This Easy Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Ice Cream is a creamy treat that’s super simple to make! Just mix cottage cheese, peanut butter, and a sweetener, then freeze.
You won’t believe how yummy this ice cream is, and it’s a fun way to sneak in some protein! I love enjoying it on warm days—perfect for satisfying those ice cream cravings without the guilt!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: I recommend using low-fat cottage cheese for this recipe. It gives a creamy texture without adding too many calories. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you could use silken tofu as a substitute, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth blend. If you have crunchy peanut butter on hand, go for it—it’ll add some texture! For nut-free alternatives, try sunflower seed butter or tahini.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds a rich chocolate flavor. If you’re out, you could also use carob powder for a different taste or omit it entirely for a plain peanut butter version.
Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup sweetens the ice cream. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference. For a lower-calorie option, consider using stevia or a sugar substitute that measures like sugar.
How Do You Get the Perfect Creamy Texture?
A smooth and creamy texture is key in this ice cream! Start by blending everything together well. If your mixture feels thick, adding a little milk helps. Use a splash at a time until it’s just right. Remember, the freezing process will thicken it further, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny at first.
- Blend until completely smooth—no lumps!
- If you want a lighter texture, you can whip the cottage cheese beforehand to incorporate air.
- Before serving, let the ice cream sit out for a few minutes. This makes scooping easier and gives it that perfect creamy consistency!
Easy Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk (any kind, to thin the mixture if needed)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful ice cream takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 4 hours to freeze. Total time: about 4 hours and 10 minutes. Perfect for a cool, refreshing treat anytime!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend Your Ingredients:
Start by adding the cottage cheese, creamy peanut butter, cocoa powder, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into your blender. This combination will give you that rich, flavorful base. Blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed!
2. Adjust Consistency:
If you find the mixture is too thick to blend properly, don’t worry! Just add milk a little at a time, blending in between, until you reach a smooth, scoopable consistency. The goal is to have it creamy yet firm enough to freeze well.
3. Taste Test:
Now it’s time for a taste test! Check the sweetness and adjust by adding more honey or maple syrup if you like it sweeter. Remember, it will taste a bit less sweet once frozen, so get it right now.
4. Freeze the Mixture:
Pour the blended mixture into a freezer-safe container, making sure to smooth the top. Cover it tightly so it doesn’t get freezer burn. Pop it in the freezer for at least 4 hours. This time will help it firm up and become that luscious ice cream we’re after!
5. Serve It Up:
When you’re ready to enjoy your ice cream, take it out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. This will soften it slightly, making it easier to scoop. Grab your favorite bowls, and scoop away!
6. Enjoy!
Dig into your rich, creamy, and protein-packed peanut butter ice cream. It’s a delicious treat you can feel good about—enjoy every bite!
FAQ About Easy Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Can I Use Non-Dairy Cottage Cheese?
Yes! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute low-fat cottage cheese with a non-dairy alternative, such as silken tofu or a dairy-free cottage cheese-like product. Just keep in mind that it may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
How Can I Make This Ice Cream Sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter ice cream, feel free to add more honey or maple syrup to taste during the blending process. Just start with an extra teaspoon and blend—taste again and adjust as needed! Remember that it will taste a bit less sweet after freezing.
What If My Ice Cream is Too Hard After Freezing?
If your ice cream becomes too hard to scoop after freezing, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 5-10 seconds to soften it slightly, but be careful not to melt it!
How Do I Store Any Leftovers?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It should keep well for up to 2-3 weeks. To enjoy it later, just remember to let it soften before scooping!
