This primer for high protein ice cream shows you how to make cottage cheese ice cream. This cottage cheese ice cream recipe is a template that can be customized with your favorite mix-ins, sweeteners and flavors. We have lots of ideas for variations and tips to get the best texture.
Blend cottage cheese until silky-smooth then stir in chocolate chips, fruit or whatever you love. The batter is frozen for a chilly, sweet, protein-packed snack that you can enjoy knowing you’re providing some important nutrients for your body that’s also a delightful frozen treat.
Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
- Cottage cheese: Use your favorite cottage cheese, curd size doesn’t matter as you will be blending it.
- Honey: A liquid sweetener works best here, as granulated sugar would result in a grainy texture. But maple syrup, agave or date syrup work well, too.
- Peanut butter: Using a nut butter is optional, but will add flavor and a little creamy richness to the final ice cream.
- Vanilla: Just like traditional ice cream, vanilla extract goes well with dairy and adds some complexity.
- Mix-ins: Stirring in chocolate chips or chopped fruit after blending brings extra flavor to the recipe.
Directions
Step 1: Make ice cream batter
Add cottage cheese, honey, peanut butter and vanilla to a food processor or high-powered blender. Puree until very smooth.
Step 2: Freeze
Place batter back in cottage cheese container or in a loaf pan. Fold in any mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit. Freeze until firm, about 3 to 4 hours. Let stand at room temperature 15 minutes before serving for easy scooping.
Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Variations
- Make a chocolate shell:Â Melt 1/2 cup chocolate chips with a tablespoon of coconut oil and stir well. Pour over ice cream in its storage container and you will have a solid chocolate layer on top of your ice cream. Or drizzle on just before enjoying a bowl. The liquid will harden on contact with the cold ice cream.
- Mix-in mayhem: The flavor possibilities are endless. Try plump strawberries and graham crackers, blueberries and lemon zest or swap maple syrup for the honey and add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.
- Create different flavors: Add 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolate treat, or stir in a shot of espresso for coffee ice cream.
How to Store Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Cottage cheese ice cream takes 3 to 4 hours to freeze. You can cover the surface with plastic wrap and freeze longer, but it will eventually freeze into a solid block that will take longer to thaw and become scoopable.
Special Equipment
A high-powered blender or food processor is necessary to blend the cottage cheese smoothly.
Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Tips
Will my cottage cheese ice cream freeze solid?
Cottage cheese ice cream will not freeze like traditional ice cream and if left in the freezer long enough will freeze into a solid block. While initially freezing, stirring every hour will help incorporate some air into the mixture. It’s also best enjoyed after freezing 3 to 4 hours. At this point it’s icy and firm, but not too frozen to scoop and enjoy.
Should I use full fat cottage cheese?
Full fat cottage cheese will have the creamiest texture. Adding nut butter also improves texture. But lower fat cottage cheese will work and still taste delicious.
What are some serving ideas for cottage cheese ice cream?
Just think about a slightly healthier sundae! Top with toasted nuts, crunchy granola or chopped fruit. You could also drizzle on a little warmed fruit jam or a sugar-free chocolate sauce. It also makes a delicious parfait, using the above suggestions as layers.
