This Keto pumpkin ice cream recipe is the answer to all your cravings while also offering a high protein dessert option. We’ve cracked the code on making rich, velvety pumpkin spice ice cream using a secret ingredient that turns this dessert into a protein powerhouse: cottage cheese!
Forget those expensive, sugary store-bought brands. This keto-friendly and sugar-free recipe takes just 5 minutes of prep and requires no ice cream maker, just your food processor or blender. Whether you’re tracking macros, following a strict keto diet, or just looking for a healthy alternative, this is the best way to enjoy the classic pumpkin pie flavor guilt-free.
Ready to churn (or, rather, blend) your way to a perfect Fall treat?
This recipe capitalizes on the massive cottage cheese ice cream trend, delivering a smooth, high-protein, low-carb pumpkin treat that requires only minutes of prep and no ice cream maker!
This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimum effort, using a simple no-churn method that requires just your food processor or blender. You’ll be enjoying creamy, sugar-free pumpkin ice cream in less than 5 minutes of prep time!
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Keto Pumpkin Ice Cream Ingredients
| Ingredient | Measurement | Role |
| Cottage Cheese (Full-Fat Recommended) | 1 & 1/2 cup | The High-Protein Base that ensures a creamy, thick texture. |
| Pumpkin Purée (100% pure) | 1/3 cup | Ensures rich pumpkin flavor and a creamy base. |
| Powdered Keto Sweetener | 1/4 cup | Use Truvia Powdered Sweetener or your favorite keto alternative. |
| Pumpkin Pie Spice | 1 teaspoon | Essential for that classic fall flavor! |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon | Enhances overall sweetness and complexity. |
How to Make 5-Minute Keto Pumpkin Ice Cream (No-Churn Method!)
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious keto pumpkin treat:
- Combine Ingredients: Add the 1 & 1/2 cup of cottage cheese, 1/3 cup of pumpkin purée, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and the 1/4 cup of powdered keto sweetener into the bowl of your food processor or high-speed blender.
- Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid and process the ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform. Scrape down the sides if necessary to ensure everything is fully incorporated. This only takes about 30–60 seconds.
- Pour and Chill: Carefully pour the creamy mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe container. A loaf pan or a flat dish works great for faster freezing.
- Freeze: Place the container in the freezer for 3 to 4 hours. The mixture should be firm but still easy to scoop.
- Serve and Enjoy: For the best texture, let the ice cream sit out at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade, low-carb pumpkin ice cream!
✨ Pro Tip: Using a powdered sweetener is key! It dissolves instantly and prevents the final ice cream from having a gritty texture.
Scroll down to watch me make this recipe or head over to youtube and be sure to subscribe after watching this low-carb high protein pumpkin ice cream video.
Optimized Nutrition: High Protein Benefits
This isn’t just a delicious dessert; it’s a powerful post-workout or macro-friendly treat. By using cottage cheese as the primary base, this ice cream delivers exceptional nutrition:
- Protein Powerhouse: A single batch of this ice cream provides approximately 25-30 g of high-quality protein, which is excellent for satiety, muscle recovery, and hitting your daily macro goals.
- Low Net Carb: Thanks to the keto sweetener, this dessert remains low in added sugar, with the net carbs coming primarily from the pumpkin, making it a perfect fit for a low-carb or “Dirty Keto” lifestyle.
Ninja Creami Instructions: Get the Perfect High Protein Texture
While this recipe is excellent as a no-churn dessert, the Ninja Creami appliance is the ultimate tool for achieving a professional, store-bought ice cream texture. Follow these specific steps to turn your high-protein pumpkin base into a perfectly creamy pint:
Step-by-Step for the CREAMi
- Prepare the Base: Follow Steps 1, 2, and 3 from the main recipe: blend the cottage cheese first until completely smooth. Then blend the pumpkin, sweetener, and spices until completely smooth.
- Pour and Level: Pour the smooth mixture directly into an empty CREAMi™ Pint. Ensure the mixture does not exceed the max fill line.
- Critical Freeze: Place the pint on a level surface in the freezer without the lid for a full 24 hours. (Freezing without the lid prevents a hump from forming, which can damage the machine’s blade.)
