Ingredients You Will Need
To make this delicious high protein ice cream, you will need to gather a few simple items from your local grocery store. Make sure you choose a good quality cottage cheese because it is the star of the show.
- Two cups of full fat cottage cheese
- Four tablespoons of raw honey or pure maple syrup
- One teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- One scoop of your favorite vanilla or chocolate protein powder
- Half a cup of fresh or frozen strawberries
- Two tablespoons of dark chocolate chips
- One tablespoon of creamy almond butter or peanut butter
- A pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness
Step by Step Method
Follow these easy steps to create the smoothest high protein ice cream you have ever tasted in your life. Even if you are not a pro in the kitchen, these instructions will help you get it right every single time.
First, you need to take your two cups of cottage cheese and place them into a high speed blender or a food processor. It is very important to use a powerful blender so that you can break down all the small curds of the cheese until the mixture is completely smooth and looks like heavy cream.
Next, add your choice of sweetener such as honey or maple syrup along with the vanilla extract and the protein powder. If you want a specific flavor like chocolate, this is the time to add a tablespoon of cocoa powder as well. Blend everything again on a high setting for about thirty seconds until the color is even and the texture is silky.
Once the base is ready, you can fold in your extra ingredients like the chocolate chips or the crushed strawberries using a spoon. Do not blend these if you want to have nice chunks of texture in your ice cream.
Pour the entire mixture into a shallow container or a loaf pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Cover the container with a lid or some plastic wrap to prevent any ice crystals from forming on the top of your dessert while it sits in the cold.
Place the container in the freezer for about two to four hours. It is a good idea to take it out every thirty minutes and give it a quick stir with a fork or a spoon to keep it from getting too hard and to maintain that creamy consistency we all love.
When you are ready to eat, let the container sit on the counter for about five or ten minutes so it softens up just a little bit. This makes it much easier to scoop out into a bowl or onto a cone.
Why This Recipe Is Special
This recipe is special because it changes the game for anyone who thinks eating healthy is difficult or expensive. The main benefit is the massive amount of protein you get in every single serving which helps keep you full for a longer period of time compared to regular sugary snacks. Unlike traditional ice cream which is mostly empty calories, this version provides essential vitamins and minerals like calcium and phosphorus which are great for bone health.
The taste is also surprisingly good because the cottage cheese provides a slight tanginess that is very similar to cheesecake or frozen yogurt. It is a great way to hide a high protein food from picky eaters or children who might not like the texture of cottage cheese on its own. By blending it, you completely remove the chunky texture and leave behind only the creamy goodness. It is also very affordable to make since cottage cheese is usually much cheaper than buying specialty high protein ice cream brands at the supermarket.
Extra Tips for Better Taste
If you want to take your high protein ice cream to the next level, try adding some crushed graham crackers on top to give it a cheesecake vibe. This adds a nice crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth ice cream.
Another great tip is to use frozen fruit instead of fresh fruit if you want a thicker consistency right out of the blender. Frozen bananas are especially good because they add a natural sweetness and even more creaminess to the final product.
You can also experiment with different extracts such as almond extract or peppermint extract to create unique flavor profiles for different seasons of the year. Adding a swirl of caramel or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before serving can make this simple home recipe feel like a gourmet dessert from a fancy restaurant.
