High Protein Ice Cream (aka “Viral” Cottage Cheese Ice Cream)

When the weather warms up, nothing hits the spot quite like a bowl of ice cream. But as much as we all love a scoop (or two!) of the real deal, traditional ice cream isn’t always the most balanced choice—loaded with sugar, lower in protein, and easy to overindulge in. That’s where this cottage cheese protein ice cream swoops in to save the day.

It’s creamy, it’s dreamy, and it’s surprisingly good for you. The base requires only three simple ingredients, yet the result feels indulgent enough to satisfy any ice cream craving. Think of it as a lighter, healthier alternative to store-bought ice cream—but one that still feels like a treat.

This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, especially in the summer. It’s quick to prep, endlessly customizable, and packs in extra protein, making it the kind of dessert you can feel good about enjoying anytime.

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Why Cottage Cheese?

Before you raise an eyebrow at the idea of cottage cheese in ice cream, let’s break it down. Cottage cheese is having a major “moment” in the health food world—and for good reason.

• High in protein: One cup of cottage cheese has about 25 grams of protein, which means this recipe transforms dessert into a balanced, filling snack.
• Creamy texture: Once blended, cottage cheese becomes silky smooth, almost like cream cheese. That makes it the perfect base for a frozen treat.
• Mild flavor: Cottage cheese has a neutral taste that pairs beautifully with fruit, honey, and other add-ins.
• Nutrient-dense: In addition to protein, it’s a good source of calcium, B vitamins, and essential amino acids.

The end result doesn’t taste like cottage cheese at all—it tastes like soft, fruity ice cream, only with a lot more staying power.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how simple and forgiving it is. Here’s the basic lineup:

• 2 cups 2% cottage cheese – 2% is perfect for creaminess without being overly rich, but you can use full-fat for an extra-indulgent scoop.
• 1 cup fruit of choice – Fresh or frozen both work. Think strawberries, blueberries, peaches, mango, or even cherries.
• 1–3 tablespoons honey – Adjust based on your sweetness preference. Maple syrup or agave nectar also work as substitutes.

Optional add-ins:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors.
• 1 banana – Creates an even creamier texture and natural sweetness. Great if you’re using tart fruit like raspberries.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Blend Until Smooth

Add cottage cheese, fruit, honey, and any optional add-ins to a high-powered blender or food processor. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy. This usually takes 1–2 minutes.

Tip: If you’re using frozen fruit, let it thaw slightly before blending to avoid stressing your blender.

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Step 2: Freeze the Mixture

Pour the smooth mixture into a freezer-safe container. A loaf pan works well—just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent freezer burn. Place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until it reaches ice cream consistency.

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Step 3: Scoop and Serve

Once frozen, remove from the freezer. For easier scooping, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes, or run your ice cream scoop under warm water before dipping. Scoop into bowls, add your favorite toppings, and dig in!

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Toppings & Mix-Ins

This recipe is delicious as-is, but toppings can take it to the next level. Here are some ideas:

• Fresh fruit – Sliced bananas, strawberries, blueberries, or peaches.
• Crunchy add-ins – Crushed nuts, granola, or cacao nibs.
• Sauces – A drizzle of peanut butter, almond butter, or dark chocolate syrup.
• Spices – A sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom.
• Protein boost – Stir in a scoop of protein powder before freezing to supercharge the nutrition.

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Flavor Variations

Think of this recipe as a blank canvas—you can play around with flavors endlessly. Here are some fun variations:

• Strawberry Banana: Use strawberries as your fruit and add one ripe banana before blending.
• Mango Lassi-Inspired: Blend in mango, vanilla, and a pinch of cardamom.
• Chocolate Cherry: Add cocoa powder and cherries for a rich twist.
• Blueberry Cheesecake: Mix in blueberries and a splash of vanilla, then swirl in crushed graham crackers before freezing (for those who aren’t strictly low-carb).
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Add a spoonful of peanut butter to the base and swirl in before freezing.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy alternative – High in protein, lower in sugar, and packed with nutrients.
• Minimal ingredients – Just three essentials, plus endless variations.
• Budget-friendly – Cottage cheese and fruit are inexpensive compared to store-bought protein ice creams.
• Kid-friendly – A fun way to sneak extra protein into a treat.
• Customizable – Works with nearly any fruit and plenty of add-ins.

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Tips for Success

• Use a high-powered blender. For the creamiest texture, you want everything blended super smooth.
• Taste before freezing. Adjust sweetness at this stage—it’s easier to add more honey now than later.
• Don’t over-freeze. Four to six hours is the sweet spot. Left too long, it may get icy, but you can always thaw slightly before serving.
• Batch prep. Make a few containers with different fruit flavors so you always have a healthy dessert option on hand.

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Storing & Serving

Homemade cottage cheese ice cream keeps in the freezer for up to 1 week, though it’s best eaten within the first few days for optimal texture. Always let it soften for a few minutes before scooping to avoid icy hardness.

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The Nutrition Advantage

Compared to traditional ice cream, which can be heavy in sugar and fat with little protein, this recipe flips the script:

• Protein-packed: Thanks to cottage cheese, each serving contains around 12–15 grams of protein.
• Balanced sweetness: You control the amount of honey or sweetener, so it’s not overly sugary.
• Better satiety: Protein helps keep you full, making it harder to overindulge compared to standard ice cream.

It’s not just dessert—it can double as a snack, post-workout treat, or even a breakfast option with the right toppings.

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Final Thoughts

This cottage cheese protein ice cream is proof that healthy desserts don’t have to be boring or complicated. With just a few ingredients, you can transform a humble tub of cottage cheese into something creamy, sweet, and totally satisfying.

It’s perfect for hot summer days, but honestly, I enjoy it year-round. Once you try it, you’ll see why this recipe has gone viral among health-conscious foodies—it’s easy, delicious, and adaptable to almost any flavor craving.

So next time you’re tempted to grab a pint of store-bought ice cream, give this version a try instead. Your taste buds (and your body) will thank you.