This creamy delight mixes cottage cheese and peanut butter for a tasty, healthy ice cream! It’s simple to whip up and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the extra guilt.
Trust me, it’s hard to believe it’s made with cottage cheese! I can usually finish a bowl in one sitting. Plus, making it at home means I control the sweetness—win-win! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: I recommend using full-fat cottage cheese for that super creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lower fat option, low-fat cottage cheese works, but the texture may be less rich.
Bananas: Frozen bananas are key to making this ice cream smooth and creamy. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can substitute with store-bought frozen bananas or even unsweetened applesauce for a different twist!
Peanut Butter: I love creamy peanut butter for its smoothness, but you can substitute natural almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Just keep in mind the flavor will change slightly.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is great for adding chocolatey flavor! If you want something sweeter, you could use chocolate syrup, just adjust the sweetener in the recipe.
Sweeteners: Honey or maple syrup can be modified based on your preference or dietary needs. You can use agave syrup or stevia for a lower-calorie option as well.
How Do I Make Sure the Ice Cream is Smooth and Creamy?
Getting that perfect smooth texture requires some attention during blending. Start by adding your frozen bananas and cottage cheese first; this helps with blending.
- Blend at high speed until mostly smooth, then add peanut butter and cocoa powder for easier incorporation.
- If the mixture is too thick, slowly add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness before freezing. This is essential as freezing can dull flavors a bit!
After blending, smooth the mixture into a freezer-safe container for best freezing results. Allow it to freeze for 2-3 hours to set properly.
How to Make Creamy Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat for creaminess)
- 2 ripe bananas, peeled and frozen
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based) for smoother texture
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 10 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 2-3 hours for freezing. It’s quick to make, and the hardest part is waiting for it to freeze! You’ll spend a few minutes blending everything together and then just let it set.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by placing your frozen bananas, cottage cheese, creamy peanut butter, unsweetened cocoa powder, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into a food processor or high-speed blender. Be sure the bananas are good and frozen for that perfect creamy texture!
2. Blend Until Smooth:
Blend the mixture on high speed until it becomes smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick and not blending well, that’s where the optional milk comes in! Add one tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Taste and Adjust Sweetness:
After blending, taste your mixture. If you want it sweeter, feel free to add more honey or maple syrup at this point. Blend again to combine any extra sweetener.
4. Freeze the Ice Cream:
Transfer the mixture into a freezer-safe container and spread it out evenly. Smooth the top using a spatula. Cover it up and place it in the freezer. Let it freeze for at least 2-3 hours until it’s firm and ready to scoop.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
When it’s time to enjoy your delicious creation, scoop the ice cream into bowls. You can add some chopped peanuts, banana slices, or a drizzle of peanut butter on top for extra deliciousness. Enjoy your creamy, protein-packed, naturally sweetened peanut butter ice cream!
This recipe is not just a tasty treat but also a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream, packed with protein and delightful flavors. Enjoy every spoonful!
FAQ About Creamy Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Can I Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Cottage Cheese?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for cottage cheese. It will provide a creamy texture and a tangy flavor, making your ice cream rich and delicious.
How Can I Make This Dairy-Free?
To make this ice cream dairy-free, use a dairy-free yogurt alternative, like cashew or coconut yogurt, instead of cottage cheese. Also, ensure that your peanut butter and any other additional ingredients are dairy-free.
How to Store Leftover Ice Cream?
You can store any leftover ice cream in a tightly sealed container in the freezer for up to a week. Just note that it may become a bit harder as it freezes. If that happens, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to soften.
Can I Add Mix-ins Like Chocolate Chips or Nuts?
Definitely! Feel free to fold in any mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even swirls of caramel after blending but before freezing. Just be sure not to overmix so that your base remains creamy!
