This creamy ice cream blends cottage cheese and peanut butter for a smooth treat that’s healthier than traditional ice cream. Plus, it’s super easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Use small curd for a slightly chunky texture or smooth for a creamier result. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try silken tofu instead; it blends beautifully and maintains creaminess.
Bananas: Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and a creamy texture. If bananas aren’t your thing, you can swap with ripe avocados for creaminess or even use unsweetened applesauce for a different flavor.
Peanut Butter: Both creamy and chunky varieties work well. If you prefer a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter or almond butter are great substitutes that keep the same delicious peanut flavor profile.
Cocoa Powder: This adds a rich chocolate flavor. You can replace it with carob powder or omit it for plain peanut butter ice cream—still delicious!
Sweeteners: If you want to reduce sugar, consider using ripe bananas alone or a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol.
How Do I Get a Creamy Texture in My Ice Cream?
Getting a creamy texture is all about blending and freezing correctly. You want to blend the ingredients until they’re silky smooth. If your mix is too thick, don’t hesitate to add milk, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. This helps it freeze better!
- Use ripe bananas—they’re sweeter and creamier.
- Blending for at least one minute helps incorporate air and smoothness.
- For the best texture, freeze the mix in an ice cream maker. Otherwise, remember to stir it every couple of hours while it freezes to break up ice crystals.
Enjoy making this ice cream! It’s a delightful and healthy treat that’s easy to whip up at home.
Easy Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd or smooth)
- 2 ripe bananas (for natural sweetness and creaminess)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky based on preference)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for chocolate flavor)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup milk or almond milk (to adjust blending consistency)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This ice cream takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 4-6 hours to freeze. Just blend the ingredients, pour, and let it chill! The hardest part is waiting for it to freeze!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bananas:
Start by peeling the ripe bananas and cutting them into chunks. You can put the banana pieces directly into your blender. Ripe bananas are best for sweetness!
2. Blend the Ingredients:
In the blender, add the cottage cheese, peanut butter, cocoa powder, honey or maple syrup (if you want it sweeter), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until everything is smooth and creamy. If the mix is too thick, add a little milk or almond milk to help it blend easily!
3. Freeze the Mixture:
Now, pour the blended mixture into a freezer-safe container or an ice cream maker if you have one. Cover and place it in the freezer. Let it freeze for at least 4-6 hours or until firm. For an even creamier texture, give the mixture a good stir every hour or so while it’s freezing!
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s set, scoop out your delicious ice cream into bowls. You can garnish with sliced bananas or some chopped peanuts for a fun crunch. Enjoy your healthy and tasty peanut butter ice cream made with cottage cheese!
This recipe is a great way to indulge without sacrificing health. The combination of creamy cottage cheese, rich peanut butter, and sweet bananas make this ice cream a delightful treat that’s nutritious too!
FAQ for Easy Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Can I Use Frozen Bananas?
Absolutely! Using frozen bananas is great for a thicker, creamier texture. Just peel and slice the bananas before freezing for easier blending later. You can blend them straight from the freezer!
How Should I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
If you have any leftovers, store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It should last about 1-2 weeks. If it becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to soften it up.
Can I Use Other Nut Butters?
Yes! Feel free to swap peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter if you need a nut-free option. Each will give a unique flavor while maintaining that creamy texture!
Can I Sweeten It More?
Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter ice cream, add more honey or maple syrup to your taste. You can also consider using a sugar substitute like stevia for a lower-calorie option.
