{
  "$schema": "../../schema/recipe.schema.json",
  "schemaVersion": 1,
  "id": "cr-high-protein-cottage-cheese-pumpkin-pie-9-inch",
  "slug": "high-protein-cottage-cheese-pumpkin-pie-9-inch",
  "path": "/high-protein-cottage-cheese-pumpkin-pie-9-inch/",
  "status": "published",
  "locked": true,
  "title": "9-Inch High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Pie",
  "description": "A whole 9-inch high-protein pumpkin pie: creamy cottage cheese pumpkin filling on a crispy almond-protein crust, baked in a springform pan, about 290 calories and 30 g of protein per slice.",
  "seo": {
    "metaTitle": "High-Protein Pumpkin Pie, 9-Inch (30g Protein per Slice)",
    "metaDescription": "A whole 9-inch high-protein pumpkin pie with cottage cheese: 30 g protein and under 300 calories per slice, on a crispy almond-protein crust in a springform pan.",
    "focusKeyword": "high protein pumpkin pie"
  },
  "datePublished": "2026-10-18T20:25:19Z",
  "dateModified": "2026-10-18T20:25:19Z",
  "author": "colorful-recipes",
  "image": {
    "src": "2026/10/9-inch-high-protein-pumpkin-pie-slice.jpg",
    "alt": "Slice of 9-inch high-protein cottage cheese pumpkin pie on a white plate"
  },
  "gallery": [],
  "video": {
    "name": "How the high-protein crust should look before pressing it into the pan",
    "embedUrl": null,
    "contentUrl": "https://colorfulrecipes.com/media/2026/10/protein-crust-consistency-wet-sand.mp4",
    "thumbnailUrl": "https://colorfulrecipes.com/media/2026/10/protein-crust-consistency-wet-sand-poster.jpg",
    "uploadDate": "2026-10-09T18:54:34Z",
    "duration": "PT3S"
  },
  "yield": {
    "servings": 12,
    "text": "1 (9-inch) pie, 12 slices"
  },
  "times": {
    "prepMinutes": 25,
    "cookMinutes": 70,
    "additionalMinutes": 430,
    "totalMinutes": 525
  },
  "taxonomy": {
    "course": [
      "dessert"
    ],
    "cuisine": [
      "American"
    ],
    "method": [
      "oven"
    ],
    "diets": [
      "vegetarian"
    ],
    "goals": [
      "high-protein",
      "low-calorie",
      "smart-treats",
      "meal-prep"
    ],
    "mainIngredients": [
      "pumpkin",
      "cottage cheese",
      "almond"
    ],
    "keywords": [
      "high protein pumpkin pie",
      "9-inch high protein pumpkin pie",
      "cottage cheese pumpkin pie",
      "healthy pumpkin pie",
      "low calorie pumpkin pie",
      "springform pumpkin pie",
      "pumpkin pie with protein powder",
      "healthy Thanksgiving dessert",
      "sugar-free pumpkin pie"
    ],
    "legacyCategories": [],
    "legacyTags": [],
    "reviewed": false
  },
  "ingredientGroups": [
    {
      "title": "Crispy protein crust",
      "items": [
        {
          "text": "1 cup almond flour (112 g, finely sifted)",
          "qty": 1,
          "qtyMax": null,
          "unit": "cup",
          "item": "almond flour",
          "note": "112 g, finely sifted",
          "optional": false
        },
        {
          "text": "2 scoops vanilla whey protein powder (62 g; about 24 g protein per scoop)",
          "qty": 2,
          "qtyMax": null,
          "unit": null,
          "item": "scoops vanilla whey protein powder",
          "note": "62 g; about 24 g protein per scoop",
          "optional": false
        },
        {
          "text": "4 tbsp melted ghee (clarified butter)",
          "qty": 4,
          "qtyMax": null,
          "unit": "tbsp",
          "item": "melted ghee (clarified butter)",
          "note": null,
          "optional": false
        },
        {
          "text": "1/2 cup zero-calorie granular sweetener",
          "qty": 0.5,
          "qtyMax": null,
          "unit": "cup",
          "item": "zero-calorie granular sweetener",
          "note": null,
          "optional": false
        },
        {
          "text": "2 tsp cinnamon",
          "qty": 2,
          "qtyMax": null,
          "unit": "tsp",
          "item": "cinnamon",
          "note": null,
          "optional": false
        },
        {
          "text": "Baking spray, for the parchment and sides of the pan",
          "qty": null,
          "qtyMax": null,
          "unit": null,
          "item": "baking spray",
          "note": "for the parchment and sides of the pan",
          "optional": false
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "title": "Pumpkin pie filling",
      "items": [
