How to Make Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

Learn how to make cottage cheese ice cream with this step-by-step guide. With just three ingredients, you’ll have a sweet, creamy, high-protein treat. Enjoy it on its own, or add your favorite mix-ins for fun flavor variations! 

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I am so excited to bring you another post in our All the Healthy Things “Just the Basics” series. These posts are focused on helping you master basics in the kitchen and, hopefully, inspiring you with a few new ideas along the way.

If you are new to cooking, or just need a refresher on the basics, these posts are designed to help you feel more confident in the kitchen. Once you have a handle on a few basic concepts and techniques, you can easily build upon them to create new and exciting recipes and dishes without a second thought.

If you have ever wondered how some people just seem to know how to cook without a recipe or can quickly throw together a meal in a moment’s notice, it’s likely because they have a good grasp of the basics. I want that for you! It’s my hope that every just the basics post helps you feel more comfortable so that you can enjoy your time spent in the kitchen even more!

If you haven’t already be sure to check out the other how-to guides in the series.

More Reader Favorite ‘Just the Basics’ Posts

• How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting
• How to Make French Toast
• How to Make Cashew Milk
• How to Make Whipped Cream

What Is Cottage Cheese Ice Cream? 

Cottage cheese ice cream is exactly what it sounds like – ice cream made with cottage cheese! It’s a healthier take on traditional milk and cream-based ice cream. 

There are endless variations, but the base starts with just three simple ingredients, and cottage cheese is the star of the show. Then, you blend everything together before simply freezing in a loaf pan.

The result is a creamy frozen treat that looks and tastes similar to classic ice cream. However, unlike traditional ice cream, cottage cheese ice cream is high in protein and typically free from refined sugar. That means it satisfies your sweet tooth while also helping you hit your protein goals. As someone who is trying to eat a bit more protein, this has become one of my favorite treats, and I know you’re going to love it, too! 

Recipe Ingredients

Cottage cheese: you’ll need 16 ounces of cottage cheese for this recipe. I recommend whole milk varieties for the richest taste and creamiest texture, but low-fat will also work. Just know that if you choose low-fat cottage cheese the ice cream will be icier.

Sweetener: I use maple syrup, but honey also works to sweeten this recipe. 

Vanilla extract: this is a must-have to give the ice cream that delicious vanilla flavor.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Ice Cream 

Step One: Add all the ingredients to a high-powered blender. Blend on high until the mixture is silky and smooth. There shouldn’t be any lumps or curds! 

Step Two: Transfer the ice cream mixture to a loaf pan. Then, cover, and freeze for 3 to 4 hours or until the mixture is set. 

Step Three: Allow your ice cream to sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving. This allows it to soften so it’s easy to scoop! 

Why Is My Cottage Cheese Ice Cream So Icy? 

Cottage cheese contains quite a bit more water than milk or heavy cream. That water freezes in the ice cream causing it to become hard and a bit icy. Thawing the ice cream before serving helps to soften things a bit which helps it to be creamier when serving.

Mix-Ins and Toppings

Vanilla ice cream is the perfect blank slate to add some of your favorite toppings! Here are a few of my favorites:

• Sliced berries
• Coconut flakes
• Chocolate chips
• Almond butter or peanut butter drizzle
• Cheesecake chunks
• Brownie pieces
• Chocolate sauce
• Chopped nuts
• Caramel sauce
• Whipped cream

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve my cottage cheese ice cream in a bowl with a spoon and toppings. However, you can switch it up to create: 

• Ice cream cones with waffle cones or cake cones
• A sundae with brownies, whipped cream, and a cherry

How to Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container with a piece of plastic wrap touching the top of the ice cream to prevent freezer burn. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. 

Thaw your vanilla cottage cheese ice cream slightly at room temperature before serving. 

Our Favorite Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Flavors

Want to experiment with more cottage cheese ice cream flavors? Thankfully, we’ve done the work for you and have three more flavor combos to try!

• Strawberry Cheesecake
• Peanut Butter Banana
• Lemon Blueberry

I hope you give this Cottage Cheese Ice Cream a try! It’s easy to make and the perfect treat! If you do give this recipe a try, let me know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @allthehealthythings on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews and ratings help support All the Healthy Things and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you trust and love.

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