Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

Easy vanilla cottage cheese ice cream is a TikTok recipe that is currently going viral on the internet.

Cottage cheese is an ingredient that has gained popularity across the internet. You can even make cottage cheese protein pancakes.

This recipe incorporates high-protein ingredients to create a healthier ice cream alternative.

It is so easy to make and recipe variations are practically endless - you can even make chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla by adding cocoa powder when blending.

Why you’ll love Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

• It is packed with protein! This is one of the main reasons people choose to make this ice cream alternative. Cottage cheese is naturally high in protein. You could even add more protein by swapping out the sweetener with your favorite sweetened protein powder. For vanilla cottage cheese ice cream, use vanilla flavored protein powder.
• It is a healthier alternative to pre-made frozen ice cream since the ingredients tend to be ingredients you would find on a clean-eating list. By using 100% maple syrup or honey, you will eliminate unhealthy processed sugars.

Recipe Ingredients (only 2 ingredients!)

• Cottage cheese
• Maple syrup or honey
• Vanilla extract (optional)

Ingredient Notes

Cottage cheese: Cottage cheese can be found in many variations. You can purchase small curd or large curd cottage cheese or low-fat or regular cottage cheese. For the creamiest ice cream, purchase regular cottage cheese (it will usually say whole-milk or 4% milk-fat on the label) rather than a low-fat cottage cheese. I typically use Aldi cottage cheese.

Maple syrup or honey: These are all-natural sweeteners that are healthier options compared to refined table sugar. They are "clean eating" sweeteners since they are not processed. Note: Make sure to use 100% pure maple syrup and not maple-flavored pancake syrup - they are not the same thing! I purchase Specially Selected 100% Maple Syrup from Aldi.

Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract is an optional ingredient, but it adds the vanilla flavor of traditional homemade vanilla ice cream that really helps the cottage cheese base taste like "real" ice cream.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

This dessert is so easy to make and only requires two main ingredients. You don't even need an ice cream maker to make this healthy ice cream alternative (it can even be Keto friendly if you use a Keto-approved sweetener!). Although, if you would rather purchase pre-made ice cream, Aldi sells ice cream in a variety of flavors (Aldi is one of my favorite grocery stores!).

1. Add the cottage cheese, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract (if using) to a blender or food processor. Blend until the cottage cheese is completely smooth (about one minute).
2. Transfer the cottage cheese mixture to a small container. Cover and freeze for about 1-2 hours, or until frozen.
3. Serve with your favorite toppings.

📖 Recipe

Recipe Tips & Tricks

• Stir the ice cream every 20 minutes or so to help create a smoother texture.
• Store any extra ice cream in the freezer for up to two weeks. Make sure it is in a tightly sealed container. Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to help thaw the ice cream enough to scoop easily.

Flavor Variations

The recipe variations are almost endless! This recipe provides a good base for making ice cream out of cottage cheese.

• Banana Split: Add one banana when blending the cottage cheese. Top with nuts before serving.
• Chocolate: Add one tablespoon of cocoa powder when blending. Top with chocolate chips before serving.
• Strawberry or other fruits: Add strawberries when blending for a fruity flavored ice cream.
• Coffee flavored: Add an espresso shot or instant coffee granules while blending to make a healthy version of coffee flavored ice cream.
• Key Lime Pie: Sprinkle crushed graham cracker crumbs on the bottom of a bowl. Add about 1-2 tablespoons of lime Jello mix when blending the cottage cheese. Top with whipped cream.

Is cottage cheese ice cream good?

Yes, it is good. It will not taste 100% like store-bought vanilla frozen ice cream though. Some reviews say you can still taste the mild sour flavor of cottage cheese and that the texture can be slightly grainy. The benefits typically outweigh any cons. It is typically lower in fat and higher in protein than most traditional frozen ice cream.

How many calories are in cottage cheese ice cream?

The number of calories depends on the type of cottage cheese you use, the serving size, and the type of natural sweetener that is used when making the recipe. The exact calorie count depends on the cottage cheese brand and serving size. However, for a 1 cup serving of "ice cream", the calorie count is usually around 206 calories PLUS the calories of any sweetener or mix-ins. The calorie count can vary greatly depending on the sweetener used and the type of mix-ins used.

Is cottage cheese ice cream Keto?

It is technically an acceptable Keto option if a few conditions are met. Cottage cheese is allowed in most Keto plans. However, cottage cheese isn't the most optimal Keto cheese since it does contain some carbs. The carb count is low enough that it can still stay on-plan for most Keto diets. Make sure to use a Keto-friendly sweetener. While maple syrup and honey are not refined sweeteners, they are also not Keto-friendly sweeteners.

Can you add protein powder to cottage cheese ice cream?

Yes, you can add protein powder. Mix in about 1-2 tablespoons of protein powder when blending the cottage cheese then freeze per the recipe.

Keep in mind that many protein powders contain added sweeteners. Do not add the honey or maple syrup until you have tasted the blended cottage cheese with your particular brand of protein. The protein powder may have already added enough sweetness.

What is cottage cheese ice cream?

It is a healthier version of traditional ice cream made from high-protein cottage cheese and natural sweeteners. Cottage cheese is blended with sweetener until completely smooth and then cooled in the freezer for several hours until it resembles ice cream. It is thick and creamy like traditional ice cream, but with more protein and healthier ingredients.

Is cottage cheese ice cream healthy?

Yes, it is a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream. Many pre-made frozen ice cream brands contain artificial flavors and preservatives in addition to processed sugar.

Cottage cheese is typically considered a "clean eating" food. Cottage cheese ice cream also eliminates processed and refined sugars since this recipe uses natural sweeteners like 100% pure maple syrup or honey.

This recipe contains a significantly higher amount of protein compared to traditional store-bought ice cream. The exact protein count depends on the cottage cheese brand and serving size. However, for a 1 cup serving of cottage cheese, the protein count is usually around 24 grams, according to the USDA.

Do I need an ice cream maker to make cottage cheese ice cream?

No, you do not need an ice cream maker. You will most likely already have all of the equipment necessary to make this dessert. One piece of an equipment that you will need to ensure the cottage cheese is blended until smooth is a food processor, blender, or immersion blender.

Other High-Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Love 

• Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes
• Edible Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough
• 2 Ingredient Cottage Cheese Rolls
• High-Protein Cottage Cheese Smoothie with Strawberry