        {
          "text": "4 cups cottage cheese (32 oz; 4% small curd)",
          "qty": 4,
          "qtyMax": null,
          "unit": "cup",
          "item": "cottage cheese",
          "note": "32 oz; 4% small curd",
          "optional": false
        },
        {
          "text": "2 cups 100% pure pumpkin puree (16 oz; not pumpkin pie filling)",
          "qty": 2,
          "qtyMax": null,
          "unit": "cup",
          "item": "100% pure pumpkin puree",
          "note": "16 oz; not pumpkin pie filling",
          "optional": false
        },
        {
          "text": "6 scoops vanilla whey protein powder (186 g; about 24 g protein per scoop)",
          "qty": 6,
          "qtyMax": null,
          "unit": null,
          "item": "scoops vanilla whey protein powder",
          "note": "186 g; about 24 g protein per scoop",
          "optional": false
        },
        {
          "text": "4 large eggs",
          "qty": 4,
          "qtyMax": null,
          "unit": "large",
          "item": "eggs",
          "note": null,
          "optional": false
        },
        {
          "text": "1 cup zero-calorie granular sweetener",
          "qty": 1,
          "qtyMax": null,
          "unit": "cup",
          "item": "zero-calorie granular sweetener",
          "note": null,
          "optional": false
        },
        {
          "text": "2 tbsp pumpkin pie spice",
          "qty": 2,
          "qtyMax": null,
          "unit": "tbsp",
          "item": "pumpkin pie spice",
          "note": null,
          "optional": false
        },
        {
          "text": "2 tsp vanilla extract",
          "qty": 2,
          "qtyMax": null,
          "unit": "tsp",
          "item": "vanilla extract",
          "note": null,
          "optional": false
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "instructionGroups": [
    {
      "title": "Prep the oven and pan",
      "steps": [
        {
          "text": "Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Lay a 9-inch parchment round in the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, lock the ring in place and lightly spray both the parchment and the sides with baking spray.",
          "timerMinutes": null,
          "image": null
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "title": "Make and pre-bake the crust",
      "steps": [
        {
          "text": "In a large bowl, mix the almond flour, 2 scoops of protein powder, sweetener and cinnamon.",
          "timerMinutes": null,
          "image": null
        },
        {
          "text": "Stir in the melted ghee until the mixture looks like coarse, wet sand and holds together when pinched (see the video above).",
          "timerMinutes": null,
          "image": null
        },
        {
          "text": "Press the crust firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan.",
          "timerMinutes": null,
          "image": null
        },
        {
          "text": "Bake the crust for about 9 minutes, until the edges are just golden.",
          "timerMinutes": null,
          "image": null
        },
        {
          "text": "Let the crust cool for 10 minutes while you make the filling. Keep the oven at 300°F.",
          "timerMinutes": null,
          "image": null
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "title": "Blend the filling",
      "steps": [
        {
          "text": "Blend the cottage cheese and pumpkin puree first, on their own, until completely smooth. Your blender will be very full, so this keeps it from turning into a mountain of ingredients.",
          "timerMinutes": null,
          "image": null
        },
        {
          "text": "Add the 6 scoops of protein powder, sweetener, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla, and blend until smooth and creamy.",
          "timerMinutes": null,
          "image": null
        },
        {
          "text": "Add the eggs and just pulse a few times until they are barely mixed in. Don’t blend on high; whipping the eggs adds air, which causes cracks.",
          "timerMinutes": null,
          "image": null
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "title": "Pour, tap and bake",
      "steps": [
        {
          "text": "Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and smooth the top.",
          "timerMinutes": null,
