This creamy cottage cheese peanut butter ice cream is a tasty treat you can whip up without an ice cream maker! It’s smooth, rich, and packed with peanut butter goodness.
I love how this recipe is both easy and healthy—perfect for a sweet snack. Just blend the ingredients, freeze, and enjoy! It’s like having dessert without the guilt!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese is key for a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, try silken tofu—it blends smoothly and mimics that creamy feel.
Bananas: Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can substitute with unsweetened applesauce for a similar consistency.
Peanut Butter: I love creamy peanut butter for its smooth texture. You can swap it with almond butter or sun butter if you prefer a different nut flavor or need a nut-free option.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa adds a rich chocolate flavor. For a sweeter option, try using a chocolate protein powder instead if you want extra nutrition.
Sweeteners: Honey or maple syrup works well, but feel free to use agave syrup or a sugar substitute like stevia if you’re watching your sugar intake.
How Do You Achieve the Creamiest Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker?
The key to smooth ice cream lies in how you blend your ingredients. Start by freezing your bananas well, as they create a creamy base. When you’re ready to blend, make sure all ingredients are combined well, and don’t rush the blending process. You want everything to be silky smooth.
- Pre-freeze your bananas and cube them for easier blending.
- Blend on high speed and scrape down the sides of your blender/processor to mix thoroughly.
- Adjust texture with milk only as needed to keep it creamy.
Letting the ice cream sit out for a few minutes before serving helps make scooping easier, giving it just the right softness!
How to Make Creamy Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based), if needed for blending smoothness
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious ice cream should take about 10 minutes of prep time and around 2-3 hours in the freezer to reach that perfect ice cream texture. Just freeze the bananas ahead of time, and you’ll be enjoying this creamy treat in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bananas:
Start by peeling the ripe bananas and cutting them into chunks. Place the banana pieces in a freezer-safe container and freeze until they’re solid, which takes at least 2 hours or you can do it overnight. This step is key for a creamy texture.
2. Blend It All Together:
Once your bananas are frozen, grab a high-speed blender or a food processor. Add in the frozen banana chunks, cottage cheese, peanut butter, cocoa powder, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until everything is smooth and creamy. If your mixture is too thick, add a little milk, just a bit at a time, to help it blend.
3. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste your mixture. If you want it sweeter or more peanut buttery, feel free to adjust by adding more honey or peanut butter to your liking. Blend again to combine any additions.
4. Freeze the Mixture:
Next, transfer the blended mixture into a freezer-safe container. Spread it out evenly and pop it in the freezer for about 2-3 hours, until it reaches a firm and ice cream-like texture.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy your ice cream, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. This will make scooping easier. Once it’s softened just a bit, scoop it into bowls and share—or keep it all to yourself!
This creamy cottage cheese peanut butter ice cream is packed with flavor and protein, making it a guilt-free dessert. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ about Creamy Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Can I Use Non-Dairy Alternatives?
Absolutely! If you want a dairy-free version, substitute the cottage cheese with silken tofu for creaminess. You can also use almond or coconut milk in place of regular milk if needed.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer your ice cream sweeter, simply add more honey or maple syrup a tablespoon at a time during the blending process. Taste along the way until it’s just right for you!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. If it becomes too hard, let it sit out for a few minutes before scooping to soften it up again.
Can I Use Other Nut Butters?
Definitely! Feel free to substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Just make sure to choose a variety you enjoy!
