Cottage Cheese Ice Cream has taken the healthy dessert world by storm and for good reason. Combining the creamy richness of full‑fat or low‑fat cottage cheese with natural sweeteners like honey or fruit, you get a high‑protein ice cream that tastes indulgent without the guilt. This homemade ice cream recipe is a no‑churn, blender ice cream dream come true packed with protein dessert power and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while supporting your wellness goals.
You’re about to discover how to make this Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Recipe in just minutes, using only 3 ingredients as a base. Whether you crave a refreshing strawberry cottage cheese ice cream, a rich peanut butter cottage cheese ice cream, or a fun banana cream pie cottage cheese ice cream twist, this healthy frozen treat is versatile and crowd‑pleasing. It’s a viral TikTok recipe for a reason it’s quick, easy, protein-packed, and can be made sugar-free or low-sugar if you prefer.
In this article, you’ll learn why this creamy cottage cheese dessert is not only delicious but also an excellent addition to your menu as a sugar-free ice cream alternative, protein-packed dessert, or healthy frozen treat. Want ideas beyond ice cream? Check out our Buffalo Chicken Wrap for a savory high-protein meal that pairs perfectly with your sweet creations.
In This Recipe
In This Recipe
How to Make Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Recipe
This viral cottage cheese dessert is not only easy, it’s incredibly creamy and packed with protein. With just three wholesome ingredients and a blender, you’ll create a healthy frozen treat that rivals traditional ice cream no fancy equipment required.
PrintCottage Cheese Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: Freeze Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1½ cups full fat cottage cheese
- 2–3 tablespoons honey (or sugar-free sweetener)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup frozen strawberries or banana
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1–2 tablespoons chocolate chips or crushed graham crackers
Instructions
- Blend Ingredients
In a high-speed blender or food processor, add the cottage cheese, honey, and vanilla. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, about 30–45 seconds. - Customize Your Flavor (Optional)
Add your mix-ins, like fruit or nut butter, and blend again until fully combined. - Freeze
Transfer the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Smooth the top and seal with a lid. Freeze for 3–4 hours or until solid. - Serve
Let sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping. Serve with toppings of choice.
Notes
- For best texture, use full fat cottage cheese.
- Sweeteners can be adjusted to taste or swapped for sugar-free options.
- Keeps well in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 9g (from honey and natural milk sugars)
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
This homemade ice cream base is incredibly versatile. You can swirl in peanut butter, fold in fruit, or sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top. It’s the perfect blender ice cream you can tweak with just about anything.
Once you’ve got your base down, balance your meal with quick, high-protein dinners like our Frozen Chicken Fajitas, perfect for busy weeknights.
Why Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a Healthy Ice Cream Alternative
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as nutritious as it is satisfying, cottage cheese ice cream delivers. It’s a healthy ice cream option that balances creaminess with protein power making it a smart swap for high-sugar store-bought pints.
High-Protein, Guilt-Free Indulgence
This frozen treat isn’t just delicious it’s high protein ice cream that fits right into your wellness goals. With over 14 grams of protein per ½ cup of full fat cottage cheese, and up to 20–25 grams per serving depending on your add-ins, it’s a game-changer for your macros. For those watching their sugar intake, this sugar-free ice cream alternative lets you enjoy dessert without the crash.
Low Sugar and Customizable
Want a low sugar ice cream that doesn’t taste like a sacrifice? Using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup or going full sugar-free with monk fruit or stevia lets you take full control. The base is neutral and creamy, so it blends beautifully with frozen fruit, cocoa, or vanilla.
Weight-Loss Friendly and Filling
The balance of protein and healthy fats from creamy cottage cheese keeps you fuller, longer. That makes it ideal if you’re exploring cottage cheese for weight loss or simply aiming to reduce refined sugar. You can even make a quick frozen dessert on busy weeknights that satisfies without sabotaging your goals.
Looking for other ways to hit your protein goals? Don’t miss our refreshing Cucumber Avocado Salad—a nutrient-dense dish perfect for lunch or dinner.
Rich Texture, No Churn
What sets blender ice cream like this apart? You get the thick, creamy consistency of premium ice cream without an ice cream maker. That makes this one of the easiest protein dessert recipes out there.
This isn’t just another diet food. It’s a delicious, naturally creamy, protein-packed dessert you can feel good about. Plus, it adapts to your cravings from strawberry cottage cheese ice cream to decadent chocolate blends.
Step-by-Step Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Recipe
Creating this creamy cottage cheese treat at home is easier than you might think. With just a few wholesome ingredients, a blender, and a little freezer time, you’ll have a healthy frozen treat that’s satisfying, customizable, and packed with protein.
Equipment
- High-speed blender or food processor
- Freezer-safe container
- Spatula
Instructions
1. Add to Blender
Place the cottage cheese, honey, and vanilla into your blender. Blend on high until smooth and creamy, about 30–45 seconds. This step creates that silky texture that mimics traditional homemade ice cream.
