Name: Cherry Cheesecake Ice Cream (Ninja Creami Recipe)
Prep time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 cup vanilla Premier Protein shake; 1/2 cup cottage cheese (blended); 1 Tbsp cheesecake instant pudding mix; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1 cup frozen cherries; 1 Tbsp granulated white sugar; 2 Tbsp graham crackers (crumbled)

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Treat yourself to this delicious cherry cheesecake ice cream made easy in the Ninja Creami. A rich, creamy dessert packed with tart cherries and creamy cheesecake flavor!

A plastic pint of cherry cheesecake ice cream topped with three cherries and crushed graham crackers. Additional cherries are scattered on the light wooden surface around the bowl, creating a ninja creami recipe masterpiece.

This thick, creamy protein-packed ice cream is loaded with juicy cherries and rich cheesecake vibes. It’s quickly become a family favorite!

If you’ve got teenage boys, you know the drill bottomless pits for stomachs, nonstop snacking and an endless need for protein. Between sports, school and growing like weeds, they’re basically living in the fridge.

Enter this cherry cheesecake Ninja Creami dessert-level delicious with a sneaky protein boost to keep them fueled and happy! Bonus that this happens to be Martin’s favorite fruit too.

Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!

A spoonful of creamy dessert with visible cherry pieces and crushed biscuit, held above a bowl. The bowl, contains cherries, crumbly bits, and creamy mixture. A few cherries are scattered on the wooden surface.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s high in protein, thanks to Premier Protein and cottage cheese, but still has that indulgent cheesecake flavor. Plus, it’s super easy to make with the Ninja Creami ice cream maker!

A clear pint brimming with ice cream is crowned with three cherries and crushed graham crackers, reminiscent of a cherry cheesecake delight. A spoon stands ready in the yogurt, surrounded by scattered cherries and crumbs on the wooden surface, embodying rustic charm.

I’m seriously obsessed with this cheesecake ice cream! It’s become one of my go-to recipes for meal prep each week.

If you love creamy, decadent ice cream with a fruity twist, this one’s for you! Perfect for those with a sweet tooth who a looking to add a little protein to their diet.

Four bowls on a wooden surface: large bowl with white liquid, medium bowl with whipped mixture, small bowl with white powder, and smallest bowl with amber liquid.

Ingredients

Let’s start with a few simple ingredients from the grocery store. This is my cheesecake ice cream base and then we add different flavors with fresh or frozen fruit.

Vanilla Premier Protein shake – this protein-packed shake gives a creamy base without needing heavy cream.
Cottage cheese, blended – I like to use Dairyland 4% cottage cheese. It gives this ice cream that signature cheesecake tang when blended smooth.
Cheesecake instant pudding mix – this is used to help thicken the ice cream. You can easily swap the cheesecake flavour for a box of vanilla flavoured powder.
Pure vanilla extract – vanilla enhances the overall sweetness and depth of flavor.

Mix ins:

Frozen cherries – pitted and diced. Fresh cherries can be used as well!
Granulated white sugar – or use your sweetener of choice.
Graham crackers, crumbled – the classic cheesecake crust element, giving a little crunch and flavor.

Instructions

1. Combine the first four ingredients into the Ninja Creami pint container, use an immersion blender to blend until smooth.

2. Freeze the container on a flat, level surface for 24 hours or until frozen solid.

A clear glass bowl showcases sliced red cherries with a sprinkle of sugar, all displayed on a wooden surface.

3. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and cherries. Heat on medium, stirring consistently until the cherries become tender (about 5 minutes), then use a fork to mash them into jam. Allow to cool completely.

4. Remove from the Ninja Creami container from the freezer, run it under hot water for 30 seconds or leave it on the counter for 10-15 minutes and take off the lid.

