Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in Protein: With approximately 17 grams of protein per serving, this ice cream supports muscle health and keeps you feeling full longer.
- No-Churn and Easy to Make: Requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, with no need for an ice cream maker.
- Naturally Sweetened: Sweetened with honey and banana, offering a healthier alternative to traditional sugar-laden ice creams.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with various mix-ins and flavors to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
- Cottage Cheese: 2 cups full-fat cottage cheese
- Honey: ¼ cup
- Banana: 1, frozen
- Natural Peanut Butter: ¼ cup
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Blend the Base:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, honey, and frozen banana.
- Blend until the mixture is very smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add Peanut Butter Swirls:
- Transfer the blended mixture into a freezer-safe container.
- Add dollops of natural peanut butter across the top of the mixture.
- Using a butter knife, gently swirl the peanut butter into the ice cream base to create a marbled effect.
- Freeze:
- Cover the container and place it in the freezer.
- Let it freeze for about 4 hours, or until the ice cream is firm.
- Serve:
- Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes to soften slightly.
- Scoop into bowls and enjoy.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Rest Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Delight:
- Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the blender for a chocolate-flavored ice cream.
- Berry Bliss:
- Incorporate a handful of frozen berries, such as strawberries or blueberries, into the blend for a fruity twist.
- Tropical Paradise:
- Replace the banana with frozen mango or pineapple chunks and substitute peanut butter with coconut cream for a tropical flavor.
- Nutty Crunch:
- Fold in chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, after blending for added texture.
- Spiced Maple:
- Substitute honey with maple syrup and add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage:
- Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
- Reheating:
- If the ice cream becomes too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping to soften it slightly.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese; however, the ice cream may be less creamy compared to using full-fat cottage cheese.
Is there a substitute for honey?
Agave syrup or maple syrup can be used as alternatives to honey, keeping in mind that this may alter the flavor slightly.
Can I omit the banana?
The banana adds natural sweetness and creaminess. If omitted, consider adding another sweetener and a small amount of cream to maintain the texture.
How can I make the ice cream sweeter?
Adjust the amount of honey or add a sweetener of your choice to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or other mix-ins to customize your ice cream.
Conclusion
This Cottage Cheese Ice Cream offers a delightful and healthy alternative to traditional ice creams. Its creamy texture, combined with the natural sweetness of honey and banana, makes it a satisfying treat that you can enjoy without guilt. With its high protein content and customizable nature, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try and explore the various flavor variations to suit your taste!
Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
This Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a high-protein, no-churn dessert that’s creamy, naturally sweetened, and easy to make! Blended with honey, banana, and peanut butter, this healthy treat is both delicious and nutritious. Perfect for a guilt-free indulgence, this ice cream is customizable with your favorite mix-ins!
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Churn
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups full-fat cottage cheese
- ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup/agave as a substitute)
- 1 frozen banana
- ¼ cup natural peanut butter
Instructions
Blend the Base:
- In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, honey, and frozen banana.
- Blend until completely smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
2. Add Peanut Butter Swirls:
- Transfer the blended mixture into a freezer-safe container.
- Add dollops of natural peanut butter across the top.
- Using a butter knife, gently swirl the peanut butter into the mixture for a marbled effect.
3. Freeze:
- Cover the container and place it in the freezer for about 4 hours, or until firm.
4. Serve:
- Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly.
- Scoop into bowls and enjoy this creamy, protein-packed treat!
Notes
- For a sweeter ice cream, add an extra drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
- If the ice cream becomes too firm, let it sit out for a few minutes before scooping.
- Using full-fat cottage cheese creates a creamier texture, but low-fat can also be used.