2. Customize Your Flavor
Once smooth, now’s the time to mix in extras. For a fruit blended ice cream, try adding frozen strawberries or mango. For a decadent spin, go for peanut butter and mini chocolate chips.
3. Transfer and Freeze
Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and smooth the top. Cover and freeze for at least 3–4 hours, or until set. This no-churn cottage cheese dessert hardens just like store-bought ice cream.
4. Scoop and Serve
Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes. This makes scooping easier and enhances the creamy cottage cheese texture.
This base recipe is your canvas. From here, the possibilities are endless: banana cream pie cottage cheese ice cream, strawberry cottage cheese ice cream, or a bold high protein ice cream with cocoa and espresso.
Flavor Variations & Add‑Ins
One of the best things about cottage cheese ice cream is how incredibly customizable it is. From fruity swirls to rich nutty blends, this base recipe adapts to any craving. Below are some of the most popular viral takes and yes, they all start with the same high-protein, creamy 3 ingredient foundation.
Want even more creative control over your healthy treats? Try our naturally sweet Purple Sweet Potato Brownies for a protein-rich, plant-based dessert option.
Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
A fruity favorite that’s tangy, sweet, and vibrant.
Add to blender:
- ½ cup frozen strawberries
- 1–2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Top with: crushed graham crackers or a drizzle of more honey for a healthy frozen treat that tastes like a strawberry shortcake.
This is a refreshing fruit blended ice cream you’ll want on repeat.
Peanut Butter Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
For peanut butter lovers, this is rich, creamy, and addictive in the best way.
Add to blender:
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or use sugar-free)
- A splash of vanilla
Top with: chocolate chips or cacao nibs for that salty-sweet protein-packed dessert vibe.
This combo creates the creamiest, most decadent no-churn ice cream without the need for any cream or eggs.
Banana Cream Pie Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
This version is nostalgic, comforting, and surprisingly light.
Add to blender:
- 1 ripe banana
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Dash of vanilla
Top with: crushed vanilla wafers or a sprinkle of chopped pecans. This is the ultimate quick frozen dessert that’s both nourishing and kid-friendly.
Other Tasty Add‑Ins to Try
- Frozen mango or blueberries
- Almond butter and cocoa for a fudgy twist
- Coconut flakes and pineapple (tropical vibes!)
- Coffee and cocoa nibs for mocha magic
- Sugar-free chocolate syrup for a low-carb treat
With just a blender and your imagination, you can create endless cottage cheese recipes using this one base. Whether you crave a classic healthy ice cream, a fun flavor spin, or a high-protein version to keep your macros on point there’s a version for you.
Tips for the Creamiest Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
If you want your cottage cheese ice cream to rival store-bought scoops in texture, a few simple tricks can make a huge difference. Here’s how to get that dreamy, rich consistency every time.
Use Full Fat Cottage Cheese
For the creamiest texture, start with full fat cottage cheese. The higher fat content gives this no-churn ice cream a richer mouthfeel and smoother blend. Low fat cottage cheese works too but may require a longer thaw before scooping.
Let It Soften Before Scooping
After freezing your homemade ice cream, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping. This helps bring out the natural creaminess of the cottage cheese dessert, especially when using low-fat varieties.
Blend Thoroughly for Smoothness
Make sure to blend until completely smooth about 30 to 45 seconds. This step is crucial to turning the curds of creamy cottage cheese into a soft, uniform base that mimics traditional ice cream.
Stir During Freezing (Optional)
If you have the time, stirring the frozen cottage cheese dessert every hour while freezing helps prevent ice crystals and results in a softer texture especially useful when making larger batches.
Add Creamy Mix‑Ins
Want it even smoother? Add half a ripe banana, a spoonful of peanut butter, or a splash of coconut cream before blending. These ingredients naturally boost the creaminess while still keeping it a healthy ice cream option.
Use a Shallow Container
Freeze your protein dessert recipe in a shallow, wide container for faster, more even freezing. This helps retain a soft texture and makes scooping easier later on.
These tips will make every batch of cottage cheese ice cream smoother, tastier, and even more satisfying.
Why Cottage Cheese Is Having a Moment
From viral videos to supermarket shelves, cottage cheese ice cream is more than just a TikTok trend it’s a full-blown food movement. What was once a humble fridge staple is now the star of countless cottage cheese recipes, thanks to its surprising versatility and undeniable health benefits.
The Viral TikTok Recipe That Changed Everything
This dessert trend exploded after creators shared their takes on a creamy 3 ingredient ice cream made from, you guessed it, cottage cheese. The videos racked up millions of views, with influencers spinning off new flavors like banana cream pie cottage cheese ice cream and strawberry cottage cheese ice cream.
Why the buzz? The idea of a healthy ice cream that you can make in a blender, with tons of protein and customizable sweetness, hit all the right notes. It’s quick, affordable, and actually tastes good no wonder it went viral.
