This easy ice cream blends creamy cottage cheese and rich peanut butter for a tasty treat. It’s smooth, simple, and perfect for hot days or anytime you crave something sweet!
Honestly, who knew cottage cheese could be so yummy? I love how quick this is to whip up. Just blend, freeze, and enjoy! It’s like sneaky health in every scoop! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese is key for creaminess without too much fat. If you’re not a cottage cheese fan, try Greek yogurt—it’s a similar texture and will keep it creamy!
Bananas: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and creaminess. Frozen bananas are perfect too – just peel, freeze, and then thaw a bit before mashing. If bananas aren’t your thing, avocado is a great alternative for creaminess!
Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter gives a delicious flavor. I prefer creamy, but chunky adds a nice texture. For nut-free diets, sunbutter or any seed butter can work just as well.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder brings that chocolatey goodness. If you love chocolate but want a lighter version, consider carob powder as a substitute.
Sweetener: Honey offers a nice touch of sweetness. You can swap it with maple syrup or agave for a vegan-friendly option.
How Do I Blend Everything Smoothly?
Smooth blending is essential for that creamy ice cream texture. Start with your softer ingredients, like mashed bananas and cottage cheese, which makes it easier to incorporate denser items like peanut butter and cocoa powder.
- Add everything to the blender in the order listed to ensure even mixing.
- If your mixture is too thick, add milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Stop and scrape down the sides of your blender or food processor to make sure all ingredients are well combined.
Easy Creamy Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1½ cups low-fat cottage cheese
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed or frozen and thawed
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 2-3 tbsp milk or almond milk (to adjust consistency)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of preparation time and at least 4 hours to freeze until firm. So, in total, you’ll need a little bit of patience (just a few hours!), but the hands-on time is very short!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend the Ingredients:
In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, mashed bananas, peanut butter, cocoa powder, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend all the ingredients until they become very smooth and creamy. If your mixture is too thick, don’t hesitate to add milk a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
2. Taste and Adjust:
Once everything is blended, taste the mixture. Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or maple syrup if you like it a bit sweeter. You can also add a touch more peanut butter for that nutty flavor!
3. Freeze the Mixture:
Pour the creamy mixture into a shallow container and spread it evenly. Place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours or until it’s nice and firm. This will give it that perfect ice cream texture.
4. Serve Your Ice Cream:
When you’re ready to enjoy your ice cream, remove it from the freezer about 5 minutes ahead of time to soften slightly. Then, scoop it into bowls and serve immediately. You can even garnish it with a drizzle of peanut butter, banana slices, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra treat!
This creamy ice cream not only offers a rich peanut butter and chocolate flavor but also has a delightful hint of banana sweetness. Plus, with cottage cheese in the mix, you’re getting a high-protein and healthier alternative to traditional ice cream. Enjoy your delicious treat! 🍦
FAQ for Easy Creamy Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Can I Use Non-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can use non-fat cottage cheese, but the ice cream may be slightly less creamy. If you decide to use non-fat, consider adding a bit more peanut butter or milk for that smooth texture!
What Can I Substitute for the Bananas?
If you’re not a fan of bananas or have allergies, you can replace them with equal parts of ripe avocados for creaminess or use cooked and pureed sweet potatoes for a twist on flavor!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
This ice cream can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before scooping!
Can I Add Mix-Ins to This Ice Cream?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even some shredded coconut after blending before freezing for added texture and flavor!