          "image": null
        },
        {
          "text": "Gently tap the pan on the counter a few times to pop any trapped air bubbles.",
          "timerMinutes": null,
          "image": null
        },
        {
          "text": "Bake at 300°F for 50–60 minutes, since every oven is a little different. Start checking at 50 minutes. It’s done when the top looks matte instead of shiny and wet, the edges are set with a little light browning, and the center 2–3 inches jiggles as one piece, like set gelatin, when you gently nudge the pan (about 170–175°F in the very center on an instant-read thermometer). If the center ripples like liquid, bake 5 more minutes and check again. Don’t wait for the center to firm up; it finishes setting as it cools.",
          "timerMinutes": null,
          "image": null
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "title": "Cool and chill",
      "steps": [
        {
          "text": "Let the pie cool on the counter for 1 hour, then run a thin knife around the edge to loosen it, leaving the ring on.",
          "timerMinutes": null,
          "image": null
        },
        {
          "text": "Refrigerate with the ring still on for at least 6 hours (overnight is best) so it sets into a dense, classic pumpkin pie texture. Release the springform ring only once it’s fully chilled, then cut into 12 slices.",
          "timerMinutes": null,
          "image": null
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "notes": "- **Use pure pumpkin puree,** not pumpkin pie filling (it’s already sweetened and spiced).\n- **Pumpkin needs a little more sweetener** than a plain dairy custard, which is why the filling uses a full cup.\n- **No cracks:** pulse the eggs in at the very end, tap out the air bubbles and bake low and slow at 300°F.\n- **Is it done?** Matte top, set edges with light browning, and a center that jiggles as one piece (not in waves). An instant-read thermometer should read 170–175°F in the middle. A firm center means it’s overbaked.\n- **Parchment + spray:** the parchment round lines the bottom, and a light coat of baking spray on the parchment and the sides keeps the crust and filling from sticking.\n- **When to open the springform:** loosen the edge with a thin knife after the 1-hour cool, but keep the ring on until the pie is fully chilled. Released warm, the soft center can sag or crack.\n- **Full blender:** blend the cottage cheese and pumpkin alone first, then add everything else.\n- **Prefer mini pies?** See the [ramekin version of this recipe](/high-protein-cottage-cheese-pumpkin-pie/): six individual pies, ready in about half the bake time.\n- **Macros:** about 290 calories and 30 g protein per slice, roughly 10 g of protein for every 100 calories.",
  "tips": [],
  "storage": {
    "fridge": "Covered, up to 4 days",
    "freezer": null,
    "reheat": null
  },
  "substitutions": [],
  "equipment": [
    {
      "name": "9-inch springform pan (I use this nonstick 3-pan set)",
      "url": "https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXMSLQV8?tag=colorfu-20",
      "affiliate": true
    },
    {
      "name": "9-inch parchment paper rounds",
      "url": "https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QCGWH3V?tag=colorfu-20",
      "affiliate": true
    },
    {
      "name": "Large blender (64 oz or bigger; it will be very full)"
    }
  ],
  "nutrition": {
    "basis": "perServing",
    "servingSize": "1 slice (1/12 of a 9-inch pie)",
    "calories": 291,
    "fatG": 14.5,
    "saturatedFatG": 5.4,
    "transFatG": null,
    "unsaturatedFatG": null,
    "cholesterolMg": 124,
    "sodiumMg": 426,
    "carbsG": 12,
    "fiberG": 2.3,
    "sugarG": 5.5,
    "addedSugarG": 0.1,
    "proteinG": 30.5,
    "vitaminDMcg": null,
    "calciumMg": null,
    "ironMg": null,
    "potassiumMg": null,
    "source": "usda-calculated",
    "verified": false,
    "notes": "Optional items not included: baking spray for the pan sides (negligible). Zero-calorie granular sweetener (e.g. erythritol or allulose) counted as 0 calories and 0 net carbs. Calculated from the nutrition labels of the products we used: finely sifted almond flour, vanilla whey protein (31 g scoop: 120 calories, 24 g protein), 4% small-curd cottage cheese, canned 100% pure pumpkin and grass-fed ghee (1 tbsp: 90 calories). Other brands will vary a little."
