High-Protein Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard (Ninja Creami)
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This high-protein peanut butter cup Blizzard is a Ninja Creami copycat of the DQ classic that’s thick, creamy and loaded with peanut butter cups. The best part? It packs 28 grams of protein per serving thanks to cottage cheese and protein powder.
The peanut butter cup Blizzard was always my go-to order at Dairy Queen. There’s just something about that thick vanilla soft serve loaded with chunks of peanut butter cups. So naturally, I had to make a healthier, high-protein version at home.
This one uses cottage cheese and protein powder instead of ice cream, but it’s still thick, creamy and packed with peanut butter flavor. And with chopped peanut butter cups folded in at the end, you still get that classic DQ experience, but with less sugar and 28 grams of protein per serving.
If you want more Creami flavors, my chocolate peanut butter protein ice cream and banana pudding ice cream are both in heavy rotation around here.
Why I Love This PB Cup Protein Blizzard
- High-protein: Thanks to cottage cheese, protein powder and high-protein milk, each serving packs 28 grams of protein, making it way more satisfying than your average frozen treat.
- Less sugar: A small DQ Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard has 68 grams of sugar, while this version has just 16 grams per serving. You still get plenty of sweetness and real peanut butter cups in every bite.
- Simple ingredients: DQ’s ice cream base contains ingredients like corn syrup, artificial flavor, polysorbate 80 and carrageenan. This homemade version starts with simple ingredients like milk, cottage cheese, protein powder and peanut butter, so you know exactly what’s going into it.
- Tastes like the real deal: It’s thick, creamy and loaded with chopped peanut butter cups, so you still get that classic DQ Blizzard experience, just with a high-protein spin.
Ingredients Needed
- high-protein milk – I like using Fairlife or another ultra-filtered milk for an extra boost of protein and a creamy texture, but any milk will work.
- cottage cheese – the secret to a thick, creamy base while adding plenty of protein. Don’t worry, once blended you won’t taste it! I used low-fat cottage cheese, but full-fat will also work. I would skip using fat free cottage cheese because it might result in an icy blizzard.
- vanilla whey protein powder – adds protein and sweetness while helping create a creamy texture. Whey works best here! Clean Simple Eats and Truvani are my go-to brands.
- powdered peanut butter – adds lots of peanut butter flavor without adding a ton of calories and fat.
- creamy peanut butter – just one tablespoon adds extra richness and that classic peanut butter flavor.
- maple syrup – the only added sweetener. Protein powders vary a lot in sweetness so taste the base before it goes in the freezer.
- mini peanut butter cups – the essential Blizzard mix-in! I use Justin’s dark chocolate mini peanut butter cups, but any variety will work.
Find the full ingredient list with measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make a High-Protein Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard
Step 1: Blend the milk, cottage cheese, protein powder, powdered peanut butter, peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla until smooth.
Step 2: Pour into a Ninja Creami pint and freeze on a level surface for at least 24 hours.
Step 3: Let the pint sit for 5–10 minutes, then process on Lite Ice Cream. If crumbly, add a splash of milk and Re-Spin until creamy.
Step 4: Add the chopped peanut butter cups to the center and process on Mix-In. Serve immediately.
Brittany’s Tips
- Freeze it flat: Make sure your Creami pint freezes on a level surface. An uneven base can lead to an uneven spin.
- Use Lite Ice Cream: This lower-fat, high-protein base works best on the Lite Ice Cream setting rather than regular Ice Cream.
- Don’t worry if it’s crumbly: A crumbly first spin is totally normal! Add 1–2 tablespoons of milk and Re-Spin until thick and creamy.
- Enjoy right away: The texture is best straight from the Creami. If you refreeze leftovers, you’ll need to spin them again before serving.
How to Store
This peanut butter cup Blizzard is best enjoyed right after spinning. If you have leftovers, smooth the top, cover the pint and store it in the freezer. When ready to enjoy again, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes, then run it through the Re-Spin cycle until creamy. Add a splash of milk if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each serving has 28 grams of protein, or 56 grams for the full pint, thanks to cottage cheese, protein powder, high-protein milk and powdered peanut butter.
Not this exact version. The Ninja Creami is what turns the frozen-solid base into that thick, creamy Blizzard texture. You could blend the ingredients with ice for a peanut butter cup protein shake, but the texture won’t be quite the same.
It’s not an exact replica, but it definitely satisfies the craving! It’s thick, creamy and packed with peanut butter cup flavor, just like the DQ classic. It’s less sweet than the original, but you’d never guess it’s made with cottage cheese and protein powder.
More High-Protein Snacks to Try
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Ninja Creami Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard
Ingredients
Base
- ¾ cup high protein milk
- ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder, Clean Simple Eats or Truvani
- 2 Tablespoons powdered peanut butter
- 1 Tablespoon creamy peanut butter
- 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Mix-ins
- 2-3 chopped mini Peanut Butter Cups, I used Justin’s
Instructions
- Add the milk, cottage cheese, protein powder, powdered peanut butter, peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla to a high-powered blender. Blend until completely smooth, making sure the peanut butter is fully incorporated and no cottage cheese curds remain.¾ cup high protein milk, ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese, 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder, 2 Tablespoons powdered peanut butter, 1 Tablespoon creamy peanut butter, 1 Tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container. Secure the lid and freeze on a level surface for at least 24 hours, or until completely solid.
- Remove the pint from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes, or run the outside of the container under warm water for 30 to 60 seconds. Process using the Lite Ice Cream setting.
- If the ice cream looks dry or crumbly after the first spin, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk and process again using the Re-Spin setting. Repeat if needed until the texture is thick, creamy and smooth.
- Use a spoon to create a small well in the center of the ice cream. Add the chopped peanut butter cups, then process using the Mix-In setting. If you prefer larger candy pieces, simply fold them in by hand.2-3 chopped mini Peanut Butter Cups
- Enjoy immediately for the perfect Blizzard-like texture.
Notes
- Protein powder: Whey protein powder works best for this recipe and creates a smoother, creamier texture. Plant-based protein powder can make the Blizzard a bit thicker or chalkier, so the final texture may vary.
- Storage: This Blizzard is best enjoyed right after spinning. Store leftovers covered in the Creami pint in the freezer. When ready to eat, let the pint sit out for 5–10 minutes, then Re-Spin until creamy, adding a splash of milk if needed.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Equipment
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