Chocolate Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High Protein: Each serving provides approximately 16 grams of protein, making it a great post-workout treat or a healthy dessert option.
• Low Calorie: With just 167 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
• Quick and Easy: Requires only 3 simple ingredients and comes together in under 2 minutes using a blender.
• No Banana Needed: Unlike many healthy ice cream recipes, this one doesn’t rely on bananas, making it suitable for those who prefer a banana-free dessert.

Ingredients

• Cottage Cheese: 1 cup (full-fat or low-fat, based on preference)
• Cocoa Powder: 2 tablespoons (natural, unsweetened)
• Maple Syrup: 2 tablespoons (can substitute with honey, agave syrup, or a sugar-free alternative for a lower-carb version)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Blend Ingredients:
   • In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, cocoa powder, and maple syrup.
   • Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
2. Freeze the Mixture:
   • Transfer the blended mixture into a freezer-safe container.
   • Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
   • Place the container in the freezer and let it chill for at least 2 hours, or until the ice cream reaches your desired firmness.
3. Serve:
   • Once set, scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones.
   • Enjoy immediately as a soft-serve treat, or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes if it’s too firm to scoop straight from the freezer.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: Approximately 2 servings
• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Freezing Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours and 2 minutes

Variations

1. Protein Boost:
   • Add a scoop of your favorite chocolate or vanilla protein powder to the blender for an extra protein kick.
2. Nutty Delight:
   • Blend in a tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter for a nutty flavor and added richness.
3. Berry Swirl:
   • Gently fold in some mashed raspberries or strawberries after blending to create a fruity swirl throughout the ice cream.
4. Mint Chocolate Chip:
   • Add a few drops of peppermint extract and mix in some dark chocolate chips for a refreshing minty version.
5. Cookies and Cream:
   • Crush some of your favorite cookies and fold them into the mixture before freezing for a delightful crunch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage:
  • Store any leftover ice cream in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Reheating:
  • If the ice cream becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with honey, agave nectar, or a sugar-free syrup if you’re looking to reduce the sugar content.

Is this ice cream suitable for a keto diet?

By using full-fat cottage cheese and a keto-friendly sweetener, this recipe can fit into a ketogenic diet.

How can I make the ice cream creamier?

For a creamier texture, ensure that you blend the mixture until it’s completely smooth. Using full-fat cottage cheese will also enhance the creaminess.

Can I add mix-ins to the ice cream?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit pieces after blending to add texture and flavor.

How long does it take to freeze?

Typically, the ice cream will firm up in about 2 hours, but this can vary depending on your freezer settings and the container used.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Cottage Cheese Ice Cream offers a delightful way to enjoy a sweet treat while keeping it healthy and protein-rich. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s a perfect dessert for any occasion. Customize it with your favorite add-ins or enjoy it as is for a creamy, chocolatey indulgence.

---

Print