This delicious ice cream combines creamy cottage cheese and rich peanut butter for a tasty treat. It’s super easy to whip up and makes for a refreshing dessert!
You won’t believe how simple it is—just blend and freeze! I love scooping it on a hot day. And you can even add some chocolate chips for extra fun. Yum! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: I recommend using small curd cottage cheese for a smoother texture. If you prefer, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor, or for a dairy-free option, use silken tofu.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is the best choice here, but feel free to use almond or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor. Just make sure it’s smooth to blend well.
Milk: Whole milk gives the creamiest texture, but you can use any milk you have on hand—almond milk or oat milk work well for a lighter version.
Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup adds natural sweetness. For a lower calorie option, you can substitute with a sugar substitute like stevia, but adjust the quantity to taste.
Cocoa Powder: This is optional for chocolate lovers! You can skip it or replace it with chocolate syrup for an easier option.
Banana: A ripe banana adds natural sweetness and creaminess. If you want to skip it, consider adding a little bit of vanilla bean for flavor.
How Do I Get a Smooth and Creamy Ice Cream?
Blending the ingredients together properly is key to achieving a smooth texture. Start by blending the cottage cheese alone until it’s creamy. This way, you’ll avoid any chunky bits.
- Blend on high speed to break down curds, adding the peanut butter and other ingredients gradually.
- Make sure not to rush this process; take your time to blend until no lumps remain.
- If you find the mixture is too thick, adding a little more milk can help achieve the desired consistency.
Once you have a smooth mixture, freeze it in a container. It’s important to let the ice cream sit out a bit before scooping, as homemade ice cream can be firmer than store-bought varieties.
Easy Homemade Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese (small curd, well-drained)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind; whole milk preferred for creaminess)
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup (for natural sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (optional, for a chocolate twist)
- 1 ripe banana (optional, adds natural sweetness and creaminess)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy ice cream recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and 4-5 hours for freezing, so plan to make it ahead of time if you’re craving a sweet treat. The freezing time is essential to get that creamy, scoopable texture you’ll love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend the Base:
Start by placing the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor. Blend it on high until it’s completely smooth and creamy. This step is crucial so you won’t have any chunky bits in your ice cream.
2. Add the Ingredients:
Next, add the creamy peanut butter, milk, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract into the blender. If you are using cocoa powder for that delicious chocolate flavor, include it here too.
3. Mix It All Together:
If you decide to use a ripe banana for added sweetness and creaminess, toss that in as well. Blend everything together until you have a completely smooth mixture. Make sure there are no lumps left!
4. Freeze the Mixture:
Pour your creamy mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover it up, and place it in the freezer for at least 4-5 hours. This chilling time is what gives you the perfect ice cream texture.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, take the ice cream out and let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to soften slightly—this makes it easier to scoop. Scoop the ice cream into bowls, and feel free to garnish with chopped peanuts, chocolate chips, or banana slices if you’d like!
Enjoy your creamy, protein-packed, homemade cottage cheese peanut butter ice cream! Perfect as a refreshing treat on a warm day or a delicious dessert any time! 🍦
FAQ for Easy Homemade Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Can I Use Low-Fat or Non-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly less creamy. Whole fat cottage cheese contributes to a richer flavor and smoother mouthfeel.
Can I Substitute the Peanut Butter?
Absolutely! You can use almond butter, cashew butter, or any other nut butter you prefer. Just make sure it’s the creamy variety to blend smoothly with the other ingredients.
How Long Does This Ice Cream Last in the Freezer?
This ice cream can last up to 2 weeks in the freezer when stored in an airtight container. However, for the best texture and flavor, try to enjoy it within a week!
Can I Add Mix-Ins or Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to add in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or crushed cookies either before freezing or as toppings when you serve. Just be cautious not to overload the mixture so it stays smooth and creamy.