  },
  "rating": null,
  "faq": [
    {
      "q": "Is this pumpkin pie actually healthy?",
      "a": "Each slice has about 290 calories and 30 g of protein, roughly 10 g of protein per 100 calories, with no added sugar thanks to a zero-calorie sweetener. That makes it a dessert that’s high in protein **and** low in calories at the same time."
    },
    {
      "q": "Why put cottage cheese in pumpkin pie?",
      "a": "Blended until completely smooth, cottage cheese melts into the pumpkin and gives the filling a rich, creamy custard texture, with far more protein and fewer calories than cream or evaporated milk. You won’t taste or see any curds."
    },
    {
      "q": "Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling?",
      "a": "No. Use 100% pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices, which would change both the flavor and the nutrition."
    },
    {
      "q": "How do I keep the pie from cracking?",
      "a": "Add the eggs last and only pulse them in, gently tap the filled pan on the counter to release air bubbles, and bake low at 300°F until the center still jiggles slightly."
    },
    {
      "q": "Can I make it ahead?",
      "a": "Yes, it’s even better made ahead. Chill it at least 6 hours, ideally overnight, and keep it covered in the fridge."
    }
  ],
  "related": [
    "high-protein-cottage-cheese-pumpkin-pie",
    "happy-thanksgiving-no-bake-pumpkin-cheesecake-bites",
    "cheesecake-pumpkin-swirl-pie",
    "pumpkin-cheesecake-cupcakes"
  ],
  "sponsor": null,
  "affiliateDisclosure": false,
  "url": "https://colorfulrecipes.com/high-protein-cottage-cheese-pumpkin-pie-9-inch/",
  "proteinPer100": 10.5,
  "ingredientCount": 13,
  "hasComments": 0,
  "legacyCommentCount": 0,
  "legacyRating": null,
  "imageUrl": "https://colorfulrecipes.com/media/2026/10/9-inch-high-protein-pumpkin-pie-slice-1448.webp",
  "schemaOrg": {
    "@type": "Recipe",
    "@id": "https://colorfulrecipes.com/high-protein-cottage-cheese-pumpkin-pie-9-inch/#recipe",
    "name": "9-Inch High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Pie",
    "description": "A whole 9-inch high-protein pumpkin pie with cottage cheese: 30 g protein and under 300 calories per slice, on a crispy almond-protein crust in a springform pan.",
    "image": [
      "https://colorfulrecipes.com/media/2026/10/9-inch-high-protein-pumpkin-pie-slice-1x1.jpg",
      "https://colorfulrecipes.com/media/2026/10/9-inch-high-protein-pumpkin-pie-slice-4x3.jpg",
      "https://colorfulrecipes.com/media/2026/10/9-inch-high-protein-pumpkin-pie-slice-16x9.jpg",
      "https://colorfulrecipes.com/media/2026/10/9-inch-high-protein-pumpkin-pie-slice-1448.webp"
    ],
    "author": {
      "@id": "https://colorfulrecipes.com/about/#christine"
    },
    "publisher": {
      "@id": "https://colorfulrecipes.com/#organization"
    },
    "datePublished": "2026-10-18T20:25:19Z",
    "dateModified": "2026-10-18T20:25:19Z",
    "prepTime": "PT25M",
    "cookTime": "PT1H10M",
    "totalTime": "PT8H45M",
    "recipeYield": [
      "12",
      "1 (9-inch) pie, 12 slices"
    ],
    "recipeCategory": [
      "Dessert"
    ],
    "recipeCuisine": [
      "American"
    ],
    "cookingMethod": "oven",
    "keywords": "high protein pumpkin pie, 9-inch high protein pumpkin pie, cottage cheese pumpkin pie, healthy pumpkin pie, low calorie pumpkin pie, springform pumpkin pie, pumpkin pie with protein powder, healthy Thanksgiving dessert, sugar-free pumpkin pie, high protein, low calorie, smart treats, meal prep, pumpkin, cottage cheese, almond",
    "recipeIngredient": [
      "1 cup almond flour (112 g, finely sifted)",
      "2 scoops vanilla whey protein powder (62 g; about 24 g protein per scoop)",
      "4 tbsp melted ghee (clarified butter)",
      "1/2 cup zero-calorie granular sweetener",
      "2 tsp cinnamon",
