A bowl of creamy cottage cheese ice cream with a vibrant berry swirl topping.

Creamy Cottage Cheese Ice Cream with 10g Protein Per Serving

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Written by Caroline Hayes

August 3, 2025

I’ll never forget the first time I tried cottage cheese ice cream—it was a total game-changer in my quest for healthier desserts. Picture this: I was deep into my fitness journey, desperately missing creamy, satisfying ice cream without the sugar crash. Then, my friend Sarah (bless her!) casually mentioned blending cottage cheese with fruit as if it was no big deal. My skeptical taste test? Pure magic. This high-protein frozen dessert gives you that dreamy, scoopable texture you crave, with a whopping 10 grams of protein per serving—perfect for fitting into meal planning or weight loss programs without feeling deprived.

What shocked me most was how luxurious it tasted—rich, velvety, with just the right sweetness from real fruit and a kiss of honey. No weird aftertaste, no heavy guilt. Just a bowl of creamy delight that actually fuels your body. Now, my freezer always has a batch ready for post-workout cravings or those “I deserve something special” moments. Once you try this cottage cheese ice cream hack, those pricey “healthy” pints from meal delivery services won’t stand a chance. It’s become my go-to for busy weeknights when I need a quick, protein-packed dessert that feels like a treat—not a compromise.

Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Here’s why it’s a total winner:

  • Packed with protein: 10 grams per serving keeps you full and helps muscles recover—perfect after workouts or as a smart snack.
  • Naturally low in sugar: Sweetened with just fruit and a touch of honey, so no blood sugar rollercoasters.
  • Ready in minutes: Five ingredients, one blender, zero cooking—it’s the easiest “ice cream” you’ll ever make.
  • Crazy versatile: Swap in any frozen fruit you love (mango? yes please) or tweak it for keto with sugar-free syrup.
  • Meal prep dream: Batch it for the week to beat cravings, whether you’re doing weight loss programs or just want a guilt-free dessert.

Honestly, it’s so good, you might forget it’s actually good for you. My husband still doesn’t believe it’s just cottage cheese and fruit!

Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

Okay, let’s talk ingredients – this is where the magic starts! You’ll need just five simple things for the creamiest, dreamiest protein-packed treat:

  • 2 cups full-fat cottage cheese (trust me, the full-fat makes ALL the difference for that rich texture – low-fat just won’t give you the same luscious results)
  • 1 cup frozen mixed berries (I always keep a big bag from Costco in my freezer, but any frozen fruit works)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (use a packed spoonful if you like it sweeter – I sometimes do!)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (the good stuff – it really comes through in the flavor)
  • ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk (just enough to get things blending smoothly)

That’s it! Five pantry staples that transform into something truly special. Oh, and if you’re watching sugar intake, you can absolutely swap in sugar-free maple syrup for the honey – I’ve done it when meal planning for my no-sugar months and it works like a charm.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

Okay, let’s dive into making this magical high-protein dessert! The process is so simple, but a few key tricks will give you that perfect, creamy texture. The first time I made it, I was shocked at how restaurant-quality it turned out—like one of those fancy meal delivery services, but at a fraction of the cost. Here’s how to nail it every time.

Blending the Ingredients

Grab your blender—no need for anything fancy, my trusty $40 one works great—and toss in all the ingredients. Blend on high until it’s smooth as silk, about 1-2 minutes. Here’s my pro tip: stop halfway and scrape down the sides with a spatula to make sure no stubborn cottage cheese clumps are hiding. If it seems too thick to blend smoothly, add just a splash more almond milk, but don’t overdo it! You want a thick, creamy consistency, not soup. Taste it now (you’ll want to—trust me) and adjust the honey if needed.

Freezing and Serving

Pour your glorious pink (or whatever fruit color you chose) mixture into a freezer-safe container—I use a loaf pan lined with parchment for easy removal. Freeze for at least 4 hours, but here’s the thing: check after 3 hours. You might catch it at that perfect soft-serve stage I love. Once it’s firm, let it sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes before scooping—this makes all the difference for that creamy texture. Top with fresh berries, a drizzle of honey, or even chopped nuts if you’re feeling fancy. And don’t stress—if it freezes solid (sometimes mine does if I forget it overnight), just let it thaw 15 minutes or pop it in the blender for a quick revive.

