Name: Berry Bliss Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups full-fat cottage cheese; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen); Optional: 1 tsp lemon zest or 1 tbsp lemon juice; Optional toppings: dark chocolate chips, granola, or extra berries

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cottage cheese ice cream is smooth, rich, and surprisingly satisfying—without any cream or eggs. Packed with protein, it’s a perfect post-workout dessert or midday snack. The burst of berry flavor and creamy consistency make it a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t taste “healthy.” Plus, it’s easy to customize and requires just a blender and freezer—no ice cream maker needed.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Full-fat cottage cheese
Honey or maple syrup
Vanilla extract
Mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
Optional: lemon zest or juice for brightness
Optional: dark chocolate chips or granola for topping

Directions

In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
Add in the mixed berries and blend again until well incorporated. For a more textured ice cream, blend partially and stir in whole berries.
Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Pour the mixture into a loaf pan or freezer-safe container.
Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly.
Scoop into bowls or cones, and top with optional mix-ins like chocolate chips, granola, or extra berries.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Freeze time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Variations

Tropical Twist: Swap berries for pineapple and mango for a tropical flavor.
Chocolate Berry Swirl: Add cocoa powder or chocolate syrup to half the mixture before freezing, then swirl the two layers together.
High-Fiber Boost: Mix in chia seeds or flaxseed for added nutrition.
Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based cottage cheese and maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version.
Berry Parfait: Layer the ice cream with granola and fresh berries for a frozen parfait.

Storage/Reheating

Store the ice cream in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 weeks.
For best texture, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before scooping.
Do not refreeze once fully thawed, as the texture may change.

FAQs

Does cottage cheese really work in ice cream?

Yes! When blended, cottage cheese becomes smooth and creamy. It adds protein and a thick, velvety texture similar to traditional ice cream.

Can I use frozen berries?

Absolutely. Frozen berries blend well and help create a thicker, more frozen texture right from the start.

How sweet is this ice cream?

It’s mildly sweet. You can adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to suit your taste preference.

Is this ice cream high in protein?

Yes, cottage cheese is naturally high in protein, making this a great option for a more filling dessert or snack.

What if I don’t like the taste of cottage cheese?

Blending it with vanilla and berries masks the tanginess. Most people can’t even tell it’s made with cottage cheese once it’s frozen and flavored.

Can I use low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese?

You can, but the texture and flavor will be less creamy and rich. Full-fat yields the best results.

Can I add other fruits?

Definitely. Try peaches, cherries, bananas, or any fruit you love.

Does it need an ice cream maker?

Nope! This is a no-churn recipe that sets in the freezer.

How do I prevent it from getting too hard?

Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping. You can also stir in a tablespoon of vodka before freezing to help keep it scoopable.

Can I add mix-ins?

Yes. Chocolate chips, granola, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut make great mix-ins for added flavor and crunch.

Conclusion

Berry Bliss Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a delicious and nutritious way to satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your health goals. With its creamy texture, vibrant berry flavor, and easy prep, it’s a smart dessert choice that doesn’t sacrifice indulgence. Try it once, and it just might become your new favorite frozen treat.