Get ready to jump on the latest TikTok trend that’s transforming a humble dairy staple into a deliciously satisfying dessert! As reported by Today.com, this dessert is part of a viral food phenomenon, highlighting the latest TikTok trend of cottage cheese ice cream. This cottage cheese ice cream recipe requires just four simple ingredients and no special ice cream maker. You’ll create a surprisingly creamy, high-protein treat that tastes incredible. Its versatility means you can easily customize the flavors to suit any craving.
Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
You’ll adore this recipe for several fantastic reasons, perfect for busy parents and beginners alike:
- High in Protein: UCLA Health highlights the significant nutritional value, especially the high protein content, of this dairy product, explaining how cottage cheese delivers a protein punch, helping you feel fuller and more satisfied with your dessert.
- Quick & Easy: Forget complicated steps; this treat comes together in minutes with minimal effort.
- No Ice Cream Maker Needed: Simply blend, freeze, and enjoy! You won’t need any fancy equipment.
- Endlessly Customizable: From chocolate to fruit, you can easily adapt the base for countless flavor combinations.
- Healthier Dessert Option: Enjoy a healthier dessert option that’s lower in sugar and artificial ingredients than store-bought varieties.
Ingredients
Gather your simple ingredients to create this delightful cottage cheese ice cream:
- 2 cups (16 oz) full fat cottage cheese (I used Good Culture)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 Tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 Tablespoons chocolate chips
Notes & Substitutions
For the creamiest texture, opt for full-fat cottage cheese with smaller curds. Organic brands often have a smoother consistency. If you prefer, substitute honey with maple syrup or your favorite liquid sweetener for a similar result. Feel free to swap peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, or a seed butter like sunflower seed butter for nut-free versions. For a sugar-conscious option, use stevia-sweetened or sugar-free chocolate chips.
Equipment
You’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this easy cottage cheese ice cream:
- Food processor or high-speed blender
- Loaf pan or the original cottage cheese container
- Ice cream scoop
Instructions
Making your own delicious cottage cheese ice cream is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect frozen treat:
- Blend Base: Add the full-fat cottage cheese, honey, and peanut butter to your food processor or high-speed blender. Ensure all ingredients are in the blending vessel.
- Process Smooth: Pulse and process the mixture thoroughly. Continue blending until the texture is completely smooth and creamy, with no visible cottage cheese curds remaining. This may take a few minutes, so be patient.
- Add Mix-ins: Once your base is perfectly smooth, gently stir in the chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly throughout the creamy mixture. You can use a spatula or spoon for this step.
- Transfer & Freeze: Carefully pour the entire mixture into a loaf pan or back into the clean original cottage cheese container. Smooth the top with a spatula if desired.
- Chill Firm: Place the container in the freezer. Freeze the mixture for approximately 4 hours, or until it becomes firm enough to scoop, similar to traditional ice cream. Freezing time may vary depending on your freezer’s power.
- Thaw Briefly: When ready to serve, remove the frozen cottage cheese ice cream from the freezer. Let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. This brief thawing period makes it much easier to scoop.
- Scoop & Enjoy: Use an ice cream scoop to portion the creamy dessert into bowls or cones. Serve immediately and savor your homemade, high-protein treat!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Achieve Creamiest Texture: Always use full-fat cottage cheese; it has a higher fat content which results in a smoother, less icy final product.
- Prevent Iciness: To minimize ice crystals, stir the mixture vigorously once or twice during the first hour of freezing.
- Address Gritty Texture: If your mixture feels gritty, blend it for a longer duration. Using a small-curd or whipped cottage cheese can also help.
- Too Hard to Scoop: If the ice cream is too firm, simply extend the thawing time by another 5-10 minutes.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture before freezing and add more honey or sweetener if you prefer a sweeter result.
- Combat Saltiness: Choose low-sodium cottage cheese options to ensure a perfectly balanced flavor profile for your dessert.
Serving, Storage & Variations
How to Serve
Enjoy your delightful cottage cheese ice cream in classic bowls or fun ice cream cones. Top it with a drizzle of extra honey, some fresh berries, a sprinkle of granola, or a handful of mini chocolate chips. For a layered dessert, try creating parfaits with crushed graham crackers and fresh fruit. You can even use slightly softened scoops to make high-protein ice cream sandwiches!
Flavor Variations
Get creative with your cottage cheese ice cream by trying these delicious variations:
- Chocolate: Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder to the base before blending.
- Fruity: Blend in ½ cup of frozen berries (strawberries, raspberries) or a ripe banana for a natural sweetness.
- Nutty: Stir in ¼ cup of chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans along with the chocolate chips.
- Spiced: Introduce ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or pumpkin spice mix to the blender.
- Coffee: Mix 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder or strong cold brew coffee into the base.
- Vanilla Bean: Enhance the flavor with 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract or a pinch of vanilla bean paste.
- Strawberry Cheesecake: Blend in ¼ cup of frozen strawberries and stir in a few crushed graham cracker pieces at the end.
How to Store
Store any leftover cottage cheese ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. To prevent ice crystals from forming on the surface, press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the ice cream before sealing the container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to two weeks. Remember to allow it a brief thaw at room temperature before serving to achieve the best scooping consistency.
Nutrition
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving (1/3 of the recipe) of this creamy treat. These values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and exact ingredient measurements.
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~297 |
| Protein | ~22g |
| Carbohydrates | ~34g |
| Fat | ~9g |
| Fiber | ~1g |
| Sugars | ~27g |
| Sodium | ~280mg |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on standard ingredient values. Individual results may vary.
FAQ
- What type of cottage cheese is best for this recipe? For the smoothest, creamiest texture, opt for full-fat, small-curd cottage cheese. Organic brands or those labeled “creamy” often yield the best results for your cottage cheese ice cream.
- Is cottage cheese ice cream healthy? This recipe offers a higher protein content and often less added sugar than traditional ice cream. It’s a great option for a healthier dessert, especially with no artificial ingredients.
- Can I use an artificial sweetener instead of honey? Yes, you can substitute honey with your preferred artificial liquid sweetener. Be aware that this might slightly alter the final taste and texture of the ice cream.
- How long does it take for the ice cream to freeze properly? This cottage cheese ice cream typically needs about 4 hours in the freezer to reach a scoopable consistency. Freezing times can vary depending on your freezer’s temperature.
Conclusion
This viral cottage cheese ice cream truly lives up to the hype, offering a simple yet incredibly satisfying dessert experience. It’s packed with protein, easy to make with just four ingredients, and requires no special equipment. With endless possibilities for customization, you can create a new favorite flavor every time. Give this recipe a try and discover your new go-to high-protein treat! Share your unique flavor creations in the comments below and don’t forget to rate the recipe!