COTTAGE CHEESE ICE CREAM (VIRAL HIGH-PROTEIN FROZEN DESSERT)
Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is the viral TikTok sensation that turns simple cottage cheese into a creamy, high-protein frozen dessert. With just 3-4 ingredients and no ice cream maker needed, it's a healthy, customizable treat.
Equipment
- High-speed blender or food processor
- Small loaf pan or freezer-safe container
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Spatula
Ingredients
Base Recipe (Vanilla/Plain):
- 2 cups full-fat cottage cheese or 4% milkfat (16 oz)
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup or 3 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Flavor Add-ins (Optional - Pick One):
- ½ cup frozen strawberries
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup frozen mango or peaches
- 3 tablespoons chocolate chips fold in after blending
- ¼ cup crumbled cookies Oreos or graham crackers, fold in after blending
Instructions
Add Ingredients:
- Add cottage cheese, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to a high-speed blender or food processor.
Blend Until Smooth:
- Blend on high speed for 60-90 seconds until completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down sides as needed. No lumps should remain.
Add Flavor (Optional):
- If adding flavor add-ins like strawberries, peanut butter, cocoa powder, or mango, add them now and blend again until smooth. For chunky add-ins (chocolate chips, cookie pieces), stir in after blending.
Transfer to Container:
- Pour mixture into a small loaf pan or freezer-safe container. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Freeze:
- Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm (overnight is best).
Serve:
- Let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping for best texture.
Notes
- Make Ahead: This ice cream is designed to be made ahead! Freeze for at least 4 hours or up to 2 weeks. Perfect for meal prep desserts.
- Variations: Use low-fat cottage cheese (less creamy but still works). Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest + 2 tablespoon lemon juice for lemon ice cream. Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon + ¼ cup applesauce for apple pie flavor. Add 2 tablespoon matcha powder for matcha green tea ice cream.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve in a cone, bowl, or as a topping for brownies or pie. Drizzle with chocolate sauce, caramel, or honey. Top with fresh fruit, nuts, or crushed cookies.
- Allergy-Friendly: Use dairy-free cottage cheese (Kite Hill or Good Planet brand) and maple syrup for dairy-free/vegan. Use sugar-free sweetener for keto version.
- Storage Tips: Keep covered in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let soften for 5-10 minutes before scooping. Freeze in single-serving containers for easy portion control.