Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Recipe
If you’re searching for a fun, protein-packed dessert that’ll have everyone begging for seconds, look no further than Cottage Cheese Ice Cream. This brilliantly creamy, satisfying treat is the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with anyone who loves a cool, guilt-free indulgence. All it takes is a handful of wholesome ingredients and a few easy steps to turn tangy cottage cheese into an ice cream that holds its own against the classics. Ready to meet your new obsession?
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret magic of Cottage Cheese Ice Cream? Each ingredient does serious heavy lifting to achieve that luscious, slightly tangy-sweet flavor and irresistible texture. You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can deliver such decadent results!
- Full fat cottage cheese: The creamy base that gives your ice cream its velvety texture and a delicious boost of protein.
- Honey: Natural sweetness and a subtle floral note that balances the tang of the cottage cheese perfectly.
- Peanut butter: Adds rich, nutty depth and helps round out the sweetness, creating a grown-up, crave-worthy flavor.
- Chocolate chips: A pop of melty, chocolaty goodness in every bite—mini chips or chopped chocolate bars work especially well.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Step 1: Blend the Base
Start by combining the full fat cottage cheese, honey, and peanut butter in a food processor or a high-powered blender. Don’t rush this step! Blend until the mixture is ridiculously smooth and creamy—think luscious custard, not lumpy breakfast curds. This is what transforms the humble cottage cheese into dessert magic.
Step 2: Stir in the Chocolate
Once your base is flawless, grab your favorite chocolate chips and stir them right in by hand. This keeps the chips whole and gives every scoop a satisfying bit of chocolatey crunch. Feel free to get creative here—dark, semi-sweet, or even bitter chips play beautifully with the creamy base.
Step 3: Freeze Until Firm
Pour the mixture back into the original cottage cheese container (zero waste for the win!) or into a loaf pan. Cover tightly and pop it into the freezer for about 4 hours, or until the ice cream is firm to the touch. You’re almost there—anticipation just makes that first scoop extra special.
Step 4: Soften and Serve
Remove your Cottage Cheese Ice Cream from the freezer and let it thaw on the counter for 5 to 10 minutes. This quick rest time makes it super easy to scoop and brings out all those dreamy flavors. Grab your favorite ice cream scoop, plunge into creamy bliss, and enjoy!
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Garnishes
Dress your scoops up with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, extra chocolate chips, a drizzle of honey, or even a pinch of flaky sea salt—the possibilities are endless and each adds a new layer of flavor or crunch. Fresh berries or a spoonful of cherry preserves are also divine if you’re feeling fancy!
Side Dishes
Pair Cottage Cheese Ice Cream with crisp butter cookies, caramel popcorn, or a warm brownie if you want to go for all-out decadence. Craving something lighter? Try alongside a medley of fresh fruit or serve in a pool of cold espresso for a homemade affogato twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Press the softened ice cream between two chocolate chip cookies for unforgettable ice cream sandwiches, or scoop into tiny, crunchy cones for a playful bite-sized party treat. For a make-ahead dessert, pack it into popsicle molds and freeze—an instant summer hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any extra Cottage Cheese Ice Cream in a tightly sealed container in the freezer. Press a sheet of parchment or wax paper directly onto the surface before sealing to help prevent freezer burn and to keep the texture creamy and fresh.
Freezing
Cottage Cheese Ice Cream will keep beautifully in your freezer for up to two weeks. For best results, keep it in the coldest part, and avoid frequent temperature fluctuations. Just remember to let it soften on the counter for a few minutes before scooping.
Reheating
No reheating needed! If your ice cream is rock-hard straight from the freezer, let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. This gentle thaw is key to achieving perfect, creamy scoops every time.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese?
Full fat cottage cheese delivers the creamiest results, but you can use low-fat versions if you like—a slight iciness or lighter texture might occur. Fat-free cottage cheese, however, may not yield the same rich, ice cream–like feel.
Is it possible to make a dairy-free version?
Absolutely! Swap in a plant-based cottage cheese and use maple syrup or agave instead of honey if needed. Just be aware that some vegan cottage cheeses have a different flavor profile, so taste and adjust sweetness as you go.
Can I use other nut butters or add mix-ins?
Of course! Almond or cashew butter are fantastic substitutes for peanut butter, and you can experiment with chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a swirl of berry jam for a personalized signature flavor.
Does the ice cream taste like cottage cheese?
Not at all—the cottage cheese transforms in the blending and freezing process, delivering a creamy, tangy backbone without tasting overtly cheesy. Most folks will never guess the secret ingredient!
How do I prevent ice crystals in homemade ice cream?
Blending until silky smooth and freezing promptly in a well-sealed container keeps the texture perfectly creamy. Pressing plastic wrap or parchment directly onto the surface before sealing also helps ward off any unwanted ice crystals.
Final Thoughts
Give Cottage Cheese Ice Cream a whirl and you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought! This recipe is a game changer that balances silky indulgence with a healthy twist, making it as welcome after dinner as it is for a midday pick-me-up. I can’t wait for you to try it—and to see how you make it your own!
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Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cottage Cheese Ice Cream recipe is a delightful and healthier alternative to traditional ice cream. Creamy and rich with a hint of sweetness, it’s a perfect guilt-free treat for any time of the year.
Ingredients
Cottage Cheese Ice Cream:
- 2 cups (16 oz) full fat cottage cheese (I used Good Culture)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 Tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 Tablespoons chocolate chips
Instructions
- Blend: Add cottage cheese, honey, and peanut butter to a food processor or high powered blender. Pulse/process until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Freeze: Transfer the mixture into the cottage cheese container or a loaf pan. Freeze for about 4 hours until firm.
- Serve: Thaw the ice cream for 5-10 minutes before scooping into bowls. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending, Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Cottage Cheese Ice Cream, Healthy Ice Cream, Homemade Ice Cream
