This Creamy Peanut Butter Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a fun twist on dessert! It’s smooth, rich, and packed with protein thanks to the cottage cheese.
Making this ice cream is a breeze—just blend, freeze, and enjoy! I love serving it topped with a drizzle of honey or some chocolate chips for extra yum! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese is the star here! It adds creaminess and protein. If you want a dairy-free option, try using silken tofu blended until smooth as a substitute.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter gives a rich flavor, but feel free to use crunchy peanut butter if you like some texture. If you have nut allergies, sunbutter or tahini makes a great nut-free alternative.
Milk: Any milk works in this recipe. I love almond milk for its lightness, but oat milk is also nice and creamy. Use what you have on hand or according to your dietary needs!
Sweeteners: Honey or maple syrup works beautifully, but you could use agave syrup or your favorite sweetener, like stevia or monk fruit, if you’re looking to cut sugar.
How Do I Achieve the Creamiest Texture?
To get that smooth, creamy texture, you’ll want to blend the cottage cheese really well until there are no lumps. This ensures each bite is silky. Here are some tips:
- Use a high-speed blender for the best results; it can help break down any lumps.
- For extra creaminess, stir the mixture every 30-45 minutes during the freezing process. This breaks up ice crystals that form and keeps it smooth.
- Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This helps soften the ice cream for easier scooping!
How to Make Creamy Peanut Butter Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind: whole, almond, or oat milk)
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts for added texture
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy peanut butter cottage cheese ice cream will take about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 4 hours to freeze until firm. If you want super creamy texture, remember to stir it during freezing—so plan for a little extra time! A total of roughly 4 hours and 10 minutes, but the active time is minimal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend the Cottage Cheese:
Start by placing the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor. Blend it up until it’s smooth and creamy—make sure there are no lumps! This will be the base of your ice cream.
2. Mix in the Good Stuff:
Next, add the creamy peanut butter, your choice of milk, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the blender. Blend everything together until it’s fully combined and super smooth. You want a delicious mixture that’s packed with flavor!
3. Adjust and Add Crunch:
Now it’s time to taste! Give it a quick taste test and see if you’d like to add more sweetness or peanut butter. If you like a little crunch, fold in the chopped peanuts gently with a spatula—this adds a fantastic texture contrast!
4. Freeze and Set:
Pour your creamy mixture into a freezer-safe container. Place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours or until it’s nice and firm. For an extra creamy result, stir every 30-45 minutes during the first 2 hours of freezing to break up any ice crystals that form.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to indulge, take the ice cream out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help it soften up a bit for easier scooping. Serve it in bowls, and enjoy your delightful peanut buttery treat!
FAQ for Creamy Peanut Butter Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Can I Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Cottage Cheese?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute! It will add a tangy flavor and still keep your ice cream creamy and protein-packed. Just use the same amount as the cottage cheese.
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No worries! This recipe doesn’t require an ice cream maker. Simply stir the mixture every 30-45 minutes as it freezes to ensure a creamy texture. This helps break up ice crystals!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer. It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 weeks for optimal texture and flavor. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature a few minutes before scooping as it may harden in the freezer.
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter?
Absolutely! Natural peanut butter works well; just keep in mind it may have a slightly different texture due to the oil separation. Stir it well before mixing it into the ice cream for the best results!
