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Cottage Cheese Blueberry Pie Ice Cream (20g protein!)

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cottage cheese blueberry pie ice cream being scooped with an ice cream scooper.

If you liked my 3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Ice Cream, then you’re going to LOVE this blueberry pie version! Same creamy, high-protein base, still NO ice cream machined required, but swirled with blueberry preserves and crushed graham crackers for a flavor that just exactly like a slice of blueberry pie! 5 ingredients, under 5 minutes of prep, and your freezer does all the hard work.

I’ve been making this healthy, high-protein ice cream all summer! It’s rich, not too sweet, and honestly… doesn’t make my stomach hurt like most other ice creams. I just love how much protein it has (20g per serving, to be exact!), and how much lower in sugar it is compared to traditional ice cream. So throw a batch in your freezer today, trust me – you’ll thank yourself later! & If you’re on a cottage cheese kick (and after this, you will be!), you’ll also love my Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough and Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse.

Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Blueberry Pie Ice Cream

  • Just 5 ingredients. Cottage cheese, maple syrup, vanilla extract, graham crackers, and blueberry preserves. That’s it – no heavy cream, no eggs, no fancy ingredients.
  • Tastes just like blueberry pie. The combination of the creamy vanilla base, jammy blueberry swirl, and buttery graham cracker pieces is absolutely unreal. Every scoop tastes like dessert heaven.
  • No ice cream maker required! A blender and a freezer-safe container are the only equipment you need. It could not be easier.
  • High in protein. Cottage cheese is the secret weapon here — it blends up completely smooth and delivers a serious protein boost in every serving without compromising on creaminess or flavor.
  • Healthy and wholesome. Made with real, simple ingredients and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, this ice cream is a treat you can genuinely feel good about.
  • Perfect for satisfying cravings. This is not a sad “diet dessert” situation. It’s rich, creamy, sweet, and genuinely delicious — it tastes like the real thing because it basically is.
cottage cheese blueberry pie ice cream scooped into a bowl with a spoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much protein does each serving contain?

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings. The exact protein count per serving will vary depending on the cottage cheese brand you use (I used Daisy 4% cottage cheese), but thanks to the high-protein cottage cheese base, each serving delivers an impressive 20 grams of protein – significantly more than traditional ice cream, which typically contains just 3–4 grams per serving.

Can I make this without the graham crackers?

Absolutely! The blueberry preserves swirl on its own is delicious and the ice cream is fantastic without any mix-ins at all. If you want to keep it completely grain-free, simply skip the graham crackers. You could also swap them for crushed gluten-free cookies, coconut macaroons, or even a handful of granola for a different kind of crunch.

How long does this stay good in the freezer?

Stored in an airtight container, this cottage cheese blueberry pie ice cream keeps well in the freezer for up to 1 month. For the best texture and flavor, try to enjoy it within the first week or two. Since cottage cheese is naturally high in water content, the ice cream can get slightly icier over time, and repeated thawing and refreezing can cause ice crystals to form.

Can I use fresh or frozen blueberries instead of preserves?

You can! If you’d prefer to use fresh or frozen blueberries, you can either blend a small amount directly into the base for a blueberry-flavored ice cream, or warm the blueberries in a small saucepan with a tablespoon of maple syrup and cook until jammy (about 5 minutes), then let cool before swirling into the ice cream base. The preserves are the easiest option since they’re ready to use straight from the jar!

