Prep: 5 This protein-packed Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is creamy, sweet, and SO GOOD! The cottage cheese base gives it almost a cheesecake flavor and you can easily customize the mix-ins and toppings to make a delicious, healthy treat. Every ingredient goes in the blender and freezes so it’s easy to make and only takes 5 minutes of prep time!
Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Recipe
After seeing recipes like this all over social media, (opens in a new tab) I knew I needed to try it for myself. I love sweet treats, and making them healthy and higher protein is my favorite thing! I was pleasantly surprised that it turned out to be a delicious and super satisfying high-protein dessert. After much testing, I can honestly say that this Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is one of the best healthy ice cream recipes I’ve ever had!
If you loved my Snickers Protein Ice Cream recipe, then you’re going to really love this one. You only need 3 ingredients! Add a swirl of peanut butter and some chocolate chips to it making it even better. Every bite of this protein dessert is so good and it’s perfect for making ahead for the week!
Cottage Cheese Protein Ice Cream Ingredients
This recipe has 3 ingredients. THREE!! Could it be any simpler? I’m obsessed. Here’s what you’ll need to make easy Cottage Cheese Ice Cream:
Cottage Cheese – You could’ve guessed that, right? I like using full-fat cottage cheese (opens in a new tab), but any will work. The higher the fat content, the creamier and thicker your ice cream will be.
Maple Syrup – Maple syrup is the perfect sweetener. It blends smoothly into the cottage cheese, adds a depth of flavor, and isn’t overpowering on sweetness. You can also substitute it with your favorite sweetener, like agave or honey, but the flavor of maple syrup is truly special in this recipe!
Vanilla Extract – The pure vanilla in this recipe helps bring the flavor to the sweeter side and balances the tanginess of the cottage cheese. Please don’t skip it!
How to Make Ice Cream With Cottage Cheese
This delicious, high-protein treat is ready to go in the freezer in no time! Follow these easy steps to make Cottage Cheese Ice Cream:
- Mix the ingredients in a blender (opens in a new tab) or food processor until it is a smooth consistency.
- Pour the cottage cheese mixture into a metal pan (opens in a new tab), loaf pan, or ice cream container of your choice.
- Add toppings or mix-ins.
- Freeze for 3 hours or more.
- Scoop into bowls and enjoy!
TIP: This recipe can be made even creamier in a Ninja Creami! (opens in a new tab) Simply blend the ingredients, freeze overnight, and then put it in the Creami when ready to enjoy for the best ice cream texture.
Mix-Ins & Toppings
Favorite traditional ice cream flavors are the perfect inspiration for tasty and fun variations of Protein Ice Cream. Here are some ideas:
- Snickers – Mix in chopped dates, and crushed peanuts, and top with chocolate chips.
- Cookies N’ Cream – Add crushed sandwich cookies before freezing!
- Strawberry Swirl – Once the ice cream is in the pan, swirl a hearty amount of strawberry chia jam (opens in a new tab) into it, and top with crushed freeze-dried strawberries. This will taste just like strawberry cheesecake!
- Chocolate Peanut Butter – My personal favorite – Swirl in creamy peanut butter and top with chocolate chips.
- Mint Chocolate Chip – Add 1 teaspoon mint extract instead of vanilla to the blender and top with dark chocolate chips.
- Almond Joy – Substitute almond extract for the vanilla extract, and add coconut and sliced almonds to the ice cream and top with chocolate chips!
RELATED: Protein Iced Coffee
How to Store
Store Cottage Cheese Ice Cream in the freezer for up to a month, in an airtight or well-covered container. You can divide the recipe into 4 separate containers for faster freezing, and single-serve options, too!
To Thaw
When ready, let it thaw on the countertop for about 10 minutes, then scoop and enjoy.
More Protein Desserts
- Protein Cookie Dough
- Birthday Cake Protein Bites
- Ninja Creami Snickers Protein Ice Cream
- Protein Cheesecake Recipe
- Protein Brownie Bites
- Peppermint Frosty Recipe
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Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups cottage cheese (opens in a new tab)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients in a blender and blend for 30 seconds, or until smooth.
- Pour the ingredients into a metal loaf pan (or ice cream container). Add mix-ins or toppings at this time.
- Freeze for 3 or more hours, until frozen solid.
- Scoop with an ice cream scoop, serve, and enjoy!
Watch Me Make This
Notes
- Store Cottage Cheese Ice Cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- This recipe can be made even creamier in a Ninja Creami! (opens in a new tab) Simply blend the ingredients, freeze overnight, and then put it in the Creami when ready to enjoy for the best ice cream texture.
Nutrition
Did you make this? I’d love to see!
Tag me on socials at @JarOfLemons (opens in a new tab) or #JarOfLemons (opens in a new tab)
Can I put this into my ice cream maker to freeze? Will it make it creamier?
Hey Linda, I wouldn’t recommend freezing it in a regular ice cream cylinder and trying to spin it once frozen. The motors and paddles aren’t designed to spin a completely frozen ice cream the way a ninja creami is. You could try making it the way you would regular homemade ice cream and once spun and slightly frozen putting it into the freezer to finish freezing. I haven’t tried it personally that way but I do think that would work well. Enjoy!
Omg…me and my 2 year old daughter made this recipe and OMG it’s great! I never would have thought this would be so good.
Thanks so much. So glad you and your daughter enjoyed this ice cream!
Do I have to add vegetable glycerine to the recipe to keep it soft after being in the freezer?
No, If you freeze this for longer than 3 hours simply allow it to sit on the counter for around 10 minutes to slightly soften.
I made this for my Ninja Creami Deluxe. It made too much for the pint so I think next time I will decrease the cottage cheese to 2 1/2 cups. So good! Tastes like cheesecake, yum!
Will be trying this recipe, but really want to ask where the ice cream dishes are from. Love them.
They’re from Amazon! 🙂 Enjoy the recipe!