Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a creamy, protein-packed frozen dessert that’s both delicious and surprisingly nutritious. Made by blending cottage cheese with sweeteners and flavorful add-ins, this no-churn treat offers a thick, soft-serve-like texture with a tangy twist, perfect for a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is incredibly easy to make—no ice cream maker required. It’s high in protein, lower in sugar than most store-bought options, and fully customizable with your favorite mix-ins. The mild tang of the cottage cheese gives it a cheesecake-like flavor, and the creamy consistency will satisfy any ice cream craving. It’s also a great way to sneak in more protein while enjoying dessert.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Add cottage cheese, sweetener (such as honey or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to a food processor or high-speed blender.
Blend until completely smooth and creamy, about 1–2 minutes.
Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.
Stir in or blend your favorite mix-ins, such as berries, peanut butter, or chocolate chips.
Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container.
Freeze for 2–4 hours until firm but scoopable. If frozen solid, let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before scooping.
Serve and enjoy.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings. Prep time is just 10 minutes, with 2–4 hours needed for freezing. Total time is approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes (including chilling).
Variations
Chocolate Cottage Cheese Ice Cream: Add cocoa powder and chocolate chips to the base for a rich, chocolatey treat.
Strawberry Cheesecake: Blend in fresh or frozen strawberries and crushed graham crackers.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Mix in a few tablespoons of peanut butter and mini chocolate chips.
Tropical Twist: Use pineapple and mango chunks with a hint of coconut extract.
Mint Chocolate Chip: Add peppermint extract and dark chocolate chips for a refreshing option.
Storage/Reheating
Store in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 2 weeks. For best texture, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving, as it tends to freeze quite firm. Do not microwave to thaw, as it can affect texture and flavor.
FAQs
Is cottage cheese ice cream healthy?
Yes, it’s higher in protein and often lower in sugar than traditional ice cream, making it a more nutritious option.
What kind of cottage cheese should I use?
Full-fat cottage cheese creates the creamiest texture, but you can use low-fat varieties if preferred.
Can I make this without a blender?
You need a food processor or blender to smooth the cottage cheese, as the curds need to be fully blended for a creamy texture.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead?
Greek yogurt can be used for a similar tangy dessert, but the texture will be less creamy and more frozen-yogurt-like.
How long does it take to freeze?
It takes about 2–4 hours to reach a scoopable consistency, depending on your freezer and container size.
Why is my ice cream hard after freezing?
Cottage cheese ice cream can freeze very firm. Let it sit out for a few minutes before scooping to soften.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s naturally sweet, creamy, and customizable, making it a hit with kids.
Can I make it dairy-free?
You can try using dairy-free cottage cheese alternatives, though the texture and flavor may vary.
What sweetener works best?
Honey and maple syrup blend easily and add flavor, but you can also use agave, dates, or a sugar substitute.
Does it taste like cottage cheese?
When blended and sweetened, cottage cheese loses its strong flavor and becomes more neutral, like cheesecake.
Conclusion
Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a delicious, wholesome twist on a beloved frozen dessert. With its creamy texture, protein-rich base, and endless flavor options, it’s perfect for those who want to indulge a little smarter. Whether you’re trying it for health reasons or simply curious, this recipe proves that dessert can be both nutritious and satisfying.
Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a creamy, protein-rich frozen dessert made by blending cottage cheese with sweeteners and your choice of mix-ins. It delivers a smooth, cheesecake-like flavor and texture without the need for an ice cream maker.
Ingredients
2 cups full-fat cottage cheese
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional mix-ins: 1/2 cup fruit, chocolate chips, peanut butter, crushed cookies, nuts, or 2 tbsp cocoa powder
Instructions
Add cottage cheese, sweetener, and vanilla extract to a blender or food processor.
Blend for 1–2 minutes until completely smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Add mix-ins of your choice and pulse briefly or stir in by hand.
Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container and smooth the top.
Freeze for 2–4 hours, or until firm but scoopable.
If frozen solid, let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use full-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest texture.Let sit out before scooping, as it freezes firm.Customize flavors with cocoa, fruit, nut butters, or spices.Do not microwave to soften; thaw at room temperature instead.Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 weeks.