Tips for Perfect Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

Listen, I’ve made this cottage cheese ice cream more times than I can count (hello, sweet tooth!), and I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks along the way:

  • Use cold, but not frozen, cottage cheese: Straight from the fridge gives you the creamiest blend. Straight from the freezer? You’ll stress your blender for no reason.
  • Splash of milk matters: Start with the ¼ cup almond milk, but keep extra nearby. Too little, and your blender will groan—too much, and you’ll get ice milk instead of ice cream.
  • Blender power isn’t everything: My middle-of-the-road blender works fine—just pulse a few times first to break up the cottage cheese before going full speed.
  • Taste before freezing: Adjust sweetness or vanilla now—once it’s frozen, you can’t fix it. (Learned that the hard way.)
  • Freeze flat: Spread the mixture in a shallow dish for faster, even freezing. Deep containers take forever.

Oh, and if you’re doing meal planning for weight loss programs, portion it before freezing—nothing stops late-night over-scooping like pre-measured servings!

Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Variations

Oh, the fun really begins when you start playing with flavors! My cottage cheese ice cream base is like a blank canvas – here are my favorite twists that always impress:

  • Tropical vacation: Swap berries for frozen mango or pineapple chunks – it tastes like a creamsicle dream (add a squeeze of lime for extra zing!)
  • Chocolate lover’s fix: Blend in 2 tablespoons cocoa powder with the berries (yes, it works!) and thank me later
  • Keto magic: Use sugar-free syrup instead of honey and toss in some crushed pecans – perfect for low-carb meal plans
  • Peanut butter cup: Add a big spoonful of peanut butter before blending (you can literally see my kids’ eyes light up when I make this version)

Honestly, once you nail the basic recipe, you’ll be brainstorming new combos every week. I keep a little notebook by my blender to record all our family’s favorite cottage cheese ice cream experiments!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the best part – this cottage cheese ice cream isn’t just delicious, it’s actually good for you! One generous half-cup serving clocks in at:

  • 120 calories
  • 3g fat (that full-fat cottage cheese working its magic!)
  • 10g protein (hello, post-workout recovery)
  • 12g carbs with 2g fiber (mostly from the fruit)

Keep in mind – these numbers can vary slightly depending on your exact ingredients (like how sweet your berries are or what brand of cottage cheese you use). But compared to regular ice cream? This recipe is a total game-changer for anyone watching their macros or following weight loss programs. Sweet victory!

Frequently Asked Questions

Alright, let’s tackle those burning questions I always get about this magical cottage cheese ice cream (because trust me, once people taste it, they’ve got questions!):

Can I store leftovers, or does it get icy?

Good news! It keeps beautifully in the freezer for about 2 weeks if stored in an airtight container. If it gets too hard (hey, life happens), just let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes before scooping, or give it a quick blitz in the blender. No fancy sous-vide precision cooker needed—just patience!

What if I don’t have a high-powered blender?

No sweat! My mid-range blender handles it fine—just blend in short bursts and scrape down the sides. Pro tip: Let your frozen fruit thaw slightly for easier blending if your machine struggles. You’ll still get that creamy, protein-packed frozen dessert you’re after.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the cottage cheese for dairy-free ricotta or silken tofu (1:1 ratio)—just know the texture will be slightly different. For gluten-free meal delivery vibes at home, this tweak works wonders!

Why is mine too soft/too hard?

Ah, freezer temps vary! If it’s soft after 4 hours, freeze longer (up to 6). If rock-hard, it’s likely over-frozen—that’s when my 10-minute counter trick saves the day. Perfect texture is somewhere between soft-serve and traditional ice cream.

Share Your Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Experience

I’d love to hear how your cottage cheese ice cream turns out—did you stick with classic berries or try something wild like mango-chocolate swirl? Drop me a comment below or tag me on Facebook with your creations. Your twists and feedback help other readers discover their new favorite healthy dessert! Nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen wins.

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Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

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A high-protein frozen dessert made by blending cottage cheese with fruit, perfect for a healthy treat.

  • Author: Caroline Hayes
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 0 min
  • Total Time: 4 hours 5 min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cottage cheese
  • 1 cup frozen mixed berries
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup almond milk

Instructions

  1. Add cottage cheese, frozen berries, honey, vanilla extract, and almond milk to a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container.
  4. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
  5. Scoop and serve.

Notes

  • Use full-fat cottage cheese for a creamier texture.
  • Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey.
  • Try different frozen fruits like mango or pineapple for variety.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

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Caroline Hayes is the heart and soul behind Recipes To Keep. Inspired by her grandmother's overflowing recipe box from rural Ohio, Caroline has dedicated herself to preserving timeless American classics. She is a passionate home cook and recipe archivist who specializes in testing and perfecting cherished dishes for the modern kitchen. Her goal is to ensure every recipe is a "keeper"—reliable, delicious, and ready to become a part of your family's story.

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