed, add another tablespoon of sugar or monk fruit sweetener to adjust sweetness according to your preference. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Freeze Mixture
Transfer the blended mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container. Secure its lid tightly and place it on a level surface in your freezer for at least 24 hours.
Step 5: Process in Ninja Creami
Once frozen, remove the pint from the freezer and take off the lid. Place the container into the outer bowl of the Ninja Creami and secure its lid.
Step 6: Create Ice Cream Texture
Transfer the outer bowl apparatus into your Ninja Creami machine and lock it into place. Press the Lite Ice Cream button and let it run through its cycle.
Step 7: Check Consistency
After processing, remove the pint from the machine. Check if the texture is creamy. If it’s too powdery or crumbly, put it back into the machine and press the Re-spin button. If it’s still not smooth after that, add a tablespoon of milk and Re-spin once more until desired texture is achieved.
Enjoy your homemade Ninja Creami Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream!
How to Serve Ninja Creami Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Serving your Ninja Creami Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is just as important as making it. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this treat and enhance its flavor.
Classic Bowl
- Use a simple bowl for serving, allowing the creamy texture and strawberry flavor to shine through. Enjoy it as is or add a sprinkle of nuts for crunch.
Topped with Fresh Strawberries
- Garnish your ice cream with additional fresh strawberries. This adds a vibrant color and extra fruity flavor that complements the cottage cheese base beautifully.
Swirled with Chocolate Sauce
- Drizzle some chocolate sauce over your ice cream. The rich chocolate pairs well with the sweet strawberry, creating a delicious contrast.
Served with Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top. This enhances the creaminess and makes for an indulgent dessert experience.
With Crushed Graham Crackers
- Sprinkle crushed graham crackers over the ice cream for added texture. It gives a subtle sweetness and a nod to classic cheesecake flavors.
In a Waffle Cone
- Scoop the ice cream into a waffle cone for a fun, portable treat. The cone’s crunch adds another layer of enjoyment to each bite.
How to Perfect Ninja Creami Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
To achieve the perfect texture and flavor in your Ninja Creami Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream, consider these helpful tips.
- Use ripe strawberries: Ripe strawberries offer more natural sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of your ice cream.
- Blend thoroughly: Ensure you blend until completely smooth for that silky texture; lumps can disrupt the creamy experience.
- Freeze longer if needed: If your ice cream isn’t set after 24 hours, allow it to freeze longer for better consistency.
- Re-spin as necessary: Don’t hesitate to use the Re-spin function if your ice cream appears crumbly; this will help achieve that perfect creamy finish.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste before freezing and adjust sweeteners according to your preference, ensuring it’s just right.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to mix in other fruits or extracts for unique variations of this delightful treat!
Best Side Dishes for Ninja Creami Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Pairing side dishes with your Ninja Creami Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream can elevate the dessert experience even further. Here are some tasty options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances the sweetness of the ice cream.
- Homemade Cookies: Crisp cookies like oatmeal or chocolate chip make great companions, adding texture and flavor contrasts.
- Granola Parfait: Layer granola with yogurt and berries for a healthy side that complements the ice cream’s richness.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses pairs wonderfully; try soft cheeses like brie for a sophisticated touch.
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: Salty-sweet pretzels add crunchiness which perfectly balances out the creamy dessert.
- Nut Mixes: A variety of roasted nuts can provide both nutrition and satisfying crunch alongside your ice cream.
- Mini Pancakes or Waffles: Serve mini pancakes or waffles drizzled with syrup as a fun alternative that pairs well with ice cream.
- Coconut Macaroons: These chewy delights add an exotic twist, pairing beautifully with strawberry flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Ninja Creami Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream can be simple, but a few common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Ignoring the Sweetness: Not tasting the mixture before freezing can lead to ice cream that’s too bland. Always adjust the sweetness to your liking before freezing.
- Insufficient Freezing Time: Trying to churn the mixture before it’s fully frozen will yield poor results. Make sure to freeze it for at least 24 hours.
- Over-blending Ingredients: Blending too long can introduce air and change the texture of the ice cream. Blend just until smooth for the best results.
- Skipping the Re-spin Step: If your ice cream turns out crumbly, skipping the re-spin may leave you with an unsatisfactory texture. Always check and re-spin as needed.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Opting for inferior strawberries or cottage cheese impacts flavor significantly. Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for a delightful taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container.
- It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Ninja Creami Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
- Keep ice cream in its original pint container or transfer it to a freezer-safe container.
- Properly stored, it remains good for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Ninja Creami Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm ice cream in a baking dish for about 10 minutes until soft.
- Microwave: Heat in 15-second intervals, stirring in between until desired softness is achieved.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick pan on low heat, stirring gently until softened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions related to making Ninja Creami Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just allow them to thaw slightly before blending.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version of Ninja Creami strawberry cottage cheese ice cream, substitute cottage cheese with dairy-free yogurt or silken tofu.
What can I add for more flavor?
You can add vanilla extract or even mint leaves for a refreshing twist on your Ninja Creami strawberry cottage cheese ice cream.
How do I store leftover ice cream?
Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two months to maintain its quality.
Final Thoughts
The Ninja Creami Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is not only easy to make but also deliciously satisfying. Its creamy texture and fresh strawberry flavor make it a perfect treat any time of year. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or chocolate chips for added flair!
Ninja Creami Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Indulge in a refreshing and nutritious treat with Ninja Creami Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream. This delightful dessert combines the creamy richness of cottage cheese with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries, making it a perfect guilt-free option for hot summer days or family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 hours (freezing time)
- Total Time: 24 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: About 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
- 3 tablespoons sugar or monk fruit sweetener
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup 2% milk
- Optional: 1 tablespoon additional sweetener to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix sliced strawberries with sugar or sweetener. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to create natural syrup.
- Blend strawberries (with juices), cottage cheese, and milk in a measuring cup using an immersion blender until smooth.
- Adjust sweetness if needed, then transfer mixture to a Ninja Creami pint container and freeze for at least 24 hours.
- Process frozen mixture in the Ninja Creami using the Lite Ice Cream button, checking texture afterward.
- If crumbly, re-spin as necessary for desired creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (125g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
