This Creamy Peanut Butter Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a win-win! It combines rich peanut butter with smooth cottage cheese for a delicious treat that’s perfect on hot days.
Making this ice cream is super easy! Just blend, freeze, and enjoy. I love how it’s a tasty way to sneak in some protein. Who knew ice cream could be healthy and delicious?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Use small curd cottage cheese for a smoother texture. If you’re avoiding dairy, try using a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative made from almond or soy.
Peanut Butter: Smooth peanut butter creates a creamier ice cream. If you prefer a nut-free option, sun butter or tahini can be great substitutes for similar creaminess.
Milk: You can use any milk you like! Almond milk, oat milk, or regular dairy milk all work well. For a richer flavor, consider using coconut milk.
Sweetener: Honey and maple syrup both add a nice sweetness. If you want a lower-calorie option, you could use stevia or erythritol instead.
How Do You Get a Creamy Texture Without an Ice Cream Maker?
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still achieve a delicious creamy texture! After blending all the ingredients, pour the mixture into a shallow dish. This method helps freeze it more evenly.
- Place it in the freezer and stir it every 30 minutes with a fork. This breaks up any ice crystals forming, which helps maintain that creamy texture.
- Keep this up for about 3-4 hours until it reaches your desired consistency.
By paying attention to these details, you’ll have a smooth and delicious ice cream that’s hard to resist! Enjoy your homemade treat!
How to Make Creamy Peanut Butter Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd)
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust sweetness to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped peanuts for texture
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes of prep time, plus around 3-4 hours for freezing if you don’t have an ice cream maker. If you’re using an ice cream maker, it will generally take about 20-30 minutes to churn. Don’t forget to allow for an extra hour to firm up the ice cream after churning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend the Base:
In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, smooth peanut butter, milk, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and salt. Blend everything together on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This should take about 1-2 minutes. Take a moment to taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness if preferred!
2. Add Texture (Optional):
If you’re a fan of crunch, stir in the chopped peanuts at this stage. They will add a delightful texture to your ice cream!
3. Churn the Mixture:
Pour the peanut butter mixture into your ice cream maker, and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This should give you that lovely soft-serve texture. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, don’t worry! Just pour the mixture into a shallow dish and place it in the freezer. Stir vigorously with a fork every 30 minutes until it’s frozen and creamy, which will take about 3-4 hours.
4. Firm Up the Ice Cream:
Once the ice cream has reached your desired consistency, transfer it to a container with a lid. Freeze it for an additional 1-2 hours to get that perfect scoopable texture.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
After firming up, scoop the creamy peanut butter cottage cheese ice cream into bowls or cones. Enjoy it chilled and share it with friends and family—or keep it all to yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Regular Cottage Cheese Instead of Small Curd?
Yes, you can use regular cottage cheese, but the texture may be a bit grainier. If you prefer a smoother ice cream, opt for small curd cottage cheese for better blending.
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No worries! Simply pour the blended mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir it vigorously with a fork to prevent ice crystals from forming. This method will take about 3-4 hours, but you’ll still get a creamy treat!
How to Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It’s best enjoyed within a week for optimal freshness, but it can last up to a month. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping for easier serving!
Can I Make It Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this ice cream vegan, use a plant-based cottage cheese alternative, any plant-based milk, and maple syrup instead of honey. The result will still be delicious and creamy!
