Craving a refreshing treat that’s both affordable and delicious? Let me share a recipe that’s become a staple in my kitchen—Cottage Cheese Berries Ice Cream. As a kid growing up near Chicago, my mom would whip up simple desserts using cottage cheese and berries. Now, I’m carrying on that tradition with a twist that’s easy on the wallet and high on flavor. This recipe combines frozen berries, banana, and cottage cheese for a creamy treat that’s naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a satisfying dessert, Cottage Cheese Berries Ice Cream is your go-to option for a budget-friendly treat that tastes amazing.
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Cottage Cheese Berries Ice Cream: A Healthy Summer Treat
- Total Time: 4 hours hrs 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cottage Cheese Berries Ice Cream is a refreshing and protein-packed treat that’s easy to make at home. With just five simple ingredients—frozen berries, banana, cottage cheese, and honey or maple syrup—it’s a creamy, satisfying dessert you’ll love. Perfect for families looking for a healthy, budget-friendly sweet option!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups frozen berries of your choice
- 1/2 cup ripe sliced banana, (or you may use 1 small frozen banana, diced)
- 1 cup cottage cheese, low fat, or lactose-free- which is less salty
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
Instructions
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In a high-powered food processor or blender, add the 1 1/2 cups frozen berries of your choice, 1/2 cup ripe sliced banana, 1 cup cottage cheese, and 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup.
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Blend or puree until the mixture is thick and smooth.
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Pour the mixture into a loaf pan, top with more fresh fruit or frozen fruit, if desired, and freeze until hard enough to scoop. About 4-6 hours.
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Scoop 2 scoops into a bowl, top with any toppings of your choice, and serve.
Notes
Once the cottage cheese ice cream has frozen in the loaf pan, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer. It will have the best texture and flavor if enjoyed within about 1 week. However, it will keep for up to about 1 to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 125kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 167mg
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 6g
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
A Sweet Story & Introduction to Cottage Cheese Berries Ice Cream
Homemade Flavor on a Budget
Whenever I think of summer desserts, I think of berries and cottage cheese. Back in my bakery days, I loved experimenting with frozen treats, but this one stands out for its simplicity and flavor. Cottage Cheese Berries Ice Cream comes together with just four ingredients, making it a go-to option for anyone wanting a healthy snack or dessert without breaking the bank. The subtle tang of cottage cheese balances the sweetness of berries and banana, giving every bite a fresh, satisfying flavor. Plus, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup ties everything together without making it overly sweet.
Affordable & Family-Friendly
One of the best things about Cottage Cheese Berries Ice Cream is its affordability. A bag of frozen berries and a tub of low-fat cottage cheese cost just a few bucks, yet the flavor rivals anything from the store. Plus, it’s naturally high in protein and easy to customize with different fruits or toppings. Whether you’re serving it to kids after a summer day or enjoying a bowl yourself, you’ll love how quick and budget-friendly this treat is.
The Secret to Creamy Cottage Cheese Berries Ice Cream
Choosing the Right Ingredients
The real secret to this delicious Cottage Cheese Berries Ice Cream is using the right ingredients in just the right amounts. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 cups frozen berries of your choice
- 1/2 cup ripe sliced banana or one small frozen banana, diced
- 1 cup low-fat or lactose-free cottage cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
Start with frozen berries—think strawberries, raspberries, or a blend of your favorites. They bring a burst of color and a sweet-tart taste that makes this ice cream shine. The banana adds a natural sweetness and helps make the mixture creamy and easy to blend. Choosing low-fat or lactose-free cottage cheese keeps things light while giving the ice cream its signature richness. Finally, honey or maple syrup adds a hint of sweetness without overpowering the fresh berry flavors.
