This Easy Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Ice Cream is a creamy treat that’s super fun to make! It combines smooth cottage cheese and rich peanut butter for a yummy flavor.
You won’t believe how simple it is! I just blend everything up and freeze it—no ice cream maker needed. Perfect for a hot day or a yummy snack anytime!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: I recommend using full-fat cottage cheese for a richer and creamier texture in your ice cream. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, low-fat cottage cheese works too, but it may be less creamy.
Bananas: Ripe bananas are essential as they add sweetness and creaminess. If you don’t have bananas on hand, you could use frozen mango or peaches for a fruity twist. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile!
Peanut Butter: I love using creamy peanut butter, but chunky peanut butter gives a nice texture and crunch. If you’re allergic to peanuts, try almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different taste.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds a chocolatey flavor. If you’re not into chocolate, you can skip it entirely or use carob powder for a different flavor.
Sweeteners: Honey or maple syrup are great natural sweeteners. You can use agave syrup or sweeteners like stevia or erythritol if you’re looking for a sugar-free option.
How Do I Get My Ice Cream Smooth and Creamy?
A common challenge is achieving a creamy consistency without an ice cream machine. Here’s how to make it work:
- Start with frozen banana chunks. This is crucial for a smooth texture. Peel and chop ripe bananas before freezing.
- Blend everything in a high-speed blender or food processor. If it’s too thick, gradually add milk until you reach the desired texture—don’t rush, let the machine do its work!
- After blending, taste and adjust sweetness or peanut butter if needed, then mix briefly to combine.
- For the best results, allow the finished ice cream to freeze for 1-2 hours. Just before serving, let it sit out for a few minutes to soften, making scooping easier.
This method makes for a delightful, healthy dessert that’s perfect for warm days! Enjoy your homemade treat!
Easy Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat for creamier texture)
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky as preferred)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 2-3 tbsp 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 blending, if needed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat takes about 10 minutes to prepare. After that, you’ll need 2 hours for the bananas to freeze and another 1-2 hours for the ice cream to firm up in the freezer. So, it’s perfect to make ahead of time for a wonderful dessert later!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Bananas
Start by peeling your ripe bananas and breaking them into chunks. Spread them out in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet, then place the bananas in the freezer for at least 2 hours or until completely frozen. This step is crucial for getting that creamy ice cream texture.
2. Blend the Ingredients
Once your banana pieces are frozen, grab a high-speed blender or food processor. Add the frozen banana chunks, cottage cheese, peanut butter, cocoa powder, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into the blender. Blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. If needed, add the milk gradually for a better blending consistency.
3. Taste and Adjust
Take a moment to taste your blended mixture! You can adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or peanut butter if you’d like. Blend again briefly to mix any adjustments into your ice cream mixture.
4. Freeze the Mixture
Now, transfer your creamy mixture to a freezer-safe container. Spread it out evenly and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. Place it in the freezer for 1-2 hours to firm up until it’s nice and scoopable.
5. Serve
When you’re ready to enjoy your homemade ice cream, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. This makes scooping much easier! Scoop generous servings into bowls, and enjoy your creamy, protein-packed peanut butter ice cream!
This ice cream has a rich, smooth texture thanks to the cottage cheese, paired with the nutty flavor of peanut butter and a hint of chocolate! Plus, it’s a healthier option for a sweet dessert, thanks to the ripe bananas providing natural sweetness. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Non-Dairy Alternatives?
Absolutely! You can easily substitute the cottage cheese with a non-dairy alternative like silken tofu or a plant-based yogurt. Just ensure they have a creamy texture to get the right consistency for your ice cream.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a sweeter ice cream, you can add more honey or maple syrup according to your taste. Start with a tablespoon at a time, blend, and taste until you find your perfect sweetness level!
How to Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to one week. To enjoy it again, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to soften.
Can I Add Mix-Ins or Toppings?
Of course! Feel free to personalize your ice cream with mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a swirl of fruit puree. Just fold them in gently after blending, and then freeze to set!