Tips for the Creamiest Cottage Cheese Blueberry Pie Ice Cream

  • Use full-fat (4%) cottage cheese. This is the single most important tip. Full-fat cottage cheese gives you a creamy, rich, scoopable ice cream. Low-fat versions are more watery and will result in an icier texture.
  • Blend until completely smooth. Don’t rush the blending step. Blend on high for at least 60 seconds, scraping down the sides as needed, until there are zero curds remaining. The smoother the base going into the freezer, the creamier it’ll be coming out!
  • Don’t over-swirl the mix-ins. When adding the graham crackers and blueberry preserves, use a gentle hand. A few swirls with a butter knife is all you need.
  • Let it thaw before scooping. This ice cream freezes solid, so patience is key! Let it sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes before scooping. If you try to scoop it straight from the freezer, it will be rock solid.
  • Press plastic wrap onto the surface. Before sealing your container, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream. This prevents ice crystals from forming on top and keeps the texture as smooth as possible.
  • Try it in a Ninja Creami. This recipe works beautifully in the Ninja Creami! Freeze the blended base overnight in a Creami pint, then run through the Creami for an ultra-creamy, soft-serve-like texture before adding your mix-ins.

Made this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @samdoesherbest or TikTok @samdoesherbest – I repost my favorites! And if you loved it, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and written review below. It means the world and helps other readers find this recipe!

cottage cheese blueberry pie ice cream being scooped with an ice cream scooper.
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Cottage Cheese Blueberry Pie Ice Cream

This cottage cheese blueberry pie ice cream is a creamy, high-protein frozen treat made with just 5 simple ingredients – a silky cottage cheese base swirled with jammy blueberry preserves and studded with buttery graham cracker pieces for a flavor that tastes exactly like a slice of blueberry pie! No ice cream maker needed, under 5 minutes of prep, and it's naturally sweetened and packed with protein. If you're looking for an easy, healthy cottage cheese ice cream recipe that tastes like a real dessert, this blueberry pie version is the one to make!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Freeze Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • 1 blender or food processor
  • 1 large freezer-safe container

Ingredients

  • 24 ounces cottage cheese (4% milkfat is best!)
  • 1/4 cup – 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey depending on your desired sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 graham cracker sheets crushed into small pieces
  • 3 tablespoons blueberry preserves or jam

Instructions

  • Add the cottage cheese, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to a blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy with no lumps remaining.
  • Pour the mixture into a large freezer-safe container and spread evenly. Sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top and add dollops of blueberry preserves, then gently swirl the mix-ins into the ice cream using a butter knife.
  • Transfer to the freezer for at least 6 hours, or until frozen solid.
  • When ready to serve, remove from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes, or until soft enough to scoop. Scoop into bowls and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use full-fat (4%) cottage cheese for the creamiest, least icy texture.
  • Blend the base completely smooth — no curds remaining — before pouring into the container.
  • Don’t over-swirl the mix-ins; keep beautiful streaks of blueberry throughout.
  • Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals.
  • Let thaw for at least 10 minutes before scooping.
  • Ninja Creami tip: Freeze the blended base overnight in a Creami pint, then process before adding mix-ins for an ultra-creamy soft-serve texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 230kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 4g | Sugar: 20g
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30 Minutes or Less

Healthy Oat Breakfast Muffins (3 ways!)

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two healthy breakfast muffins with chocolate chips stacked on top of each other.

Breakfast has quickly become my favorite meal of the day! Between my 3 ingredient protein pancakes, gluten-free bagel bites, and now these healthy breakfast muffins – I now have so many delicious breakfast options to choose from. Over are the days where all I’d eat were boring scrambled eggs, or a bland bowl of cereal! These healthy breakfast muffins are perfectly sweet, totally satisfying, and the perfect fuel to get me through busy mornings. OH, and they’re great for meal prep too!

Why You’ll Love These Healthy Breakfast Muffins

These breakfast muffins are a game-changer for busy mornings. Made in just one bowl with wholesome ingredients, they’re moist, fluffy, and naturally sweetened. Whether you choose Greek yogurt, mashed banana, or applesauce, each variation offers a light and fluffy texture. Plus, they’re gluten-free and customizable with your favorite fruit or mix-ins!

overhead image of healthy oat breakfast muffins with a bite taken out.

What Makes These Muffins Healthy

  • Whole Grains: Oat flour and rolled oats provide fiber and energy to keep you fueled all morning long!
  • Natural Sweeteners: Maple syrup adds sweetness without refined sugars.
  • Healthy Fats: Olive oil contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats (& makes these seed oil-free!).
  • Protein-Rich: Greek yogurt and eggs boost the protein content, keeping you feeling full longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these egg-free?

