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This viral cottage cheese ice cream offers a creamy and satisfying dessert that packs a protein punch without weighing you down with extra calories. It is perfect for warm days when you want a sweet treat that feels indulgent but still nourishes your body and combines cottage cheese, fresh strawberries, and protein powder for a refreshing, filling dessert.
I first stumbled on this during a summer fitness challenge and it quickly became my go-to dessert. My family loves how creamy it is and the fact that it feels like a treat without the guilt.
Ingredients
- Cottage cheese: One cup full fat cottage cheese which provides creaminess and a solid protein base choose a brand with minimal additives for the best texture
- Frozen strawberries: Two thirds cup frozen strawberries adding natural sweetness and a fruity brightness pick berries that are flash frozen at peak ripeness for best flavor
- Maple syrup: Two tablespoons maple syrup to impart just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the natural berry flavor opt for pure maple syrup for richer taste
- PEScience Strawberry Cheesecake protein powder: One scoop PEScience Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Powder introduces extra protein and enhances the strawberry flavor a strawberry or vanilla protein powder can be substituted
- Graham cracker crumbles: One third cup graham cracker crumbles to sprinkle on top giving a pleasant crunchy contrast you can crush your own from whole graham crackers for freshness
Instructions
- Scoop and Blend:
- Blend one cup of full fat cottage cheese in a high powered blender or food processor until smooth and creamy. This step transforms the curds into a luscious base essential for that ice cream texture.
- Add the Sweet Ingredients:
- Add two thirds cup frozen strawberries, two tablespoons maple syrup, and one scoop of protein powder into the blender with the cottage cheese. Blend all together until fully combined and smooth, making sure no chunks remain for a silky mouthfeel.
- Transfer to Container:
- Pour the blended mixture into a Tupperware container or a bread loaf pan for easy shaping. This will be your ice cream mold while it freezes.
- Layer the Toppings:
- Add extra frozen strawberries on top followed by the graham cracker crumbles to create texture and bursts of fresh berry flavor as well as a satisfying crunch.
- Freeze and Set:
- Place the container in the freezer for two to three hours. This chilling period allows the ice cream to firm up to the perfect scoopable consistency without becoming overly hard.
- Thaw Slightly:
- Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about three to five minutes. This slight thawing softens it just enough so the spoons glide easily through the creamy dessert.
The full fat cottage cheese is my favorite part of this recipe. It creates a creamy, velvety texture that really sets this ice cream apart from other healthy alternatives I have tried and it brings back memories of summer cookouts where I introduced it to friends as a healthy twist on dessert that everyone surprisingly loved.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. To maintain best texture, allow the ice cream to thaw at room temperature before scooping each time you serve.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap frozen strawberries for any frozen berry like blueberries or raspberries depending on your preference. Greek yogurt can replace cottage cheese for a slightly different texture but still creamy and high in protein. If you do not have protein powder on hand, you can increase the maple syrup slightly and add a tablespoon of nut butter for extra richness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this ice cream in small bowls topped with fresh berries or a drizzle of extra maple syrup. For a party twist, freeze in popsicle molds and add a wooden stick after an hour, then finish freezing for a protein packed icy treat.
This cottage cheese ice cream is an easy, high protein dessert that satisfies sweet cravings without excess calories. Let it chill properly so it reaches the perfect scoopable texture.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → What makes this dessert high protein?
Full-fat cottage cheese and added protein powder boost the protein content, making it a nourishing treat.
- → Can I substitute the strawberries with other fruits?
Yes, frozen berries or fruits like blueberries or peaches can be used for varied flavors.
- → How long should I freeze the mixture?
Freeze for 2-3 hours until firm but scoopable, then let it thaw a few minutes before serving.
- → What texture can I expect from the final dessert?
A creamy and slightly icy texture with a crunchy graham cracker topping for contrast.
- → Is full-fat cottage cheese preferred?
Yes, full-fat cottage cheese provides rich creaminess and better flavor balance.