I don’t know how else to say it – I love cottage cheese ice cream.
The basics are these: take all that good stuff you love about ice cream – the creaminess, the velvety, just-slightly-rich quality – and add the tang and creaminess of cottage cheese.
What you wind up with is something much more nuanced than your basic vanilla or chocolate or whatever flavor ice creams might be, and with an extra note of of sourness.
The first time someone made it for me, I think I was a little surprised by it: the flavor of the cheese curds is just a different thing than I was expecting from ice cream, because it’s so inherently a sweet product – and the slightly savory quality of the tang is an unusual addition.
It’s especially good when you’re serving it with other desserts: things like bittersweet chocolate cake, for instance.
One thing I like to do is make cottage cheese ice cream at home in my ice-cream maker, and then pile in fresh fruit – strawberry or blueberry – both of which are naturally sweet but also very good for you.
Cottage cheese ice cream is also big on protein and calcium for us health-lovers, so – bonus.
But one thing I really like about it is the texture: the curds give it a little bit of a gritty feel, which is like nothing else I could compare it to – it’s nothing like the smoothness of normal (“basic”) ice cream, which I think is cool.
Check out some of my favs.
The 12 Best cottage cheese ice cream and recipes
1. Classic Vanilla Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Creamy vanilla cottage cheese ice cream is one of my favourite decadent desserts of all time. The smooth, creamy texture of cottage cheese plays beautifully with the rich, strong notes of vanilla.
It’s a passion for desserts that are nutritious and delicious, satisfying sweet tooths while adding a quirky twist to traditional flavors. If you haven’t tried it already, this dessert adds a special touch of nostalgic charm and refreshing difference to your table.
Classic Vanilla Cottage Cheese Ice Cream:
Ingredients
2 cups cottage cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Prep
Ingredients
In your blender, combine cottage cheese, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Chill Mixture: Pour remaining mixture into bowl and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour.
Prep the Ice Cream Maker: Set up your ice cream machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Churn Ice Cream: Pour chilled mixture into an ice-cream maker and churn until soft-serve consistency (about 20-30 minutes).
Set to Freeze: Scoop the churned ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for at least two to three hours or until firm. Enjoy your Classic Vanilla Cottage Cheese Ice Cream!
It has very few ingredients to make life easy, but it also has the kind of creamy richness that justifies calling it a treat!
2. Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
I love the combination of flavors and textures in this frozen dessert – the natural sweetness of strawberry combined with the rich, creamy sweetness of cottage cheese creates a taste that is refreshing and satiating; with every mouthful, I delight in the fruity zest giving way to creamy indulgence.
This ice cream is not only delicious and satisfying, but it is a great way to meet my sweet cravings without feeling guilty as I indulge in something healthier for myself.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Puree strawberries, cottage cheese, heavy cream, sugar and vanilla extract in a blender until smooth. Pour into an ice-cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container.
Freeze for at least 2 hours for a firmer consistency.
Serve and enjoy!
3. Blueberry Swirl Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
I adore baking and eating delicious desserts and a recent concoction of mine which is really yummy is one where I’ve made some gorgeous blueberry and cottage cheese ice-cream.
This is something which is light and creamy and bursting with fruity flavors.
2 cups cottage cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup blueberry sauce (preferably homemade)
Instructions
Creamed Cheese Base: Blend the cottage cheese, heavy cream, honey and vanilla extract in a blender until smooth and creamy.
Chill Mixture: Place the blended mixture in the refrigerator at least 1 hour to chill.
Make the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice-cream machine and churn according to your machine’s instructions until it’s soft-serve consistency.
Swirl: Layer the churned ice cream and blueberry sauce in the prepared container, swirling gently with a spatula to achieve the marbled effect.
Freeze: Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm. Serve and enjoy your Blueberry Swirl Cottage Cheese Ice Cream!
4. Chocolate Fudge Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Talk about a creamy delight. I’m excited to discuss a unique blend of chocolate ice cream and cottage cheese that mingles a rich gelato taste together with the tangy taste of cottage cheese to create a fusion of taste and texture that is deliciously savory.
It makes for a dessert experience that is decadent and sinful tasting yet surprisingly healthy.
Chocolate Fudge Cottage Cheese Ice Cream:
Ingredients
2 cups cottage cheese
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
Blend the cottage cheese, cocoa powder and sweetened condensed milk in the food processor until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cottage cheese mixture until fully combined.
Pour the mixture into a container and stir in the chocolate chips if using.
Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm, then scoop and serve.
5. Honey Almond Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Instead of using regular sugar, which obviously isn’t great for you, I used natural honey to sweeten this ice cream, and paired it with almonds as well as a bit of cottage cheese for the creamy texture.
This ice cream is a delicious, healthy, and refreshing alternative to regular ice cream. It is the perfect way to satisfy the sweet tooth in all of us while still being mindful of what we put in our bodies and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
I could not have paired two of my favorite flavors and textures together in a more perfect way.
Ingredients
2 cups full-fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped almonds
Instructions
Blend cottage cheese, honey, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a blender until smooth.
Stir in the chopped almonds.
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Transfer into a container and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Scoop and serve your Honey Almond Cottage Cheese Ice Cream.
6. Mango Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
I absolutely love this ice cream because it’s a unique departure from the normal flavors I typically find.
The rich, slightly tart cottage cheese provides a wonderful counterpoint to the bright, juicy mango. It’s a gorgeous combination: one with a flavor that tempts the mouth and is far more refreshing, not to mention healthy, than the normal ice creams I’m usually served.
