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The Perfect Guilt-Free Frozen Dessert
Craving ice cream but want something that actually fuels your body? This cottage cheese ice cream is about to become your new obsession. Forget watery “healthy” alternatives that leave you disappointed—this recipe delivers genuine creaminess, natural sweetness, and a protein boost that makes it a truly balanced treat.
At Balanced Treats, we believe dessert should never feel like a compromise. This high protein ice cream proves you can have something that’s incredibly delicious and genuinely good for you. No ice cream maker required, no complicated steps, just blend and freeze.
Why This is a Perfect Balanced Treat
✓ Healthy: Packed with 12g of protein per serving from cottage cheese, plus antioxidants and fiber from real fruit. According to the USDA, cottage cheese provides essential nutrients like calcium and B vitamins while keeping calories in check.
✓ Quick: Ready to blend in 5 minutes, then freeze while you go about your day. Enjoy soft-serve immediately or wait 2 hours for scoopable texture.
✓ Affordable: Uses just 4 budget-friendly ingredients you probably already have. No specialty items or expensive protein powders needed.
✓ Delicious: Seriously creamy with natural berry sweetness and zero artificial ingredients. This low calorie ice cream recipe tastes like premium soft serve.
The Secret Ingredient: Cottage Cheese
The magic behind this cottage cheese ice cream is in how cottage cheese transforms when frozen and blended. Its high protein content creates an incredibly smooth, dense texture that rivals traditional ice cream. Unlike Greek yogurt alternatives that can taste tangy, cottage cheese blends into complete neutrality, letting the fruit flavors shine.
Frozen banana adds natural creaminess and sweetness, while mixed berries provide vibrant color and antioxidants. A touch of honey balances any tartness perfectly.
How to Make Ice Cream with Cottage Cheese
Making this cottage cheese ice cream couldn’t be simpler. Start by gathering your frozen fruit—this is crucial for achieving that instant ice cream texture. Toss everything into your blender: creamy cottage cheese, frozen mixed berries bursting with flavor, a frozen banana for body, and a drizzle of honey.
Blend on high until the mixture transforms from chunky to silky smooth. You’ll see it lighten in color as air incorporates, creating that signature ice cream fluffiness. The texture at this stage is perfect soft-serve—think Dairy Queen swirl.
For a more traditional scoopable consistency, transfer your mixture to a loaf pan and freeze for 2 hours. The result? Gorgeous scoops of vibrant berry ice cream that hold their shape beautifully.
Pro tip: If you freeze it overnight, let it sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before scooping. This prevents the ice-cold struggle and gives you perfectly creamy scoops every time.
More Creamy Frozen Treats
If you love creamy, comforting desserts that feel indulgent but keep things balanced, you’ll also adore our Rice Pudding Recipe with Leftover Rice. It’s another quick, budget-friendly recipe that transforms simple ingredients into something special. While this cottage cheese ice cream satisfies your frozen treat cravings, that rice pudding delivers warm, cozy comfort—perfect for having both options in your dessert rotation!
Cottage Cheese Berry Ice Cream
Description
Creamy, protein-packed ice cream made with cottage cheese, frozen berries, and banana. No ice cream maker needed!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add cottage cheese, frozen berries, frozen banana, and honey to a high-speed blender or food processor.
- Blend on high for 1-2 minutes, stopping to scrape down sides as needed, until completely smooth and creamy.
- For soft-serve texture, enjoy immediately with your favorite toppings.
- For firmer, scoopable ice cream, transfer mixture to a loaf pan, smooth the top, and freeze for 2 hours.
- If frozen overnight or longer, remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before scooping for easiest serving.
Notes
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Always allow to thaw slightly before scooping.
- Substitutions: Swap berries for mango, peaches, or cherries. Use maple syrup instead of honey for vegan option with dairy-free cottage cheese alternative.
- Flavor Variations: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder for chocolate, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, or 2 tablespoons peanut butter for extra protein and richness.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 3
Serving Size ⅓ of recipe (approximately ⅔ cup)
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 180kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 2g4%
- Saturated Fat 1g5%
- Cholesterol 5mg2%
- Sodium 230mg10%
- Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 24g
- Protein 12g24%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Your New Go-To Healthy Ice Cream
This cottage cheese ice cream proves that healthy desserts don’t have to be boring or unsatisfying. With its creamy texture, natural sweetness, and impressive protein content, it checks every box for a truly balanced treat. Whether you enjoy it as a post-workout refuel, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a guilt-free evening dessert, this recipe delivers pure satisfaction.
Make a batch this weekend and discover why cottage cheese ice cream is taking over social media. Your taste buds—and your body—will thank you.
