This creamy peanut butter cottage cheese ice cream is a tasty treat that’s super simple to make! It combines smooth peanut butter and rich cottage cheese for a fun twist on dessert.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peanut Butter: I recommend using smooth peanut butter for a creamy texture. If you like a chunkier ice cream, try crunchy peanut butter instead. Almond or cashew butter can also be great alternatives for a different flavor.
Cottage Cheese: Small curd cottage cheese works best. If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, you can use Greek yogurt to keep it creamy. Just note that this will alter the flavor slightly.
Milk: Whole milk adds richness, but you can substitute with almond, oat, or low-fat milk if you prefer. Just keep in mind that these can change the creaminess of the ice cream.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can replace heavy cream with coconut cream, or use evaporated milk, which will also add creaminess without the extra calories.
Sweetener: Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your taste, using honey, maple syrup, or even a sugar substitute like stevia for a lower-calorie option.
How Do I Blend Cottage Cheese Smoothly?
Getting rid of lumps in cottage cheese is key to this ice cream’s creamy texture! Here’s how to blend it perfectly:
- Use a high-speed blender or food processor for a smoother result. Start by blending just the cottage cheese until it’s smooth.
- Add the peanut butter and other ingredients to the blended cottage cheese, and mix until fully combined.
- Don’t rush this step; a little patience goes a long way to achieving that velvety ice cream texture!
What’s the Best Way to Chill Ice Cream Mixtures?
Chilling the mixture helps to incorporate air while churning and gives it a better texture. Here’s how:
- After blending, pour the mixture into a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. The colder the mixture, the better it will churn!
With these tips, you’re all set to make a delightful batch of creamy peanut butter cottage cheese ice cream that you can share or enjoy all to yourself! Happy churning!
Creamy Peanut Butter Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter (natural or creamy)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd, well-drained)
- 3/4 cup whole milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips for texture
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful ice cream takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and at least 3-4 hours to freeze completely. You’ll spend a little time blending and mixing, and then you just let the ice cream maker do its work! Don’t forget to chill the mixture for an hour before churning for the best texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cottage Cheese:
Begin by placing the cottage cheese in a food processor or blender. Blend until it is super smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps left. This step is crucial for the ice cream’s texture.
2. Mix Ingredients:
Next, add in the smooth peanut butter, milk, heavy cream, sugar (or honey), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the blender with the pureed cottage cheese. Blend this mixture once more until everything is fully combined and silky smooth.
3. Chill the Mixture:
Once blended, pour your ice cream base into a bowl or container. Cover it up and refrigerate for at least an hour, allowing it to chill thoroughly. The colder the mixture, the creamier your ice cream will be!
4. Churn the Ice Cream:
After chilling, pour the cold mixture into your ice cream maker. Churn it following the manufacturer’s instructions—this usually takes around 20-25 minutes. It should reach a soft-serve consistency as it churns!
5. Add Texture (Optional):
If you’re using chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips, now’s the time to add them! Toss them in during the last 5 minutes of churning to incorporate evenly without breaking them down too much.
6. Freeze to Firm Up:
Once your ice cream is churned, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze it for at least 2-4 hours to harden and reach that perfect ice cream consistency.
7. Serve:
Finally, scoop out the creamy peanut butter cottage cheese ice cream into bowls or cones, and enjoy a delicious, homemade treat!
This recipe makes a deliciously creamy and rich ice cream with the bonus of added protein from cottage cheese, making it a slightly healthier sweet indulgence. Enjoy every spoonful!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Skim Milk Instead of Whole Milk?
Yes, you can use skim or low-fat milk if you prefer a lighter version. Keep in mind that using whole milk adds more creaminess to the ice cream, so the texture might be slightly less rich with skim milk.
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No problem! You can still make this ice cream without an ice cream maker. After mixing, transfer the ice cream base to a shallow dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork to break up ice crystals until it’s firm (about 3-4 hours).
Can I Sweeten the Ice Cream with a Sugar Substitute?
Absolutely! You can use sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol to make this recipe lower in calories. Just be sure to check the sweetness level as these alternatives can vary greatly in sweetness compared to sugar.
How Should I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It will stay good for up to 2 weeks, but for the best texture, consume it within the first week. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to soften it if it hardens too much.