Sales Are Skyrocketing
According to retail data, U.S. sales of cottage cheese surged by over 15% in 2024 alone. Brands like Good Culture and Daisy are introducing new varieties think low fat cottage cheese, full fat cottage cheese, and even lactose-free versions to meet demand from health-focused foodies.
This isn’t just hype. As more people look for protein dessert recipes and sugar-free ice cream alternatives, cottage cheese is winning hearts and freezer space.
Why It Works: Nutrition + Nostalgia
Cottage cheese offers a rare combo: high protein, low sugar, and a blank canvas for flavor. It’s ideal for creating healthy frozen treats that feel indulgent but are actually good for you. And for many, it brings back memories just with a modern, blender-powered twist.
So whether you’re making your first batch of blender ice cream or experimenting with quick frozen desserts, cottage cheese deserves a permanent spot on your ingredient list.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
If you’re new to the cottage cheese ice cream craze, you probably have a few questions. Let’s break down the most common ones so you can enjoy this healthy frozen treat with confidence.
How much protein is in cottage cheese ice cream?
Each serving of high protein ice cream made with full fat cottage cheese can contain anywhere from 15 to 25 grams of protein, depending on the toppings and additions. It’s a great protein-packed dessert to support muscle recovery and satiety.
Is cottage cheese good for weight loss?
Yes! Cottage cheese is high in protein and low in sugar, which helps keep you full longer. It’s a favorite among nutritionists and is often used in healthy cottage cheese recipes for weight management.
What is the healthiest ice cream to eat for weight loss?
A sugar-free ice cream alternative made with natural ingredients, like this cottage cheese dessert, is among the healthiest options. It contains fewer calories, more protein, and none of the additives found in store-bought varieties.
Is cottage cheese ice cream healthier than regular ice cream?
Absolutely. Traditional ice creams are often loaded with refined sugar and saturated fat. In contrast, cottage cheese ice cream uses whole food ingredients and offers a great source of protein, especially when made with low fat cottage cheese.
How many calories are in cottage cheese ice cream?
Depending on the ingredients, one serving of homemade ice cream made with cottage cheese averages 150–220 calories. Using honey or frozen fruit will affect the final count.
Can I freeze the cottage cheese first, then blend it?
It’s better to blend first, then freeze. Blending frozen cottage cheese may not yield a smooth, creamy texture. To get that dreamy creamy cottage cheese consistency, blend fresh, then freeze the mixture.
Can I make this with vegan cottage cheese?
Yes, if you have access to a plant-based cottage cheese alternative, you can make a vegan-friendly protein dessert recipe. Just note the texture may vary slightly depending on the ingredients.
Does cottage cheese ice cream taste like real ice cream?
Surprisingly, yes. Once blended and frozen, cottage cheese transforms into a smooth, rich base. Add your favorite mix-ins, and it’s remarkably close to traditional ice cream in flavor and texture especially in variations like peanut butter cottage cheese ice cream.
What can I mix with cottage cheese for dessert?
Try fresh berries, banana, cinnamon, or chocolate chips. You can also add nut butters or graham crackers for delicious frozen cottage cheese desserts. These combos turn your blender into a quick frozen dessert machine.
Can I use frozen fruit to make cottage cheese ice cream?
Yes! Frozen mango, strawberries, or blueberries blend well with cottage cheese for a naturally sweet, fruit blended ice cream. It’s a healthy shortcut with fantastic texture.
What is the texture of cottage cheese ice cream like?
It’s smooth, thick, and creamy. When made with full fat cottage cheese, it mimics premium ice cream. If using low fat cottage cheese, thawing slightly before scooping ensures the best texture
How long does cottage cheese ice cream last in the freezer?
For the best flavor and texture, enjoy your blender ice cream within 1–2 weeks. Store it in an airtight container and let it soften a few minutes before serving.
Does low-fat cottage cheese work in ice cream recipes?
Yes, but keep in mind that low fat cottage cheese may create a firmer texture. Let it sit out a few minutes after freezing to soften and achieve that perfect scoop.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s equal parts indulgent and nutritious, cottage cheese ice cream checks every box. It’s a high protein ice cream that feels creamy and luxurious, yet supports your wellness goals. Whether you go for the classic version or get playful with peanut butter, banana cream pie, or strawberry cottage cheese ice cream, this treat delivers on taste, texture, and health.
What makes this healthy frozen treat stand out isn’t just the nutrition it’s the simplicity. Just a few ingredients, a blender, and a little freezer time, and you’ve got a no-churn cottage cheese dessert that rivals anything from the store. You can enjoy it as a quick snack, a post-workout boost, or a family-friendly protein-packed dessert that keeps everyone happy. So whether you’re looking for a fun, healthy treat or trying to support your wellness goals with better snack choices, this recipe fits right in. And if you’re exploring long-term, nourishing options, don’t miss our Healthy Weight Loss Recipes Guide for 2025 for more ideas that fuel your body and satisfy your cravings.
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