Okay, so hear me out—cottage cheese ice cream sounds kinda weird, right? Like, who looked at a tub of cottage cheese and thought, “Yep, that’s dessert now”? But let me tell you, once I gave cottage cheese ice cream a shot, I was shocked in the best way. It’s rich, creamy, tangy in all the right ways, and packs way more protein than your average pint from the freezer aisle.
This isn’t some fancy health-food-store thing either. Nope. You can whip it up at home with just a handful of ingredients, and it’s gone totally viral for a reason. Whether you’re into sweet, fruity blends or full-on chocolate chip cookie dough vibes, this trend’s got range. And if you’re still skeptical? Trust me—by the end of this post, you’re gonna be blending cottage cheese like a pro.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Okay, first off—cottage cheese ice cream is one of those things you don’t expect to fall in love with… until you do. Here’s why it’s worth the hype:
High in Protein, Low in Guilt
You’re getting a sweet treat without the sugar overload. Plus, cottage cheese is naturally protein-packed, so it keeps you full and happy.For more healthy, high-protein dessert ideas, check out our GAPS Raisin Muffins.
Super Simple to Make
No ice cream maker. No long prep. Just toss it in a blender and boom—dessert’s ready to chill.
Endless Flavor Possibilities
From peanut butter chocolate swirl to strawberry cheesecake vibes, you can remix cottage cheese ice cream however you like.Speaking of remixing, you might also love this easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake.
TikTok Trend-Approved
Let’s be real—it’s fun jumping on a trend that actually tastes good. This one’s gone viral for a reason.
Wait, Cottage Cheese… in Ice Cream?!
Yeah, I know—cottage cheese ice cream sounds like something your gym-rat cousin would pitch at a family BBQ. I was side-eyeing it too. Like, who thinks to freeze cottage cheese?
But I gave in, tried it, and whoa… it was nothing like I expected. Creamy. Tangy. Dreamy. That first bite had me going, “Hold up, why is this actually amazing?” It’s like if cheesecake and froyo had a high-protein baby—and now I’m lowkey obsessed.
What Is Cottage Cheese Ice Cream, Anyway?
So what’s the deal with this new internet-famous treat? Cottage cheese ice cream is just blended cottage cheese mixed with a sweetener and your favorite flavor add-ins. That’s it.
You blend until silky smooth (no chunky curds here!), toss in some peanut butter or berries, freeze it, and boom—you’ve got a homemade dessert that tastes way fancier than it is. It’s creamy, rich, and gives you that dessert fix without all the sugar crash afterward.
Ingredients
One of the best things about cottage cheese ice cream is how little you need to make it. It’s super beginner-friendly and doesn’t ask for anything fancy.
Basic Ingredients
- Cottage cheese – Full-fat works best for a creamy texture
- Sweetener – Maple syrup, honey, or your go-to low-sugar option
- Flavor add-ins – Think peanut butter, fruit, vanilla, or cocoa powder
Optional Mix-Ins
This is where things get fun. After blending, stir in:
- Crushed cookies
- Chocolate chips
- Jam swirls
- Chopped nuts
- Fresh or frozen fruit
You can keep it classic or totally dress it up—cottage cheese ice cream is like a blank canvas for your sweet cravings.
Want to switch things up? Add swirls of Meyer Lemon Curd or pair it with a topping from our Butterfly Pea Flower Tea for a striking color contrast.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Ice Cream at Home
You don’t need a background in pastry school or some expensive ice cream maker. Cottage cheese ice cream comes together with just a blender, a container, and a freezer.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Add everything to a blender
Start with 1½ cups of full-fat cottage cheese. Add 2–3 tablespoons of your sweetener of choice, plus your main flavor (like peanut butter, cocoa, or frozen fruit).You could try some blended banana and cinnamon, or even something unique like a swirl of Air Fryer Banana Bread.
Step 2: Blend until smooth
Blend for a solid 2 to 3 minutes. You want it totally creamy—no lumps or grainy texture. Scrape down the sides if needed.
