Looking for a guilt-free, high-protein dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth? Creamy cottage cheese ice cream is the perfect solution! Made with just a few simple ingredients, this ice cream is loaded with protein, low in sugar, and incredibly versatile. Cottage cheese gives it a rich, smooth texture without the fat overload of regular ice cream. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or simply want a delicious, refreshing dessert, this cottage cheese ice cream will not disappoint!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup frozen berries (optional, for flavor variations)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (optional, for a chocolate twist)
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup milk (optional, for thinning)
Steps
- Blend the Base
- Start by adding the cottage cheese, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. You’ll want the cottage cheese to be fully pureed, eliminating any lumps for a silky texture. If you’re using frozen berries or cocoa powder, add them at this step to infuse your ice cream with extra flavor. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or maple syrup if needed.
- Adjust the Consistency
- If the mixture seems too thick, add a small amount of milk (about ¼ to ½ cup) to thin it out. Continue blending until you achieve a soft-serve-like consistency. The milk helps create a creamier texture, making it easier to scoop after freezing.
- Freeze the Mixture
- Pour the blended mixture into a freezer-safe container. Spread it evenly with a spatula, then cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals from forming. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Stir and Serve
- Once frozen, take the ice cream out of the freezer and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly. Use a spoon or spatula to stir the ice cream, creating a smoother texture. Scoop it into bowls or cones, and serve immediately!
- Enjoy!
- Enjoy your high-protein cottage cheese ice cream as is, or top it with your favorite garnishes like fresh fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
Tips for Variation:
- Add Fruit: Blend in strawberries, blueberries, or bananas for a fruity twist. These can also be used as toppings for extra freshness.
- Make it Chocolatey: Add ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor. You can also mix in chocolate chips or drizzle melted dark chocolate on top.
- Nutty Delights: Stir in chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a crunchy texture. Pair it with a drizzle of honey for sweetness.
- Go Tropical: Add some shredded coconut or coconut milk for a tropical vibe. You can even mix in pineapple chunks for a piña colada-inspired treat.
- Add Protein Powder: Boost the protein content even further by blending in a scoop of your favorite protein powder. Vanilla or chocolate flavors work best with this recipe.
- Flavor Extracts: Experiment with different extracts like almond, coconut, or peppermint to add a unique flavor profile to your ice cream.
- Use Greek Yogurt: Substitute some of the cottage cheese with Greek yogurt to create a slightly tangier version. This will also boost the creaminess.
- Sweetener Swap: If you prefer a lower-calorie option, use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of honey or maple syrup.
Macros
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 14g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
- Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese for a lighter version. However, full-fat cottage cheese will give a richer and creamier texture.
- How long does cottage cheese ice cream last in the freezer?
- It can last up to 2 weeks in the freezer, but for the best texture and taste, it’s recommended to consume it within 5-7 days.
- Is cottage cheese ice cream healthy?
- Absolutely! Cottage cheese ice cream is high in protein and lower in sugar and fat compared to traditional ice cream, making it a healthy dessert option.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Yes! You can use dairy-free cottage cheese alternatives and a plant-based milk option, such as almond or coconut milk, for a completely dairy-free version.
- Why is my ice cream too hard to scoop?
- If your ice cream becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping. You can also blend in a bit more milk during preparation to help it stay softer.
Creamy Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Recipe: A Protein-Packed Frozen Delight
Creamy cottage cheese ice cream is a high-protein, low-sugar dessert that's easy to make. It's smooth, rich, and customizable with fruit, chocolate, or nuts for extra flavor, offering a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese full-fat or low-fat
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup for sweetness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup frozen berries optional, for flavor variations
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder optional, for a chocolate twist
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup milk optional, for thinning
Instructions
Blend the Base
- Add the cottage cheese, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, ensuring the cottage cheese is fully pureed for a silky texture.
- If using frozen berries or cocoa powder, add them at this step for extra flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more honey or maple syrup as needed.
Adjust the Consistency
- If the mixture is too thick, add a small amount of milk (about ¼ to ½ cup) to thin it out.
- Blend until you achieve a soft-serve-like consistency.
- The milk will help create a creamier texture, making it easier to scoop after freezing.
Freeze the Mixture
- Pour the blended mixture into a freezer-safe container.
- Spread it evenly with a spatula and cover with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Stir and Serve
- Once frozen, take the ice cream out of the freezer and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly.
- Use a spoon or spatula to stir the ice cream, creating a smoother texture.
- Scoop it into bowls or cones and serve immediately.
Enjoy!
- Enjoy your high-protein cottage cheese ice cream as is, or top with fresh fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.