Simple Steps to Perfection
Making Cottage Cheese Berries Ice Cream at home couldn’t be easier. Put your frozen berries, sliced banana, cottage cheese, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup into a powerful blender or food processor and get ready to blend. Puree everything until it’s thick and creamy with no lumps left—no ice cream machine needed! Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan, scatter a few more berries on top if you’d like, and place it in the freezer. Let it freeze for about 4 to 6 hours, or until it’s set and easy to scoop. When you’re ready to serve, scoop into bowls, add your favorite toppings, and dig in.
Customizing Cottage Cheese Berries Ice Cream for Every Taste
Playing with Flavors
The beauty of Cottage Cheese Berries Ice Cream is how easy it is to customize. Frozen strawberries and raspberries are classics, but don’t be afraid to try blueberries, blackberries, or even a tropical mix. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor and color, giving you endless variations. If you’d like a little extra dimension, stir in a dash of vanilla or a warm spice like cinnamon while blending. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a hint of citrus zest can really brighten up the flavor. These simple tweaks transform a basic recipe into a personalized dessert that’s always new and exciting.
Toppings and Mix-Ins
Once your Cottage Cheese Berries Ice Cream is ready to serve, it’s time to get creative with toppings and mix-ins. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries, blueberries, or mango adds a refreshing crunch and extra burst of sweetness. For a bit of texture, sprinkle on some granola, crushed nuts, or even a drizzle of dark chocolate. A dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of nut butter also takes this treat to the next level. With so many options, you’ll never get bored of Cottage Cheese Berries Ice Cream.
Health Benefits of Cottage Cheese Berries Ice Cream
Packed with Nutrition
One of the biggest perks of Cottage Cheese Berries Ice Cream is that it’s not just tasty—it’s also good for you. Cottage cheese is rich in protein, making it a great choice for staying full and satisfied between meals. That means you can enjoy a sweet treat without feeling guilty or reaching for an unhealthy snack later. Berries are loaded with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins that boost your immune system and support healthy digestion. Bananas add natural sweetness, plus potassium and fiber to keep things balanced. This combination makes Cottage Cheese Berries Ice Cream a dessert that not only tastes great but also fits perfectly into a healthy diet.
A Dessert You Can Feel Good About
Unlike most store-bought ice creams that are packed with sugar and artificial flavors, Cottage Cheese Berries Ice Cream uses real ingredients you can trust. By choosing honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar, you’re adding a natural sweetness that’s kinder to your body. Plus, using low-fat or lactose-free cottage cheese keeps the recipe light without sacrificing creaminess. With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why Cottage Cheese Berries Ice Cream has become a favorite in my kitchen—and why it can become a staple in yours too.
Conclusion
Cottage Cheese Berries Ice Cream is a game-changer when it comes to healthy, budget-friendly desserts. With its creamy texture, customizable flavors, and nutritional benefits, it’s a treat that you can feel good about serving to your family. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a satisfying dessert, this recipe delivers every time. Ready to whip up your own batch? Give it a try today and discover just how delicious cottage cheese can be.
FAQs
What fruit is good in cottage cheese ice cream?
Frozen berries like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries are all great choices for adding color and flavor to cottage cheese ice cream. They mix in easily and provide a natural sweetness with a hint of tang that brightens up every bite. You can also experiment with tropical fruits like mango or pineapple to give the recipe a refreshing twist.
Does cottage cheese go with blueberries?
Absolutely! Blueberries are a fantastic match for cottage cheese in this ice cream recipe. They add a juicy sweetness and a burst of berry flavor that perfectly complements the creamy texture of the cottage cheese. Frozen blueberries also make it easy to enjoy this treat any time of year.
What fruits go well with cottage cheese?
Besides berries, you can use sliced bananas, peaches, mangoes, or even a mix of your favorite fruits. Each one adds a unique flavor and sweetness to cottage cheese, making it a versatile base for a variety of ice cream flavors.
Is cottage cheese ice cream healthy?
Yes! Cottage cheese ice cream is high in protein and calcium while being lower in fat and sugar than most store-bought options. It’s a great choice for a healthy dessert, especially when you use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.