      "Baking spray, for the parchment and sides of the pan",
      "4 cups cottage cheese (32 oz; 4% small curd)",
      "2 cups 100% pure pumpkin puree (16 oz; not pumpkin pie filling)",
      "6 scoops vanilla whey protein powder (186 g; about 24 g protein per scoop)",
      "4 large eggs",
      "1 cup zero-calorie granular sweetener",
      "2 tbsp pumpkin pie spice",
      "2 tsp vanilla extract"
    ],
    "recipeInstructions": [
      {
        "@type": "HowToSection",
        "name": "Prep the oven and pan",
        "itemListElement": [
          {
            "@type": "HowToStep",
            "text": "Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Lay a 9-inch parchment round in the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, lock the ring in place and lightly spray both the parchment and the sides with baking spray.",
            "url": "https://colorfulrecipes.com/high-protein-cottage-cheese-pumpkin-pie-9-inch/#step-prep-the-oven-and-pan-1"
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "@type": "HowToSection",
        "name": "Make and pre-bake the crust",
        "itemListElement": [
          {
            "@type": "HowToStep",
            "text": "In a large bowl, mix the almond flour, 2 scoops of protein powder, sweetener and cinnamon.",
            "url": "https://colorfulrecipes.com/high-protein-cottage-cheese-pumpkin-pie-9-inch/#step-make-and-pre-bake-the-crust-1"
          },
          {
            "@type": "HowToStep",
            "text": "Stir in the melted ghee until the mixture looks like coarse, wet sand and holds together when pinched (see the video above).",
            "url": "https://colorfulrecipes.com/high-protein-cottage-cheese-pumpkin-pie-9-inch/#step-make-and-pre-bake-the-crust-2"
          },
          {
            "@type": "HowToStep",
            "text": "Press the crust firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan.",
            "url": "https://colorfulrecipes.com/high-protein-cottage-cheese-pumpkin-pie-9-inch/#step-make-and-pre-bake-the-crust-3"
          },
          {
            "@type": "HowToStep",
            "text": "Bake the crust for about 9 minutes, until the edges are just golden.",
            "url": "https://colorfulrecipes.com/high-protein-cottage-cheese-pumpkin-pie-9-inch/#step-make-and-pre-bake-the-crust-4"
          },
          {
            "@type": "HowToStep",
            "text": "Let the crust cool for 10 minutes while you make the filling. Keep the oven at 300°F.",
            "url": "https://colorfulrecipes.com/high-protein-cottage-cheese-pumpkin-pie-9-inch/#step-make-and-pre-bake-the-crust-5"
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "@type": "HowToSection",
        "name": "Blend the filling",
        "itemListElement": [
          {
            "@type": "HowToStep",
            "text": "Blend the cottage cheese and pumpkin puree first, on their own, until completely smooth. Your blender will be very full, so this keeps it from turning into a mountain of ingredients.",
            "url": "https://colorfulrecipes.com/high-protein-cottage-cheese-pumpkin-pie-9-inch/#step-blend-the-filling-1"
          },
          {
            "@type": "HowToStep",
            "text": "Add the 6 scoops of protein powder, sweetener, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla, and blend until smooth and creamy.",
            "url": "https://colorfulrecipes.com/high-protein-cottage-cheese-pumpkin-pie-9-inch/#step-blend-the-filling-2"
          },
          {
            "@type": "HowToStep",
            "text": "Add the eggs and just pulse a few times until they are barely mixed in. Don’t blend on high; whipping the eggs adds air, which causes cracks.",
            "url": "https://colorfulrecipes.com/high-protein-cottage-cheese-pumpkin-pie-9-inch/#step-blend-the-filling-3"
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "@type": "HowToSection",
