Why I Love This Recipe
This Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a game-changer! Not only is it super creamy and delicious, but it’s also packed with protein and made with just 4 ingredients—no ice cream maker required! The banana and maple syrup provide the perfect natural sweetness, while the cottage cheese gives it an incredibly smooth and rich texture. It’s an excellent way to indulge in a treat without the guilt, and it’s ready in just 1 hour! Whether you’re craving a quick dessert or looking for a healthy snack, this recipe is sure to impress.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 1 Hour
Total Time: 1 Hour
Yield: Serves about 3
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Topping ideas: Chocolate chips, sprinkles, peanut butter, nuts, or anything you like!
Instructions
- Blend the Ingredients:
Add cottage cheese, ripe banana, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more maple syrup if you prefer it sweeter. - Pour and Spread:
Once the mixture is smooth, pour it into a loaf pan or another freezer-safe container. Spread it evenly across the pan with a spatula. - Freeze:
Place the pan in the freezer and let the ice cream set for 1 to 2 hours, or until firm. The freezing time may vary depending on your freezer and container size. - Scoop and Enjoy:
Before serving, let the ice cream sit out for about 5 minutes to soften slightly. This will make it easier to scoop. Once it’s ready, top it with your favorite toppings such as chocolate chips, peanut butter, nuts, or sprinkles!
Tips & Tricks
- Sweetness Adjustments: If you want a sweeter treat, feel free to add a little more maple syrup or even a splash of honey. You can also add a splash of milk if the mixture is too thick before blending.
- No Blender? No Problem! If you don’t have a blender, you can mash the banana by hand and whisk the ingredients together until smooth. It may not be as creamy, but it will still be delicious!
- Use Frozen Banana: For an even creamier texture, consider using a frozen banana. This will make the ice cream a bit thicker and more like traditional soft-serve ice cream.
- Serving Ideas: This ice cream is perfect on its own, but it also makes a fantastic topping for waffles, pancakes, or fruit.
Notes
- Storage: Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Make sure it’s well-covered to prevent freezer burn. If it’s too hard after freezing, let it sit out for a few minutes to soften before scooping.
- Texture Variations: This ice cream has a smoother, more soft-serve-like texture when first made, but it firms up more after freezing longer. If you prefer a firmer texture, simply leave it in the freezer for an additional hour.
- Customizing Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, fruit, or even crushed cookies to make it your own. You can also swirl in a bit of peanut butter for a richer flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use non-dairy cottage cheese?
Yes! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative, such as almond milk-based cottage cheese. It may alter the texture slightly but will still work great.
2. Can I use other sweeteners besides maple syrup?
Absolutely! You can substitute the maple syrup with honey, agave nectar, or stevia. Just adjust the quantity based on your preferred level of sweetness.
3. How can I make the ice cream firmer?
If you prefer a firmer ice cream, just freeze it longer, or place it in a shallow container to speed up the freezing process. The more surface area it has, the faster it will set.
4. Is this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?
This recipe is relatively low in carbs, but if you’re strictly following a keto diet, you can reduce the banana and use a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit.
This Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is the perfect healthy indulgence when you’re craving something creamy and satisfying. Packed with protein and free of refined sugars, it’s the ideal treat for satisfying your sweet tooth without derailing your healthy eating goals. And the best part? It’s ready in just an hour—no ice cream maker required! Enjoy this deliciously simple recipe that’s as nutritious as it is tasty
