Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a creamy, nutritious, and healthier alternative to traditional ice cream. Combining protein-packed cottage cheese with natural sweeteners and customizable flavors, this refreshing dessert is quick to prepare and versatile for many taste preferences. Enjoy a rich, smooth texture with lower sugar content, perfect for guilt-free indulgence.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (churning/freezing time)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending and Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese (strained for smoothness)
- 2–3 tbsp honey, maple syrup, or agave (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup milk or yogurt (preferably full-fat)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Flavor Variations (choose based on preference)
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen mixed berries (for Berry Blast)
- 1/2 cup mango and pineapple chunks (for Tropical Paradise)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder with 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips (for Chocolate Fudge)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom (for Spiced Delight)
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds or walnuts (for Nutty Crunch)
Optional Mix-Ins
- Chopped nuts
- Chocolate chips
- Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom)
- Prepare the Cottage Cheese Blend: Place 1 cup of strained cottage cheese into a blender or food processor. Add 2-3 tablespoons of your chosen sweetener and 1/4 cup of milk or yogurt. Blend until completely smooth to create a creamy base.
- Incorporate Flavors: Add your choice of flavorings—vanilla extract, fruit chunks or purees, cocoa powder, or spices—then blend again just until everything is evenly combined.
- Chill the Mixture: Pour the blended mixture into a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows it to chill and firm slightly before freezing.
- Freeze the Ice Cream: Transfer the chilled mixture to an ice cream maker and churn for 20-30 minutes until the consistency is soft-serve. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, freeze the mixture in a shallow container and stir every 30 minutes until fully frozen and creamy.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy immediately for a soft texture or place the ice cream in the freezer to harden further. Scoop into bowls or cones and add your favorite garnishes like fresh berries, nuts, or a drizzle of honey.
Notes
- Strain the cottage cheese before blending for a smoother texture.
- Use full-fat dairy products to achieve creamier, richer ice cream.
- Chill all ingredients beforehand to aid faster freezing and better consistency.
- Avoid over-sweetening; start with less sweetener and adjust to taste.
- Add nuts or chocolate chips near the end of churning to keep their crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
- If ice cream becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Cottage Cheese Ice Cream, healthy ice cream, low sugar dessert, protein-rich dessert, easy homemade ice cream, creamy frozen dessert