This Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a rich, creamy, and high-protein alternative to traditional ice cream. Naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, it’s a guilt-free dessert that’s easy to make and completely customizable. Whether you mix in fresh berries, chocolate chips, or nuts, this frozen treat is a perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the excess sugar.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in Protein – Cottage cheese provides a protein boost, making this a healthier dessert choice.
- Naturally Sweetened – Made with honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar.
- Easy to Customize – Add your favorite mix-ins like fruit, nuts, or chocolate.
- No Ice Cream Maker Needed – Just blend, freeze, and enjoy!
- Guilt-Free Indulgence – A creamy, satisfying treat with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups full-fat cottage cheese
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup frozen or fresh berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) or other mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Blend Cottage Cheese
- Add cottage cheese, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Mix-ins
- Gently fold in your choice of berries, chocolate chips, or nuts.
- You can leave the mix-ins chunky or blend them slightly for a swirl effect.
3. Freeze
- Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container. Smooth the top with a spatula and cover with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Freeze for 4–6 hours, stirring every 1–2 hours for a softer texture, or leave it untouched for a firmer consistency.
4. Serve
- Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly before scooping.
- Serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Freezing Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: 4-6 hours 10 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 220 kcal per serving
Variations
- Tangy Twist – Add a splash of lemon juice for a refreshing citrusy note.
- Chocolate Lovers – Blend in cocoa powder or drizzle melted chocolate over the top before freezing.
- Nutty Flavor – Stir in almond butter, peanut butter, or chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- Extra Creamy – Swap half of the cottage cheese for Greek yogurt to enhance the texture.
- Low-Carb Option – Use a sugar-free sweetener instead of honey or maple syrup.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Keep in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 weeks.
- Softening – Let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping to achieve a creamier texture.
- No Reheating Needed – This is a frozen dessert meant to be enjoyed cold!
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, but full-fat cottage cheese provides a creamier texture. Low-fat versions may result in a slightly icier consistency.
How do I prevent the ice cream from getting too hard?
Stirring every 1-2 hours during freezing helps keep the texture soft. You can also add a tablespoon of vodka or a liquid sweetener like agave to prevent excessive firmness.
Does it taste like cottage cheese?
Not at all! The blending process smooths out the texture, and the honey, vanilla, and mix-ins mask any cottage cheese flavor.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes! You can use agave syrup, date syrup, or a sugar-free alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
What are the best mix-ins for this ice cream?
Popular mix-ins include fresh or frozen berries, dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a swirl of peanut butter.
Can I make this in an ice cream maker?
Yes! Blend the ingredients, pour them into an ice cream maker, and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
How can I make this ice cream even creamier?
Adding a bit of heavy cream or Greek yogurt can improve the creaminess of the final product.
Is this ice cream keto-friendly?
It can be if you use a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit and avoid high-carb mix-ins.
Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen fruit works great and helps create a naturally thicker consistency when blended.
Will this ice cream work with flavored cottage cheese?
Yes, but be mindful of added sugars in flavored varieties, as they may alter the sweetness level.
Conclusion
Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a simple, protein-packed dessert that’s both creamy and delicious. With endless customization options, it’s a fantastic guilt-free way to enjoy ice cream without the excess sugar. Whether you prefer fruity, chocolatey, or nutty flavors, this easy-to-make frozen treat is sure to become a favorite! Try it today and create your perfect combination!
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Cottage Cheese Ice Cream – A Creamy, Protein-Packed Treat!
This Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a rich, creamy, and high-protein alternative to traditional ice cream. Naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, this guilt-free frozen dessert is easy to make and fully customizable with your favorite mix-ins like fruit, chocolate, or nuts. No ice cream maker needed—just blend, freeze, and enjoy!
- Total Time: 4-6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups full-fat cottage cheese
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup frozen or fresh berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) or mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts
Instructions
Blend the Base:
- In a blender or food processor, blend cottage cheese, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until completely smooth and creamy.
2. Add Mix-ins:
- Gently fold in berries, chocolate chips, or nuts.
- For a swirl effect, blend them slightly instead of folding.
3. Freeze:
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and freeze for 4-6 hours.
- For a softer texture, stir every 1-2 hours while freezing.
4. Serve:
- Let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping.
- Enjoy as is, or top with extra berries, nuts, or melted chocolate.
Notes
- For Extra Creaminess: Swap half the cottage cheese with Greek yogurt.
- Low-Carb Option: Use a sugar-free sweetener instead of honey or maple syrup.
- Prevent Over-Hardening: Stir every 1-2 hours while freezing
- Make it Chocolatey: Blend in 2 tablespoons cocoa powder or drizzle with melted chocolate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Blending, Freezing
- Cuisine: Healthy, High-Protein
- Diet: Gluten Free