Yes! Substitute each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or use a store-bought egg replacer.

How do I store these healthy breakfast muffins?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?

You can use mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce as a 1:1 substitute for Greek yogurt. This not only changes the flavor profile but also caters to different dietary needs!

Can I use all-purpose flour?

Absolutely. While oat flour keeps them gluten-free, all-purpose flour can be used if gluten isn’t a concern.

healthy oat breakfast muffins on a white towel with blueberries.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Customize Your Mix-Ins: Feel free to fold in nuts, seeds, or different fruits to suit your taste.
  • Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the muffins tender.
  • Use an Ice Cream Scoop: For evenly sized muffins, use a scoop to portion the batter.
  • Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, they’re ready.
two healthy breakfast muffins with chocolate chips stacked on top of each other.
No ratings yet

Healthy Oat Breakfast Muffins (3 ways!)

These healthy oat breakfast muffins are easy to make, gluten-free, and perfect for busy mornings! Made in one bowl with simple, wholesome ingredients, they come together in just minutes and are packed with flavor. Try all three variations for a nutritious, customizable breakfast the whole family will LOVE!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins

Equipment

  • 1 large bowl
  • 1 muffin pan

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt or 1 cup mashed banana, or 1 cup applesauce
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups oat flour
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen fruit I used blueberries, strawberries, and chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375° Fahrenheit and line a muffin tin with muffin liners.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, milk, olive oil, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  • Add in the oat flour, rolled oats, baking powder, and baking soda and mix until fully combined and the batter is smooth.
  • Fold in any fruit or chocolate chips you're using until it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  • Then, scoop ¼ cup of batter into each muffin liner and bake muffins for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted down the center of a muffin comes out clean. Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool before serving or storing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g
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Desserts

4-Ingredient Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cake

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This almond flour cake is light, moist, and easy to make. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free, and made with wholesome ingredients. You only need one bowl and a few pantry staples to create this delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert!

Can You Use Almond Flour For Cakes?

Yes, absolutely! Almond flour adds texture and flavor, and is loved by those following a paleo diet. Almond flour can be beneficial to someone looking to reduce their carbs, grains and sugar intake. Unlike wheat or rice flour blends, almond flour contains no grains so it won’t lead to a spike blood sugar. And after you make this cake, I highly recommend you use any leftover almond flour to make almond flour chocolate cookies and almond flour brownies – YUM!

gluten-free almond flour cake sliced on a plate.

What You’ll Need To Make Almond Flour Cake

Eggs – Bring your eggs to room temperature before using them in this recipe. Then, crack them into your bowl and beat them until super light and airy. The goal here is to introduce as much air to the eggs as possible, which will result in a lighter and fluffier cake!

Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb. Feel free to substitute with coconut sugar for a refined sugar-free option.

Almond Flour – I recommend the Bob’s Red Mill Super Fine Almond Flour for this grain-free recipe. The more finely ground the almond flour is, the lighter your cake will be. However, if you can’t find an almond flour labeled “super fine,” don’t worry – many are ground finely enough to work in this recipe. Also, avoid using almond meal, it’s heavier and will result in a more dense cake.

Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and adds fluffiness!

Lemon Zest – Let’s call is the secret ingredient! A pinch of lemon zest gives this almond flour cake a hint of tangy, citrus-y freshness. Without out, the cake tastes great, but with it, the cake tastes incredible. So if you’re looking to take this gluten-free dessert recipe up a notch, don’t forget the lemon zest.

overhead image of almond flour cake on a plate.

