This Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Ice Cream is a creamy treat made with simple ingredients like cottage cheese and peanut butter. It’s smooth, rich, and perfectly sweet!
You won’t believe it’s made with cottage cheese! I love how easy it is to whip up. Just blend, freeze, and enjoy a guilt-free dessert that tastes like a dream! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star ingredient, giving your ice cream a creamy texture and protein boost. If you’re not a fan, Greek yogurt is a great alternative for similar creaminess.
Bananas: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and a smooth texture. Frozen bananas work best. If you’re short on bananas, avocado can be substituted for a creamy base with a neutral flavor.
Peanut Butter: Whether you prefer creamy or chunky, pick your favorite! For a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter or any seed butter is a great substitute.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives a rich chocolate flavor. If you need a sweeter taste, try using chocolate protein powder as a substitute.
Sweeteners: Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness. You can adjust based on your taste. Agave syrup works too, especially for a lower glycemic option.
How Do I Achieve a Smooth and Creamy Texture?
Getting a smooth texture is crucial for this ice cream. Here are some tips to ensure your mixture comes out creamy:
- Make sure your bananas are fully ripe for maximum sweetness and smoothness.
- Blend on high speed and scrape the sides of the blender or food processor as needed to fully incorporate everything.
- If your mixture seems too thick, add a splash of milk (dairy or plant-based) to help it blend more smoothly.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1-2 ripe bananas (frozen if possible)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky based on preference)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of active prep time, plus an additional 2-3 hours for freezing. It’s a simple and quick process to whip this up, and you will have a tasty treat waiting for you in a few hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend the Ingredients:
Start by placing the cottage cheese, frozen bananas, peanut butter, cocoa powder, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into a blender or food processor. Make sure everything is in there; it’s going to make the ice cream creamy and delicious!
2. Blend Until Smooth:
Now, blend the mixture on high until it becomes smooth and creamy. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender or processor to ensure everything is mixed well. It’s like a little dance to get all that goodness blended together!
3. Taste and Adjust Sweetness:
Give the mixture a taste test! If it needs a little more sweetness, feel free to add more honey or maple syrup. Blend again for a couple of seconds to incorporate any added sweetness.
4. Transfer and Smooth:
Next, transfer the mixture into an airtight container. Use a spatula to smooth out the top. This will help it freeze evenly and look great when you scoop it out later.
5. Freeze the Mixture:
Put the container in the freezer for about 2-3 hours. This will allow the mixture to thicken and become that delightful ice cream texture. Just think about how good it’s going to taste!
6. Let it Soften:
When you’re ready to serve, take the ice cream out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. This step makes it easier to scoop. No one likes a rock-hard ice cream!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your delicious Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Ice Cream in bowls and enjoy this healthy treat with family and friends! You can also top it with some sliced bananas or a drizzle of honey if you like.
Can I Use Non-Frozen Bananas?
Yes, but frozen bananas give the ice cream a creamier and thicker texture. If you use non-frozen bananas, consider adding a few ice cubes to the blender to help achieve that smooth consistency. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much ice can make the mixture watery.
What Can I Substitute for Peanut Butter?
Any nut butter will work well in this recipe! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sun butter (for a nut-free option) are great alternatives. Simply use the same amount as you would peanut butter. If you’re using a less sweet nut butter, you might want to adjust the sweetness of the ice cream accordingly.
How to Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for about 1-2 weeks. To maintain a smooth texture, press plastic wrap against the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container. When ready to enjoy, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften before scooping.
Can I Make This Ice Cream Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can replace the cottage cheese with silken tofu or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Using frozen bananas will still help achieve that creamy texture. Adjust the sweetener as needed to balance the flavors!