Mango Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Recipe:
Ingredients
2 cups fresh mango puree
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup honey or agave syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
Ingredients
Puree the mango in a blender and add the cottage cheese, heavy cream, honey or agave syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Chill Mixture: Pour the blended mixture into a bowl, cover, and chill it in the refrigerator for about 2 hours. This will let the flavors blend.
Get Ice Cream Maker Ready: Plug in ice cream maker and put in freezer bowl as necessary.
Churn: Pour the cold base into the ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually about 20-25 minutes) until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Freeze: Turn the churned ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours or until set.
Scoop and serve as desired. Enjoy your Homemade Mango Cottage Cheese Ice Cream!
7. Mint Chocolate Chip Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
It’s a refreshing treat for hot days, and the cottage cheese helps make the ice cream super creamy.
This is a great way to treat yourself without any of the guilt.
Mint Chocolate Chip Cottage Cheese Ice Cream:
Ingredients
2 cups cottage cheese
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Green food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Puree the cottage cheese, honey or maple syrup and peppermint extract in a food processor. If desired, add a few drops of green food color and blend until uniform.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and fold in the mini chocolate chips.
Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and spread evenly.
Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm. Scoop and serve.
8. Pineapple Coconut Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
I love the tropical flavor combination here – the creamy richness of cottage cheese balances the acidic sweetness of pineapple and the decadent nuttiness of the coconut butter, all coming together in ice cream form. I was astonished at how refreshing this was the first time I tasted it – it felt like a decadent splurge while being healthy – and it remains one of my favorite tropical-themed ice creams yet.
I’m so excited to share this one with you.
Pineapple Coconut Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Ingredients
2 cups cottage cheese
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
1 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Blend ingredients: In a blender, place the cottage cheese, the pineapple chunks, the coconut milk, the honey (or maple syrup) and the vanilla extract, and blend until smooth and creamy.
Chill Mixture: Place in a container and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the flavors blend into a chill mixture. Ice Cream Dough-Prepare Ice Cream Maker Prepare your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Churn: Pour the chilled base mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s directions, which will be on the machine. It usually takes around 20-25 minutes, or until the ice cream becomes firm.
Serve or Store: Serve immediately for a soft-serve consistency, or transfer to an airtight container and freeze for a firmer scoop. Enjoy your Pineapple Coconut Cottage Cheese Ice Cream!
9. Raspberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
I can tell you that raspberries and cottage cheese blended together make a very unusual and delicious dessert ice cream experience. The pink color and zing mean that it is fresh and summery.
I like the way the natural sweetness of the raspberries offsets the creamy richness of the cottage cheese, making it indulgent in a way that will satisfy you as well as be good for you.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh raspberries
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup honey or agave syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Blend cottage cheese, heavy cream, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add raspberries to the mixture and blend again until the raspberries are fully incorporated.
Pour into an ice cream maker and churn to manufacturer’s instructions.
Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and chill for at least 2 hours.
Serve and enjoy your Raspberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream!
10. Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
I must admit, when I first read about this eccentric flavor, I wasn’t sure I’d like it. I love the creamy richness of my cottage cheese pudding, but couldn’t help but smile at the thought of some lemon zest adding a sense of bitterness to the affair.
Now, I love the bold citrus notes playing off of the smooth, slightly savory core of cottage cheese, and if you’re the type of person who likes to dabble in all the crazy flavors, this one is worth a shot, and is brimming with fresh and subtle complexity.
Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Ingredients
2 cups cottage cheese
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup granulated sugar
Zest of 2 lemons
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
Blend the cottage cheese until smooth.
Whisk the heavy cream and sugar until the sugar dissolves completely.
Combine the cottage cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice with the cream mixture.
Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
11. Peanut Butter Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
What feels better than discovering a new and surprising combination of flavors? This one is decidedly odd: peanut butter and cottage cheese ice cream.
A combination of rich, nutty peanut butter with the savory, eggy tang of cottage cheese makes for a wonderful treat. Texture and tastes are a pleasant surprise and a joy to discover.
Ingredients
2 cups cottage cheese
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Purée cottage cheese, peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in the blender until impeccably smooth.
Pour the mixture into an ice-cream maker and churn according to machine instructions.
Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container.
Freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up.
Scoop and serve, optionally garnished with chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
12. Mocha Coffee Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
I’m a dessert fanatic, and I am always on the lookout for new and delicious things to put in my mouth. Recently, I found something that feeds both my love of coffee’s dark and rich flavors and my desire for something creamy and smooth, like cottage cheese.
Imagine an ice cream that is sweet but still gives you the silky texture I look for in every scoop. Imagine a mocha coffee that is tangy and savory, a perfect blend for ice cream.
It is so good I think everyone should try it.
Mocha Coffee Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Recipe:
Ingredients
2 cups cottage cheese
1 cup brewed coffee, cooled
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
– Whisk
Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, coffee, cocoa powder, sugar and vanilla until smooth.
Chill Mixture: Pour blended mixture into the bowl and chill in refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours until mixture cools and the flavors meld.
Ice-Cream Maker: Churn: Pour the mixture into the ice-cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it’s the consistency of soft serve.
Set: Pour the churned ice cream into a lidded Tupperware. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
Serve: Scoop into bowls or cones and serve immediately, sprinkled with shaved chocolate or coffee beans if desired.