- Assemble: Once frozen, place the pint in the outer bowl, lock the paddle lid on, and secure the assembly onto the Ninja Creami motor base.
- Spin it! Select the “Lite Ice Cream” program. This high-protein, low-fat base spins best on this setting.
- Respin (if needed): After the program is finished, check the texture. If the ice cream still looks slightly powdery or crumbly, select the “Respin” program once.
- Enjoy: Scoop out your perfect High Protein Low Carb Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream immediately!
More Easy Ice Cream Recipes
- Keto Chocolate Ice Cream (Easy No-Churn Recipe)
- Guilt Free Ice Cream Sandwiches
- 3 Ingredient Coconut Milk Ice Cream
- Dairy-Free Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe
- 25 Best Keto Ice Cream Recipes
FAQ & Troubleshooting: Perfect Keto Pumpkin Ice Cream
Why Is My High-Protein Ice Cream Gritty?
Grittiness is the most common issue when making cottage cheese ice cream, and it’s almost always due to one of two reasons:
- Improper Blending: You must fully blend the cottage cheese first until it is perfectly smooth, with zero curds remaining, before adding the other ingredients. If it starts with curds, it will freeze with curds.
- Granular Sweetener: Granular sweeteners (like non-powdered erythritol or xylitol) do not dissolve well in cold mixtures and will feel grainy when frozen. Always use a powdered/confectioner’s style keto sweetener (like Truvia Powdered Sweetener) for the creamiest result.
Can I Use Liquid Sweetener Instead?
Yes! You can easily swap the powdered sweetener for a few drops of liquid vanilla or pumpkin spice-flavored stevia/monk fruit drops to reduce volume and ensure zero grittiness. Start with 1 tsp and adjust to taste before freezing.
Does It Get Rock Hard in the Freezer?
Like most homemade, low-fat, high-protein ice creams, this recipe will freeze very solid due to the lack of sugar and high protein content.
- No-Churn Method: Let it thaw on the counter for 10-15 minutes before scooping.
- Ninja Creami Method: The CREAMi is designed to handle this, simply hit the “Respin” button if it comes out powdery after the first spin!
How Long Does This Keto Pumpkin Ice Cream Last?
When stored in an airtight, freezer-safe container (like the Ninja Creami pint or a glass container), this ice cream will last and maintain its flavor for up to 1 month in the freezer.
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Keto Pumpkin Ice Cream
High Protein Keto Pumpkin Ice Cream! A 5-minute keto treat uses cottage cheese and no churn or ice cream maker needed. Sugar-free recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 & 1/2 cup of cottage cheese
- 1/3 cup of pumpkin
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla
- 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 cup of powdered keto sweetener
Instructions
- In a Food Processor: Add the 1 & 1/2 cup of cottage cheese, 1/3 cup of pumpkin, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and the 1/4 cup of powdered keto sweetener into the bowl of your food processor or high-speed blender.
- Secure the lid and process the ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform. Scrape down the sides if necessary to ensure everything is fully incorporated. This only takes about 30–60 seconds.
- Carefully pour the creamy mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe container. A loaf pan or a flat dish works great for faster freezing.
- Place the container in the freezer for 3 to 4 hours. The mixture should be firm but still easy to scoop.
- For the best texture, let the ice cream sit out at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade, low-carb pumpkin ice cream!
Notes
Blend cottage cheese until smooth before moving on to the next step.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 90Total Fat 2gSaturated Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 7mgSodium 49mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 0gSugar 13gProtein 2g
The nutrition in recipes is calculate by AI, mistakes happen. It is highly recommended to check carb counts to make sure these recipes fit into your diet. Also, if you are following a specific diet or have allergies to certain foods, be sure to do your research on products before considering it safe to consume.
About Thirty Something Super Mom
My journey started after a Crohn's disease diagnosis, inspiring a commitment to well-being. This site shares my distinctive approach to healthy living with my collection of nutritious recipes that boast authentic flavors, mimicking the indulgence of traditional dishes. I love sharing guilt free recipes for low carb, keto, gluten-free, paleo, and the specific carbohydrate diet. I also share tips on natural living, including homemade cleaners and cleaning hacks. I also share my experience as a veterinary technician and pet groomer, to integrate pet health tips, homemade dog food recipes, and grooming insights to ensure your pets thrive.