This creamy peanut butter cottage cheese ice cream is a tasty treat that’s easy to whip up! With just a few simple ingredients, you get a sweet, smooth, and protein-packed dessert.
I love how it feels like a guilt-free ice cream experience. You wouldn’t believe it’s made with cottage cheese! Perfect for a hot day or snack time. Just blend, freeze, and enjoy! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese is great for a creamy texture. If you’re concerned about fat, low-fat options work too, but they might be a bit less creamy. You can also try Greek yogurt as a substitute for a different flavor.
Peanut Butter: I’m a fan of natural peanut butter for its rich flavor and healthier ingredients. If allergies are a concern, almond butter or sunbutter can be tasty alternatives.
Sweetener: Honey adds a lovely sweetness, but maple syrup can provide a nice flavor twist. For a sugar-free version, try using a sugar substitute that measures like honey—just be cautious with the amount as they can be sweeter than sugar.
Milk: Whole milk gives a creamier texture, but almond, oat, or coconut milk are perfect for dairy-free options. Just choose a plain variety without added sugars to keep the taste balanced.
Chopped Peanuts: If you want extra crunch, chopped peanuts are an excellent choice. For those avoiding nuts, try adding crushed cookies or granola instead for texture.
How Do I Get a Smooth and Creamy Texture?
The key to achieving that smooth, creamy consistency lies in blending. Here are some tips:
- Use a high-speed blender. This helps break down the cottage cheese completely, eliminating lumps.
- Blend in stages if necessary. If your blender isn’t very powerful, blend the cottage cheese first until smooth before adding other ingredients.
- Taste as you blend! Adjust the sweetness or peanut butter level to create your perfect flavor.
- Don’t skip the freezing step after churning. This is crucial to solidifying the mixture into a scoopable ice cream.
Locking in that creamy texture takes a little patience but is definitely worth it for a delightful ice cream treat!
How to Make Creamy Peanut Butter Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or your preferred kind)
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust for sweetness)
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped peanuts for texture
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious ice cream recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time, plus 2-4 hours to freeze for the perfect texture. It’s quick to make, and then you just let it chill in the freezer. Super simple!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend the Ingredients:
In a high-speed blender, add the cottage cheese, peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You want to ensure there are no lumps of cottage cheese left. This is what will give your ice cream its creamy texture!
2. Taste and Adjust:
After blending, take a taste! Feel free to add a little more honey, maple syrup, or peanut butter depending on how sweet or peanut-y you like it. Blend again briefly to mix.
3. Add some Crunch (Optional):
If you’d like a bit of texture, fold in the chopped peanuts into the creamy mixture. They’ll give your ice cream a lovely crunch!
4. Churn the Ice Cream:
Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on your machine.
5. Freeze to Firm Up:
Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and let it freeze for at least 2 to 4 hours. This step is super important, as it will allow the ice cream to firm up to the perfect scoopable texture.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, scoop the ice cream into bowls. You can top it with extra chopped peanuts or a drizzle of peanut butter for extra flavor. Enjoy your rich, creamy, and protein-packed treat!
It’s a yummy way to enjoy a bit of indulgence while sneaking in some wholesome ingredients. Enjoy every scoop!
FAQ About Creamy Peanut Butter Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Can I Make This Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker?
Yes! If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the blended mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork for the first 2-3 hours to break up ice crystals until it reaches a creamy consistency.
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese can be used, but keep in mind that it may result in a slightly less creamy texture. However, it will still be delicious and a healthier option!
How Long Will Leftover Ice Cream Last in the Freezer?
If stored properly in an airtight container, this ice cream will stay good for about 2-3 weeks in the freezer. Just ensure the container is well-sealed to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Customize the Flavor of This Ice Cream?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or different nut butters. You can also swap the peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a unique twist.
