This recipe is simple, customizable, and oh-so-delicious. While many variations exist, the base of this ice cream only requires two ingredients: cottage cheese and honey! For an added twist, I’ve included peanut butter and chocolate chips, creating a combo that’s seriously next-level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High-Protein: With over 20 grams of protein per serving, this dessert or snack is a great way to fuel your day.
- Quick & Easy: You’ll only need four basic ingredients, making it a breeze to prepare.
- No Ice Cream Maker Needed: No fancy equipment required—just a blender or food processor.
- Customizable: Easily modify the recipe to make your favorite ice cream flavor.
Ingredients Needed
For this cottage cheese ice cream, you’ll need:
- Cottage Cheese: This is the star of the recipe, providing a creamy texture and a hefty dose of protein. I prefer full-fat Good Culture cottage cheese, but low-fat works just as well. Full-fat, however, creates a creamier result.
- Honey: As a natural sweetener, honey pairs wonderfully with the tangy flavor of cottage cheese. You can swap it for maple syrup or any other liquid sweetener of your choice.
- Peanut Butter: Peanut butter adds a nutty richness and extra protein. I love the combination of peanut butter, honey, and cottage cheese, but if you’re allergic or simply not a fan, almond butter or another nut/seed butter will work just as well.
- Chocolate Chips: Adding chocolate chips brings a touch of sweetness and crunch to your ice cream. I prefer using Lily’s dark chocolate chips because they’re sweetened with stevia and have less sugar, but any chocolate chips will do.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Making this delicious ice cream is easy and quick:
- Blend: Add the cottage cheese, honey, and peanut butter to a food processor or high-speed blender. Pulse or blend until smooth and creamy. If you’d like, stir in chocolate chips at the end.
- Freeze: Pour the mixture into the cottage cheese container or a loaf pan. Place it in the freezer for about 4 hours or until the ice cream is firm and frozen.
- Serve: After the ice cream has frozen, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw for about 5-10 minutes, just enough for it to be easy to scoop. Scoop the ice cream into bowls and enjoy!
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
There are many ways to enjoy this ice cream. Here are a few ideas:
- In a Bowl or Cone: Scoop the ice cream into a bowl or ice cream cone and enjoy it just like regular ice cream.
- Toppings: Add fresh fruit, chopped nuts, granola, or a drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce for extra flavor. You could even try a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of sea salt.
- Parfait Style: Layer the ice cream with fresh fruit, yogurt, or whipped cream for a visually stunning dessert.
- Sandwich Style: Make a fun dessert by placing a scoop of ice cream between two cookies or waffles for a sweet ice cream sandwich.
Flavor Variations
One of the best parts about this cottage cheese ice cream is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste. Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity:
- Chocolate: Add 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of cacao powder or cocoa powder, along with the chocolate chips, for a rich chocolatey treat.
- Fruity: Blend in your favorite frozen fruit—strawberries, blueberries, bananas, mangoes, or peaches. You can also add a swirl of your favorite jam for an extra fruity kick.
- Nutty: Swap the chocolate chips for chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, walnuts, or pistachios for a delightful crunch.
- Spiced: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Coffee: For coffee lovers, mix in a shot of espresso or a spoonful of instant coffee powder for a delicious coffee-flavored ice cream.
- Vanilla: Add vanilla bean paste (from 1/2 to 1 vanilla bean pod) or vanilla extract for a simple, smooth vanilla version.
- Strawberry Cheesecake: Blend in some fresh or frozen strawberries, along with crushed graham crackers, for a sweet strawberry cheesecake-inspired treat.
How to Store Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
- In the Freezer: Transfer your cottage cheese ice cream to an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To prevent ice crystals from forming, cover the surface with a piece of plastic wrap before sealing the container.
- Thawing: Before scooping, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. This makes it easier to scoop and gives the ice cream a creamier texture.
Conclusion
This viral cottage cheese ice cream is more than just a healthy alternative—it’s a delicious, protein-packed dessert that you’ll want to make again and again. With just a few ingredients, no ice cream maker, and endless flavor possibilities, it’s the perfect treat for anyone who loves ice cream but wants a healthier option.
The best part is that you can easily customize it with different flavors and toppings, making it your own signature treat. Whether you enjoy it as a snack, dessert, or after a workout, this ice cream is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a healthier, high-protein ice cream that tastes just as good as the real thing!
This viral cottage cheese ice cream is incredibly easy to make with just 4 simple ingredients! It’s rich, creamy, thick, and packed with over 20 grams of protein per serving. It’s the perfect treat for anyone craving a high-protein, low-effort dessert!
DURATION:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Freeze Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 3
Ingredients
- 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 the Ingredients:
Add the cottage cheese, honey, and peanut butter to a food processor or high-powered blender. Pulse or blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. - Add the Chocolate Chips:
Once the mixture is smooth, stir in the chocolate chips. You can also blend them in if you prefer the chips to be more integrated. - Freeze the Mixture:
Transfer the ice cream mixture back into the cottage cheese container or into a loaf pan. Place it in the freezer for about 4 hours, or until the ice cream is fully frozen. - Serve:
Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes so it’s easier to scoop. Once softened, scoop the ice cream into bowls and enjoy!
Nutrition (per serving – 1/3 of the recipe)
- Calories: 284 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 483mg
- Potassium: 107mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 27g
This creamy cottage cheese ice cream is a healthy, delicious, and protein-packed treat that you can easily whip up with minimal effort