        "name": "Pour, tap and bake",
        "itemListElement": [
          {
            "@type": "HowToStep",
            "text": "Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and smooth the top.",
            "url": "https://colorfulrecipes.com/high-protein-cottage-cheese-pumpkin-pie-9-inch/#step-pour-tap-and-bake-1"
          },
          {
            "@type": "HowToStep",
            "text": "Gently tap the pan on the counter a few times to pop any trapped air bubbles.",
            "url": "https://colorfulrecipes.com/high-protein-cottage-cheese-pumpkin-pie-9-inch/#step-pour-tap-and-bake-2"
          },
          {
            "@type": "HowToStep",
            "text": "Bake at 300°F for 50–60 minutes, since every oven is a little different. Start checking at 50 minutes. It’s done when the top looks matte instead of shiny and wet, the edges are set with a little light browning, and the center 2–3 inches jiggles as one piece, like set gelatin, when you gently nudge the pan (about 170–175°F in the very center on an instant-read thermometer). If the center ripples like liquid, bake 5 more minutes and check again. Don’t wait for the center to firm up; it finishes setting as it cools.",
            "url": "https://colorfulrecipes.com/high-protein-cottage-cheese-pumpkin-pie-9-inch/#step-pour-tap-and-bake-3"
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "@type": "HowToSection",
        "name": "Cool and chill",
        "itemListElement": [
          {
            "@type": "HowToStep",
            "text": "Let the pie cool on the counter for 1 hour, then run a thin knife around the edge to loosen it, leaving the ring on.",
            "url": "https://colorfulrecipes.com/high-protein-cottage-cheese-pumpkin-pie-9-inch/#step-cool-and-chill-1"
          },
          {
            "@type": "HowToStep",
            "text": "Refrigerate with the ring still on for at least 6 hours (overnight is best) so it sets into a dense, classic pumpkin pie texture. Release the springform ring only once it’s fully chilled, then cut into 12 slices.",
            "url": "https://colorfulrecipes.com/high-protein-cottage-cheese-pumpkin-pie-9-inch/#step-cool-and-chill-2"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "tool": [
      {
        "@type": "HowToTool",
        "name": "9-inch springform pan (I use this nonstick 3-pan set)"
      },
      {
        "@type": "HowToTool",
        "name": "9-inch parchment paper rounds"
      },
      {
        "@type": "HowToTool",
        "name": "Large blender (64 oz or bigger; it will be very full)"
      }
    ],
    "nutrition": {
      "@type": "NutritionInformation",
      "servingSize": "1 slice (1/12 of a 9-inch pie)",
      "calories": "291 calories",
      "proteinContent": "30.5 g",
      "carbohydrateContent": "12 g",
      "fatContent": "14.5 g",
      "saturatedFatContent": "5.4 g",
      "cholesterolContent": "124 mg",
      "sodiumContent": "426 mg",
      "fiberContent": "2.3 g",
      "sugarContent": "5.5 g"
    },
    "video": {
      "@type": "VideoObject",
      "name": "How the high-protein crust should look before pressing it into the pan",
      "description": "A whole 9-inch high-protein pumpkin pie: creamy cottage cheese pumpkin filling on a crispy almond-protein crust, baked in a springform pan, about 290 calories and 30 g of protein per slice.",
      "thumbnailUrl": "https://colorfulrecipes.com/media/2026/10/protein-crust-consistency-wet-sand-poster.jpg",
      "uploadDate": "2026-10-09T18:54:34Z",
      "contentUrl": "https://colorfulrecipes.com/media/2026/10/protein-crust-consistency-wet-sand.mp4",
      "duration": "PT3S"
    },
    "isAccessibleForFree": true,
    "mainEntityOfPage": {
      "@id": "https://colorfulrecipes.com/high-protein-cottage-cheese-pumpkin-pie-9-inch/#webpage"
    },
    "inLanguage": "en-US"
  }
}