What better time to indulge in ice cream than the hot days of summer which happens to include National Ice Cream Month? If you tend to steer clear from the treat that’s sweet, creamy and incredibly dreamy because you think it’s unhealthy, this little tidbit and ingredient might change your mind! Cottage cheese may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of ice cream, but rest assured, it’s a game-changer with its rich and velvety texture, along with a tangy kick that sets it apart from traditional ice cream. And that’s not all, incorporating cottage cheese into your frozen treat brings nutritional benefits by being packed with protein, calcium and vitamins making it a wholesome choice for dessert lovers of all ages. Go ahead and unleash the power of cottage cheese and take your taste buds on an icy adventure filled with savings, nutrition and explosions of flavor!
First for the fun facts:
Cottage cheese is more affordable compared to many other dairy products such as heavy cream or cream cheese.
By using cottage cheese as a creamy base, you can cut down on the cost with no need for additional milk or cream.
Instead of sugar crashes from traditional ice cream, subbing cottage cheese takes more energy to digest than carbohydrates, which keep you feeling full longer while also providing longer-lasting energy.
This surprise ingredient adds protein that builds muscle.
Cottage cheese is a healthier option compared to traditional recipes. Since it’s lower in fat, you can indulge in guilt-free enjoyment without giving up flavor. This means you can have your ice cream and eat it too, all while keeping your wallet happy.
Cottage cheese has a neutral taste that makes it perfect as a mix-in, allowing you to experiment and create different combinations of unique frozen concoctions at home.
Making your own ice cream at home is already a budget-friendly choice. By creating your own cottage cheese ice cream, which “plays well with others” in the taste department, you can save a significant amount of money by combining many tasty items already on hand.
Homemade ice cream lets you control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and tastier treat for your family.
Embrace summer by trying out some delicious cottage cheese ice cream recipes like these:
Berry Bonanza
Ingredients
2 cups cottage cheese
1 cup of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
-Blend the cottage cheese, mixed berries, honey (or maple syrup) and vanilla extract until smooth.
-Pour the mixture into an ice cream freezer and churn away!
-When it reaches the desired consistency, enjoy!
-Transfer leftovers (if there are any) into a freezer-safe container and store in your freezer.
Choco-Nut Extravaganza
Ingredients
2 cups cottage cheese
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or your favorites)
1/2 cup honey or agave syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
-Blend cottage cheese, cocoa powder, chopped nuts, honey (or agave syrup) and vanilla extract until smooth.
-Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to freezer directions.
-Transfer into a container and sprinkle extra chopped nuts on top for an extra crunch.
-Freeze until hardened.
Zesty Lemon Swirl
Ingredients
2 cups cottage cheese
Zest and juice of 2 lemons
1/2 cup sugar (or sweetener of choice)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
-Blend cottage cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, heavy cream and vanilla until it reaches a smooth consistency.
-Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and freeze per freezer directions.
-Transfer into a container and gently swirl with a spoon.
-Freeze until solid.