How to Make Almond Flour Cake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch cake pan.Beat eggs and sugar until pale and thick (about 5 minutes).
  2. Add almond flour, baking powder, and lemon zest. Beat until just combined.
  3. Pour batter into the pan and top with sliced almonds if using.
  4. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  5. Let cool completely before serving.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Beat the eggs for a full 5 minutes, no less! Beating the eggs until pale and thick is hands-down the most important part of this recipe. No matter how tempting it may be, don’t cut this step short!
  • For easy removal, I recommend baking this almond flour cake in a spring-form pan. Once done baking, gently run a butter knife along the inside edge of the pan to unstick it from the sides. Then, release the sides of the spring-form pan and list away the sides revealing your perfect cake!
  • Top this gluten-free cake however you’d like! I finished mine off with a generous dollop of coconut white cream and some fresh berries. This cake would also taste great with your favorite frosting, or a simple sprinkling of powdered sugar!
  • If you like cinnamon, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months—just thaw it at room temperature before serving.

gluten-free almond flour cake sliced on a plate with powdered sugar on top.
4.15 from 7 votes

Perfect Almond Flour Cake

Perfectly light and fluffy almond flour cake! A totally irresistible dessert that’s grain-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free. This simple cake comes together in one bowl, with only a handful of simple ingredients.
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups almond flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest optional, but recommended
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds optional, for topping

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and grease an 8-inch cake pan.
  • Beat together the eggs and sugar with either a hand or stand mixer on high speed until pale and thick, about 5 minutes.
  • Add in the almond flour, lemon zest (if using) and baking powder. Beat for another 30 seconds to one minute, until batter is just combined.
  • Transfer the batter to your prepared cake pan and if you'd like, top with an even layer of sliced almonds (for extra crunch and decoration). Bake the cake 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted down the center of the cake comes out clean.
  • Remove cake from the pan and let cool completely before garnishing and serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 7.5g | Fat: 13g | Sugar: 13g

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30 Minutes or Less

Healthy Summer Fruit Crisp

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Overhead image of summer fruit crisp in a baking dish with vanilla ice cream on top.

A healthy fruit crisp loaded with fresh summer fruits! The perfect warm-weather dessert, best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Super easy to make with just one bowl, in 30 minutes.

Close-up overhead image of summer fruit crisp in a baking dish with vanilla ice cream on top.

What You’ll Need to Make Summer Fruit Crisp

Summer Fruit – I used fresh blueberries, strawberries, and peaches in my summer fruit crisp, but any fruit will work! Feel free to use whatever you have on-hand, or whatever’s on sale at the grocery store that week. The only thing to note is, whichever fruit you use, make sure it totals to about 5-6 cups for this recipe.

Maple Syrup – This healthy dessert recipe is sweetened with maple syrup! It’s refined sugar-free and honestly so healthy you could get away with eating it for breakfast.

Rolled Oats – Any type of rolled oats will do – old-fashioned, quick cook, etc. The only type of oats you’ll want to avoid for your fruit crisp topping are whole oats, steel-cut, or Irish oats.

Almond Flour – The almond flour keeps this recipe gluten-free! However, if you don’t have almond flour, or want to make this nut-free, you can replace the almond flour with all purpose flour.

Butter or Coconut Oil – Use whichever you prefer in your crisp! I typically just use whichever I have on-hand. Coconut oil is obviously the healthier option, but butter adds a bit more flavor, which I love.

Overhead image of summer fruit crisp in a baking dish with vanilla ice cream on top.

Tips and Tricks

  • Keep this recipe simple! You’ll only need one bowl, which is used to first mix together the filling, then the crisp. There’s no need to dirty any extra dishes for this healthy dessert recipe.
  • This summer fruit crisp is best served warm with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream on top. Though feel free to serve it however you’d like. On its own is delicious, or with a dollop of fresh whipped cream – yum!
  • Store leftover fruit crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If enjoying leftovers, I recommend reheating in the microwave for just about 30 seconds before eating.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Dairy-Free: Use either non-dairy butter, or take the coconut oil option in the crisp.

Make it Nut-Free: For a nut-free dessert, replace the almond flour with 1/2 cup of all purpose flour.