5. Place the container into the outer bowl of the Ninja Creami, then lock the outer bowl lid into place.

6. Secure the outer bowl into the Ninja Creami machine. Press the Lite Ice Cream button and allow the cycle to complete.

A top-down view of a food processor blending a creamy raspberry cheesecake dessert with chunks visible, perhaps ice cream or frozen yogurt. A bowl of cranberries is partially visible in the upper left corner on a wooden surface, perfect for recreating this Ninja Creami recipe.

7. Remove the outer bowl lid. If the ice cream is still powdery after the first spin, then add it back to the machine and press the Re-spin button.

A top view of a dessert cup with creamy cheesecake filling swirled with a layer of raspberry sauce. Surrounding the cup are scattered graham cracker crumbs and a few fresh cherries. A small white bowl of cherries sits nearby, hinting at a delightful ninja creami recipe on the wooden surface.

8. Make a small hole in the center of the ice cream, add the cherry filling and 1/2 the graham crumbs. Mix again using the Mix-in button.

A bowl of ice cream features swirls of purple and red, hinting at berry flavors reminiscent of a raspberry cheesecake. Whole and halved cherries are scattered on the light wooden surface around the bowl, along with a few crumbs.

9. Top with graham cracker crumbs or cherries and enjoy!

A spoonful of creamy dessert, reminiscent of a raspberry cheesecake, with cherries and crushed cookies hovers above a bowl. The bowl brims with more cherries and crumbles on a light wooden surface, surrounded by scattered cherries in the background.

Tips & Tricks

Want ultra-creamy ice cream? Add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum before freezing to maintain texture. This can be used in the place of pudding mix as a low carb alternative.
Chop mix-ins into small pieces so they distribute evenly and blend smoothly.
Place the pint on a flat surface in your freezer to prevent freezing at an angle.
If the ice cream is too hard, use the Re-spin function for a softer consistency.
Let the frozen pint sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes or run under hot water for 30 seconds before spinning to prevent icy chunks.
If a dome forms on top while freezing, scrape off any excess before spinning to protect your blades.
If you’re looking to reduce sugar content, consider using natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup for a different flavor profile.

Be sure to check out my Guide to Perfect Ninja Creami Recipes where I share more in-depth details!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a protein shake?

Nope! You can substitute with almond milk, 2% whole milk or even vanilla protein powder mixed with a non-dairy milk alternative like oat milk, coconut milk or soy milk.

What can I substitute for the cottage cheese?

While the cottage cheese really gives this recipe that creamy texture of cheesecake, you can add a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese in its place. You could also try 1:1 substituting Greek yogurt.

Can I add different mix-ins?

Of course! Dark chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, or chopped nuts would be yummy additions.

How should I store leftovers?

Flatten the top of the ice cream mixture before refreezing in the pint. If it hardens too much, reprocess it using the same mode you originally made it with. If you don’t want to freeze the whole pint, you can move it to an airtight container to store in the freezer.

A spoon holding a creamy cherry cheesecake dessert with crushed biscuit crumbs and cherries is lifted above a transparent bowl. The bowl contains more of the lush treat, surrounded by scattered cherries and crumbs on a light wooden surface, reminiscent of a perfect Ninja Creami recipe.

Loving this Ninja Creami cheesecake ice cream recipe?

Try this Strawberry cheesecake protein ice cream made with fresh strawberries too!
Or this amazing blueberry cheesecake ice cream made with fresh blueberries.
You gotta have this Oreo cheesecake Ninja Creami!
Or a fun fall twist with this pumpkin cheesecake Ninja Creami recipe with pumpkin pie filling.
And of course the classic Ninja Creami cheesecake ice cream recipe, raspberry!

Looking for more inspiration? Explore my huge library of delicious and healthy Ninja Creami Recipes. Or join our Ninja Creami Community on Facebook!

Close-up of a spoonful of cherry cheesecake ice cream above a glass bowl filled with the dessert. The text reads Ninja Creami Cherry Cheesecake Ice Cream Recipe with HomemadeHeather.com at the bottom. Cherries and crumbled toppings are visible.

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