Creamy cottage cheese ice cream made with honey—high-protein, low-sugar, and customizable with your favorite mix-ins for a healthier frozen treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is not only simple to make, but it also delivers rich flavor and a creamy texture without the guilt of traditional ice cream. Here’s why it’s worth a spot in your freezer:
- High in protein and low in refined sugars
- No ice cream maker needed
- Ready with just two base ingredients
- Totally customizable with fruit, chocolate, nut butters, and more
- Perfect for clean eating, low-carb, or high-protein lifestyles
Ingredients
- Whole milk cottage cheese
- Honey
- Optional add-ins: fresh or frozen fruit, nut butters, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, nuts, cookie or brownie pieces
Directions
- Blend the Base:
In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese and honey. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides if necessary. - Flavor It:
Add vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or other flavorings if desired. Blend again briefly to incorporate. - Add the Mix-Ins:
Fold in your choice of mix-ins like diced fruit, nut butters, chocolate chips, or cookie pieces. - Freeze:
Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze for at least 3–4 hours, or until firm. - Serve:
Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping for the best texture.
Servings And Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Freezing Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Calories: Varies based on add-ins; approx. 180–220 kcal per serving using basic ingredients
Variations
- Strawberry Cheesecake: Add crushed graham crackers and diced strawberries
- Chocolate Peanut Butter: Blend in cocoa powder and swirl with natural peanut butter
- Tropical Twist: Mix in mango chunks and shredded coconut
- Cookies & Cream: Fold in chopped chocolate sandwich cookies
- Mocha Crunch: Add espresso powder and mini chocolate chips
Storage/Reheating
Storage:
- Store in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Serving Tip:
- Allow the ice cream to soften at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before scooping to get the best creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese?
Yes, but the result will be less creamy. Whole milk cottage cheese provides the best texture.
Can I use maple syrup or agave instead of honey?
Absolutely! Any liquid sweetener works well in this recipe.
Do I need an ice cream maker?
Nope! Just a blender and your freezer are all you need.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! It’s naturally sweet and can be customized to include kid-favorite mix-ins.
How do I avoid icy texture?
Ensure the mixture is well-blended and creamy before freezing. Stirring once midway through freezing can also help.
Can I make it vegan?
Use a plant-based cottage cheese alternative and maple syrup or agave in place of honey.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes, blend in a scoop of your favorite protein powder to boost the protein content.
What if I don’t have a high-speed blender?
A food processor works just as well—just blend until very smooth.
Is cottage cheese ice cream tangy?
It has a mild tang, similar to cheesecake, which pairs well with sweet and rich mix-ins.
Can I eat it right away without freezing?
Yes—it makes a thick, pudding-like frozen yogurt texture right after blending, perfect for immediate enjoyment.
Conclusion
Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a creamy, dreamy treat that satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping things wholesome and nourishing. Whether you blend in fruit, swirl in nut butter, or sprinkle in chocolate chips, this high-protein dessert is as fun to customize as it is to eat. Try it once, and you’ll never look at cottage cheese the same way again.
Print
Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (includes freezing time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy cottage cheese ice cream made with honey—high-protein, low-sugar, and customizable with your favorite mix-ins for a healthier frozen treat.
Ingredients
Whole milk cottage cheese
Honey
Optional add-ins: fresh or frozen fruit, nut butters, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, nuts, cookie or brownie pieces
Instructions
Blend cottage cheese and honey in a high-speed blender or food processor until smooth.
Add flavorings like vanilla extract or cocoa powder, if desired.
Gently fold in mix-ins such as fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips.
Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 3–4 hours.
Let sit at room temperature for ~15 minutes before scooping and serving.
Notes
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for a creamier texture.
- Stir in swirl-style additions (like peanut butter or jam) after blending.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt for different diets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending + Freezing
- Cuisine: American