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Easy & Creamy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Ice Cream (Viral Recipe!)

Loaf pan filled with creamy cottage cheese ice cream swirled with peanut butter and topped with chocolate chips, with scoops of ice cream in glass bowls around it on a white wooden table.

Get ready to transform a pantry staple into your new favorite dessert! This incredibly easy cottage cheese ice cream recipe has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. It’s a protein-packed, no-churn treat that comes together with minimal ingredients and effort. Prepare for a surprisingly creamy texture that will satisfy your sweet cravings without any guilt.

Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

You will quickly fall in love with this delightful cottage cheese ice cream for many reasons.

  • It’s a high-protein, satisfying dessert that helps you meet your nutritional goals.
  • You only need four simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep time.
  • No special ice cream maker is required, making it perfect for any kitchen.
  • The base is infinitely customizable; get creative with your favorite flavors.
  • It offers a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream, packed with beneficial protein.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your own delicious 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

Notes & Substitutions

Cottage Cheese: For the creamiest texture, opt for full-fat cottage cheese. Brands like Good Culture, Organic Valley, or Nancy’s often yield superior results. You can also look for lower sodium options if preferred.

Sweetener: Honey provides a lovely natural sweetness. Feel free to substitute with maple syrup, agave, or your favorite liquid sweetener to taste.

Nut Butter: Peanut butter adds a fantastic nutty flavor and richness. For alternatives, try almond butter, cashew butter, or any seed butter if you have allergies.

Chocolate Chips: Use standard chocolate chips, or for a lower sugar option, consider dark chocolate chips like Lily’s. Mini chips distribute well throughout the mixture.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this incredible high-protein frozen dessert:

  • Food processor or high-speed blender
  • Loaf pan or airtight freezer container
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula for stirring

Instructions

Making this homemade cottage cheese ice cream is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfectly creamy, protein-rich treat:

  1. Blend Base: Add the cottage cheese, honey, and peanut butter to your food processor or high-powered blender. Secure the lid tightly before beginning.
  2. Process Smooth: Pulse and process the mixture until it becomes completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure no lumps remain. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect cottage cheese ice cream texture.
  3. Mix-ins: Once the base is smooth, gently stir in the chocolate chips using a spatula. You can add any other desired mix-ins at this stage.
  4. Freeze: Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan or an airtight freezer-safe container. Ensure it is evenly distributed for consistent freezing.
  5. Chill: Place the container in the freezer for approximately 4 hours, or until the mixture is firm enough to scoop easily. The freezing time may vary slightly based on your freezer’s temperature.
  6. Serve: When ready to enjoy, remove the container from the freezer and let it thaw briefly at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. This short thaw time allows the cottage cheese ice cream to soften just enough for smooth scooping. Scoop into bowls and savor your delicious creation.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve Ultimate Creaminess: Blend the cottage cheese base thoroughly until it’s silky smooth. Any remaining grittiness means it needs more processing time.

Prevent Iciness: While optional, stirring the mixture halfway through the freezing process can help distribute ice crystals and enhance creaminess.

Soften for Scooping: Always allow the frozen treat to thaw for 5-10 minutes before scooping. This softens it to a perfect, scoopable consistency.

Best Cottage Cheese: Full-fat, small-curd cottage cheese yields the most decadent texture. It contributes to a richer, creamier homemade protein ice cream.

Ingredient Quality: Using good quality honey and fresh nut butter significantly impacts the overall flavor profile of your delightful dessert.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile cottage cheese ice cream is a delightful treat on its own or enhanced with various additions.

Serving Suggestions: Enjoy it in a classic bowl, a crisp waffle cone, layered into a nutritious parfait, or even pressed between cookies for an ice cream sandwich.

Fun Toppings: Elevate your serving with fresh fruit, chopped nuts, granola, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a swirl of caramel.

Storage: Store any leftover high-protein frozen dessert in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Prevent Freezer Burn: For best results, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the cottage cheese ice cream before sealing the container. This prevents ice crystal formation.

Flavor Variations

Get creative and customize your high-protein frozen dessert:

Chocolate Lovers: Blend in a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao nibs for an intense chocolatey treat.

Fruity Twists: Incorporate frozen berries like strawberries or blueberries, or try mango, banana, or peaches directly into the blender. Swirl with your favorite fruit jam.

Nutty Delights: Stir in chopped almonds, pecans, walnuts, or pistachios for added crunch and flavor.

Warm Spices: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice for a comforting twist.

Coffee Kick: Add a shot of espresso or a teaspoon of instant coffee powder for a delicious coffee-flavored dessert.

Classic Vanilla: Enhance the base with a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract or a bit of vanilla bean paste for an elegant flavor.

Cheesecake Inspired: Combine with fresh strawberries and crushed graham crackers after blending for a delicious cheesecake-like experience.

Nutrition

Here is the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving for this creamy high-protein dessert. Remember that values can vary based on specific brands and exact quantities of ingredients used.

Serving 1/3 recipe
Calories 284 kcal
Carbohydrates 35 g
Protein 22 g
Fat 12 g
Saturated Fat 4 g
Cholesterol 20 mg
Sodium 483 mg
Potassium 107 mg
Fiber 4 g
Sugar 27 g

Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on exact ingredients and brands used.

FAQ

  • What cottage cheese is best for this recipe? For the creamiest texture, use full-fat cottage cheese. Brands like Good Culture, Organic Valley, or Nancy’s are excellent choices, and you can also find lower sodium options.
  • Is cottage cheese ice cream healthy? Yes! This protein-packed frozen dessert uses minimal, wholesome ingredients. It’s lower in refined sugar, higher in protein and fiber, promoting satiety and helping to balance blood sugar.
  • Can I use low-fat cottage cheese? You can, but expect a slightly less creamy and potentially icier result. Full-fat options provide the best texture for this particular cottage cheese ice cream recipe.
  • How long does it last in the freezer? This homemade treat will keep well in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Ensure it’s properly sealed to prevent freezer burn.

According to WebMD, cottage cheese offers numerous health benefits, including high protein and calcium content.

Conclusion

This viral cottage cheese ice cream recipe proves that delicious, satisfying desserts don’t need to be complicated or full of unhealthy ingredients. With just a few simple steps and minimal ingredients, you can whip up a creamy, high-protein treat that will surprise and delight you. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the many flavor variations to make it your own. Give this easy, healthy dessert a try today and discover your new favorite way to enjoy a sweet treat!

Loaf pan filled with creamy cottage cheese ice cream swirled with peanut butter and topped with chocolate chips, with scoops of ice cream in glass bowls around it on a white wooden table.

Creamy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

This viral recipe transforms cottage cheese into a surprisingly creamy and high-protein ice cream, perfect for a healthy treat. Made with just a few ingredients, it's easy to prepare and customize.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups full fat cottage cheese 16 oz, I used Good Culture
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 Tablespoons peanut butter
  • 2 Tablespoons chocolate chips

Equipment

  • food processor or high powered blender
  • Loaf pan
  • ice cream scoop

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Combine cottage cheese, honey, and peanut butter in a food processor or blender. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  2. Gently stir in the chocolate chips.
  3. Transfer the mixture to a cottage cheese container or loaf pan. Freeze for approximately 4 hours, or until fully solid.
  4. Remove from the freezer and let thaw for 5-10 minutes until scoopable. Scoop into bowls and serve.

Notes

For best results, allow the ice cream to thaw for 5-10 minutes before scooping. Customize with your favorite mix-ins like nuts, fruit, or different flavor extracts.

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