Creamy, fruity, and full of protein, this Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a refreshing and nutritious twist on traditional frozen desserts. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients like cottage cheese, berries, and honey, it’s a naturally sweet treat that blends indulgence with health. Whether you’re craving something cool on a warm day or looking for a high-protein snack, this no-churn ice cream is both satisfying and guilt-free.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in protein from full-fat cottage cheese
- Naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup
- No ice cream maker needed—just a blender or food processor
- Low in added sugars and customizable to your taste
- Smooth, creamy texture without added cream or eggs
- Free from artificial ingredients or preservatives
- Packed with antioxidants from mixed berries
- Great for fitness-focused or low-carb diets
- Quick prep with minimal cleanup
- A healthier dessert alternative the whole family can enjoy
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 1/2 cups full-fat cottage cheese
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups mixed frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- Optional: dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or granola for topping
Directions
- In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides if necessary.
- Add the frozen berries and blend again until fully incorporated and thick.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness to your preference.
- Transfer the mixture into a freezer-safe container and spread it evenly.
- Freeze for 2 to 4 hours, or until the texture is scoopable.
- Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping.
- Serve with optional toppings such as dark chocolate chips, nuts, or granola.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Freeze Time: 2–4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 180 kcal
Variations
- Chocolate Swirl: Add a spoonful of cocoa powder or melted dark chocolate for a rich twist.
- Tropical Flavor: Replace berries with frozen mango or pineapple and add a splash of lime juice.
- Peanut Butter: Blend in a tablespoon of peanut butter for added creaminess and flavor.
- Low-Sugar Version: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of honey or maple syrup.
- Yogurt Blend: Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt for extra tang and protein.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezing Tips: Use parchment paper on the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming.
- Serving Tip: Let the ice cream thaw for 5–10 minutes before scooping to achieve the best texture.
- Reheating: Not applicable—this is a frozen dessert and should not be reheated.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, but full-fat cottage cheese gives the creamiest texture and best flavor.
Is it necessary to use a high-speed blender?
A high-speed blender or food processor is recommended for a smooth consistency, but a regular blender may work with some extra time and scraping.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can experiment with plant-based cottage cheese alternatives, though texture and flavor may vary.
Can I use fresh berries instead of frozen?
Yes, but the texture may be less thick and more like soft serve. You can freeze the mixture a bit longer if needed.
How do I make it sweeter?
Simply add more honey or maple syrup to taste, or use a natural sweetener alternative.
Can I mix in protein powder?
Yes, a scoop of your preferred protein powder can be blended in for an extra boost.
What’s the best way to get a scoopable texture?
Let the container sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving, or briefly microwave it for 10 seconds if needed.
Does it taste like cottage cheese?
No, once blended with vanilla and berries, the cottage cheese flavor is masked, leaving a rich and creamy taste.
Can I use flavored cottage cheese?
It’s best to use plain cottage cheese to control the flavor and sweetness.
How long can I keep it in the freezer?
For optimal texture and taste, consume within 7 days.
Conclusion
Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a delicious and healthy frozen dessert that’s incredibly easy to make at home. With its creamy consistency, natural sweetness, and high protein content, it’s a smart alternative to traditional ice cream. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout snack or a light dessert, this recipe delivers both nutrition and indulgence in every bite.
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Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a healthy, high-protein alternative to traditional ice cream! Blended with creamy cottage cheese, honey, and mixed berries, it’s naturally sweet and smooth. Perfect as a guilt-free treat or post-workout snack, it’s easy to make and satisfies your sweet cravings without all the added sugar. No ice cream machine required!
Ingredients
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1 1/2 cups full-fat cottage cheese
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2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (to taste)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups mixed frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
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Optional: dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or granola for topping
Instructions
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In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy.
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Add the frozen berries and continue blending until the mixture thickens and everything is fully combined.
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Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or syrup, if desired.
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Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container and spread it evenly.
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Freeze for 2–4 hours until the ice cream is firm and scoopable.
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Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
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Top with dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or granola for added texture and flavor.
Notes
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This ice cream can be customized with any frozen fruits you love, such as mango or peaches.
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For an extra protein boost, blend in a scoop of protein powder.
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If you prefer a smoother texture, use a food processor instead of a blender, or let the ice cream thaw for a few minutes before blending.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Freezing Time: 2–4 hours
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Blended, Frozen
- Cuisine: American