Step 3: Taste and tweak
Give it a quick taste. Want it sweeter? Add a touch more maple syrup or honey. Need more flavor? Toss in a little vanilla extract or cinnamon.
Step 4: Freeze
Pour the mix into a freezer-safe container. Smooth the top with a spoon and freeze for 3 to 4 hours. That’s the sweet spot—long enough to firm up, but not so long it gets icy.
Step 5: Scoop and enjoy
Let it sit on the counter for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping. That helps soften it to that perfect creamy texture.
Pro Tips to Make It Even Better
Making cottage cheese ice cream is already easy, but there are a few little tricks that’ll take it from good to seriously next level.
Use Full-Fat Cottage Cheese
This gives you a richer, creamier texture. Low-fat versions can work, but they tend to turn out a little less smooth and more icy. Just like in our Cottage Cheese Banana Bread, full-fat makes a world of difference in richness and flavor.
Blend Longer Than You Think
Two minutes might seem like a lot, but it really makes a difference. You want a totally silky, pudding-like texture before freezing.
Don’t Skip the Taste Test
Before you freeze, taste the mixture. You can always adjust the sweetness or add more flavor at that stage.
Peanut Butter Meets Banana
This one’s like a frozen smoothie turned dessert. Creamy, nutty, and just the right amount of sweet. This combo would pair perfectly with toppings inspired by our Banana Oatmeal Air Fryer Cookies.
Strawberries with a Drizzle of Honey
Fresh, fruity, and lightly sweet. It gives frozen yogurt vibes but with way more creaminess.
Chocolate with a Hint of Espresso
Deep and bold—perfect for chocolate lovers who also run on caffeine.
Cookie Butter and a Touch of Cinnamon
Cozy and rich, this one feels like warm cookies… but frozen. Pure comfort in a scoop.
Blueberries with a Twist of Lemon Zest
Bright, tart, and refreshing. A little zing from the lemon makes the berries pop.
You can mix and match or keep it simple. That’s the beauty of cottage cheese ice cream—it’s totally flexible.
FAQs About Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Can you use cottage cheese in ice cream?
Yep, you totally can! In fact, that’s the whole point—it’s what makes it creamy and packed with protein. When you blend cottage cheese until smooth, it creates a rich base that works perfectly without needing eggs or heavy cream.
Why is my cottage cheese ice cream so icy?
Ah, the classic freezer fail. If it turns out icy, it’s usually because it didn’t get blended enough or was frozen too long. Make sure it’s super smooth before freezing, and try not to leave it in the freezer overnight. Three to four hours is usually the sweet spot.
Is cottage cheese ice cream healthy?
Honestly, yeah—it can be! It’s loaded with protein and usually lower in sugar than regular ice cream, especially if you control what goes in. If you’re trying to cut back on sweets but still want dessert, this is a solid option.
Do you need an ice cream maker for this recipe?
Nope, and that’s the best part. All you need is a blender or food processor. No churning, no fuss—just blend, freeze, and enjoy.
Can I freeze cottage cheese ice cream?
You bet. After blending, pop it in the freezer for a few hours until it firms up. Just store it in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn, and let it sit out for 5–10 minutes before scooping so it softens up a bit.
Okay But Seriously—Try It
Look, I was skeptical too. But after one batch of cottage cheese ice cream, I was hooked—and now it’s basically always in my freezer. It’s easy to make, totally customizable, and gives you that sweet fix without the sugar crash. Honestly, what’s not to love?
If you’re looking for a fun way to shake up your dessert routine, it is worth a shot. Whether you’re trying to eat more protein, cut back on sugar, or just curious about all the hype—it’s a cool little kitchen experiment that totally pays off. Try it out, play with the flavors, and let me know what you whip up!
Explore more delicious Dessert recipes on InnovateRecipes_ Pinterest and stay updated with the latest cooking tips by following Innovate Recipes on Facebook.