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A rich, creamy, high‑protein ice cream made with cottage cheese, cocoa, maple syrup and a swirl of softened peanut butter. Ready in about two hours, this healthier alternative to traditional ice cream is perfect for a quick dessert or a topping for brownies.
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Everything you need to know about this recipe
Cottage cheese ice cream is a modern twist on the classic "no‑churn" ice cream movement that gained popularity in the United States during the early 2000s as home cooks sought healthier, high‑protein alternatives to traditional dairy‑heavy ice creams.
It blends familiar American flavors—chocolate, peanut butter, and maple syrup—with a protein‑rich base, reflecting the current trend of nutritious indulgence in U.S. home cooking.
In the Midwest, dairy‑rich “quark” or “farmer’s cheese” ice creams have been made for generations, while the South often incorporates sweetened condensed milk. Cottage cheese ice cream is a contemporary, low‑sugar adaptation of these regional dairy desserts.
It’s popular for casual gatherings, post‑workout snacks, and family movie nights, and it’s increasingly served at health‑focused potlucks and birthday celebrations as a lighter alternative to traditional ice cream.
Authentic ingredients include cottage cheese, unsweetened cocoa, maple syrup or honey, and natural vanilla. Acceptable substitutes are Greek yogurt or ricotta for the cheese, agave nectar for maple syrup, and almond butter for peanut butter.
It pairs beautifully with gluten‑free brownies, warm apple crisp, or a slice of banana bread, offering a contrast of warm baked goods and cool, protein‑rich ice cream.
Its combination of high protein from cottage cheese, natural sweetness from maple syrup, and indulgent chocolate‑peanut butter swirls delivers a dessert that feels indulgent yet aligns with modern health‑conscious eating trends.
Common mistakes include under‑blending the cottage cheese (resulting in grainy texture), freezing for too short a time (ice cream stays soft), and adding peanut butter after the base has begun to set, which causes separation.
A food processor quickly purees the cottage cheese into a smooth base without the need for churning, making the recipe faster, equipment‑light, and accessible for home cooks without an ice cream machine.
The YouTube channel Gentle Tummy focuses on nutritious, easy‑to‑make recipes that cater to families and health‑conscious eaters, often highlighting high‑protein, low‑sugar alternatives to classic comfort foods.
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