This Easy Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Ice Cream is a creamy and healthy treat! With just cottage cheese and peanut butter, it’s super simple and satisfying.
It’s hard to believe you can have ice cream that’s good for you! I love to top mine with some chocolate chips for a little extra fun. Yum, right? 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star of the show! It gives the ice cream a creamy texture. You can use small curd for a chunkier bite or smooth for a silky finish. If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt can be a good alternative.
Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter adds rich flavor. If you’re allergic or prefer something different, almond butter or sunbutter work great too! Choose a variety that doesn’t have added sugars or oils for the healthiest option.
Bananas: Ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and creaminess. If you don’t have bananas, you can try using frozen mangoes or avocados for a different but delicious flavor profile.
Cocoa Powder: This is optional for a chocolate twist. If you’d like it to be chocolatey without cocoa, try adding chocolate protein powder instead. Just remember, it might alter the overall texture.
Sweeteners: Honey or maple syrup sweeten the mix. If you’re avoiding sugar, consider using stevia or a sugar-free syrup. Adjust according to your taste preference!
How Do I Make the Mixture Creamy and Smooth?
Getting that creamy texture is all about blending well! Here’s the scoop:
- Start by freezing your banana chunks until solid. This step is crucial for the ice cream base.
- Blend all the ingredients together, and make sure to scrape down the sides of the blender to get everything mixed evenly.
- If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of milk (dairy or non-dairy) to help it blend better.
- Blend until smooth and creamy – you want to create that ice cream consistency before freezing it!
By blending properly, you’ll avoid any lumps and make the ice cream extra luscious!
Easy Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd or smooth)
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 2 ripe bananas
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (optional for chocolate flavor)
- 1-2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional for added sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus a minimum of 4 hours to freeze the bananas and an additional 1-2 hours for the mixture to firm up in the freezer after blending. So plan ahead if you want to enjoy this tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Freeze the Bananas:
Start by peeling the bananas and cutting them into chunks. Place the chunks in a freezer-safe container and freeze them until solid— this usually takes at least 4 hours or you can leave them overnight if you prefer.
2. Blend the Ingredients:
Once the banana chunks are frozen, it’s time to blend! Add the frozen banana chunks to a high-speed blender or food processor. Then, toss in the cottage cheese, peanut butter, cocoa powder (if you’re making it chocolatey), honey or maple syrup (if using), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
3. Achieve the Perfect Texture:
Blend everything on high until smooth and creamy. Make sure to stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure everything gets mixed well. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little splash of milk to help it along!
4. Taste and Adjust:
Give your mixture a taste! If you want it sweeter or more peanut buttery, feel free to adjust the honey or peanut butter to your liking.
5. Freeze the Mixture:
Transfer the blended mixture into a freezer-safe container. Pop it in the freezer for about 1-2 hours to help it firm up to a delightful ice cream consistency.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy your ice cream, scoop it into bowls. You can top it off with some chocolate chips, nuts, or a drizzle of peanut butter for extra yum! If you have leftovers, keep them in the freezer, but remember to let your ice cream sit out for a few minutes before scooping again to soften it up.
Enjoy this creamy, protein-packed, and naturally sweetened ice cream that’s perfect for a healthy treat any time of day!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Non-Dairy Alternatives?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the cottage cheese with a silken tofu or a thick dairy-free yogurt. These will still give you a creamy texture without the dairy.
How Do I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer. It will last for about 1-2 weeks, but for the best texture, enjoy it within a week. Allow it to soften for a few minutes at room temperature before scooping.
Can I Make This Without Bananas?
Yes, you can! If you’re not a fan of bananas, try using frozen mango chunks or avocado for a creamy base. Just keep in mind this will change the flavor profile of your ice cream.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Ice Cream?
To adjust sweetness, simply add more honey or maple syrup until you reach your desired sweetness level. Alternatively, you can use stevia or another sugar substitute if you’re looking for a lower-calorie option.