Overhead image of summer fruit crisp in a baking dish with vanilla ice cream on top.
5 from 1 vote

Healthy Summer Fruit Crisp

A healthy fruit crisp loaded with fresh summer fruits! The perfect warm-weather dessert, best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Super easy to make with just one bowl, in 30 minutes.
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

For the filling:

  • 2 cups blueberries
  • 2 cups sliced strawberries, or raspberries
  • 2-3 peaches, pitted and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the crisp:

  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/4 cup butter or coconut oil, solid
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
  • Mix together all filling ingredients in a large bowl, then transfer to a 9-inch baking dish.
  • Mix together all crisp ingredients in a large bowl (you can use the same bowl you used to make the filling), then evenly sprinkle crisp over top of the filling.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until fruit is soft, then let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal
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30 Minutes or Less

Sunset Spritz Mocktail Recipe

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sunset spritz mocktail in a glass with fresh blueberries and pineapple on top.

Light and refreshing sunset spritz mocktail! Fresh blueberries and pineapples, with a hint of lime, and plenty of bubbles. This sunset spritz mocktail is so tasty, you won’t even miss the alcohol!

club soda being poured into a sunset spritz mocktail.

This mocktail is a recreation of one I enjoyed daily on my babymoon. No longer able to order an alcoholic beverage, I worked my way through the pool bar’s cocktail menu for a refreshing drink that’d still taste good without the alcohol. One day, I came across the “sunset spritz” and all ingredients sounded DELICIOUS. So I immediately ordered one …without the vodka. And OMG it was delicious! From there on out, the sunset spritz mocktail became my daily afternoon drink order. While best enjoyed poolside, I took the idea home with me and immediately recreated it. Now I can enjoy a fun, bubbly drink during happy hour (or really any hour!) that’s pregnancy-safe and oh-so good!

close-up image of sunset spritz mocktail with fresh bleuberries and pineapple on top.

What You’ll Need to Make a Sunset Spritz Mocktail

Fresh Blueberries and Pineapple – The fresh fruit in this recipe really puts it over the top! It makes this mocktail recipe feel fancy, without actually requiring a whole lot of effort. And if you don’t have fresh fruit, you can thaw frozen blueberries and pineapples instead for your drink.

Lime Juice – A touch of citrus perfectly balances the sweetness in this drink. The original recipe I enjoyed on my babymoon actually uses fresh lemon juice, but when I tried it at home I thought lime juice tasted just a little bit better. However, if you don’t have/like lime juice, feel free to use lemon instead!

Agave Nectar – I always keep a bottle of agave nectar in my bar cart for cocktail recipes! It’s a natural sweetener, and perfect replacement to simple syrup. I use agave nectar in many of my cocktail recipes, like this skinny strawberry margarita, and my Mom’s famous lime daiquiris!

Club Soda – A little bit of bubbles will make your sunset spritz mocktail taste like an actual cocktail! Put as much or as little club soda in your drink as you’d like. I personally prefer a super light and refreshing mocktail, so I fill my glass all the way to the top with unflavored club soda.

sunset spritz mocktail in a glass with fresh blueberries and pineapple on top.

Add Alcohol

  • Turn this mocktail recipe into a cocktail recipe with the addition of 1 ounce of vodka! I look forward to giving this a try post-pregnancy.
sunset spritz mocktail in a glass with fresh blueberries and pineapple on top.
5 from 5 votes

Sunset Spritz Mocktail Recipe

Light and refreshing sunset spritz mocktail! Fresh blueberries and pineapples, with a hint of lime, and plenty of bubbles. This sunset spritz mocktail is so tasty, you won’t even miss the alcohol!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Servings: 1 drink

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
  • 4-5 pineapple chunks
  • 1 ounce lime juice
  • 1 ounce agave nectar
  • club soda

Instructions

  • Add the fresh blueberries and pineapple chunks to a glass, then muddle until fruit is broken down.
  • Add in lime juice and agave nectar, then stir to combine.
  • Fill glass with ice, then top with club soda.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal
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