Granola Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

by David

Creamy granola cottage cheese ice cream in a bowl topped with maple syrup, granola, and fresh berries.

Have you seen the latest viral food trend taking over social media? It’s all about creating delicious, high-protein ice cream with an unexpected ingredient: cottage cheese! This Granola Cottage Cheese Ice Cream recipe delivers a creamy, satisfying treat that’s incredibly easy to make. You can whip up this amazing dessert in minutes, then let your freezer do the rest. Get ready for a guilt-free indulgence that’s bursting with customizable flavor and a delightful crunch.

Creamy granola cottage cheese ice cream in a bowl topped with maple syrup, granola, and fresh berries.
Granola Cottage Cheese Ice Cream. a creamy, high-protein dessert made with cottage cheese, peanut butter, and crunchy granola for a guilt-free indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Granola Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

You’ll quickly fall in love with this unique frozen dessert for so many reasons:

  • High in Protein: It keeps you feeling full and satisfied, making it a smart snack choice.
  • Minimal Ingredients Needed: You likely have most items in your pantry already.
  • Quick and Easy to Make: Simply blend and freeze – no ice cream maker required!
  • Perfect for Summer: Enjoy a refreshing, cool treat on hot days.
  • Customizable with Favorite Toppings: Easily adapt it to your taste preferences.
  • Delicious and Satisfying: This creamy Granola Cottage Cheese Ice Cream will surprise and delight you with its taste.
Creamy granola cottage cheese ice cream in a bowl topped with maple syrup, granola, and fresh berries.

Granola Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

A creamy, high-protein frozen treat made from blended cottage cheese, maple syrup, peanut butter, and vanilla, then mixed with crunchy granola. It’s a surprisingly delicious and healthy alternative to traditional ice cream.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 240 kcal

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • loaf pan

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cottage cheese
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp peanut butter
  • ½ tsp vanilla
  • pinch of sea salt
  • ½ cup granola

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Combine cottage cheese, maple syrup, peanut butter, vanilla, and sea salt in a food processor and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  • Gently stir in the granola until it is well incorporated into the creamy mixture.
  • Pour the entire mixture evenly into a standard loaf pan.
  • Freeze the mixture for approximately 3-4 hours until it is fully set. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping.

Notes

For the best texture, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
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Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delightful Granola Cottage Cheese Ice Cream. This recipe yields approximately two generous servings.

2 cups cottage cheese

¼ cup maple syrup

2 tbsp peanut butter

½ tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of sea salt

½ cup granola

Notes & Substitutions

  • Cottage Cheese: For the creamiest texture, use full-fat cottage cheese. Low-fat varieties work too, but the result might be slightly icier.
  • Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener provides a lovely depth of flavor. Feel free to substitute with honey or agave nectar for similar results.
  • Peanut Butter: It adds richness and a protein boost. Almond butter or cashew butter are excellent alternatives if you prefer a different nutty flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: A good quality vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors. Do not skip this!
  • Sea Salt: Just a tiny pinch brightens the sweet notes and balances the overall taste perfectly.
  • Granola: Granola is crucial for that wonderful textural contrast. Use your favorite store-bought variety, or try a homemade version for extra flavor.

Equipment

You don’t need fancy gadgets to make this simple recipe.

  • Food processor or blender: Essential for achieving a smooth, creamy base.
  • Standard loaf pan (or freezer-safe container): For freezing your creation.
  • Spatula: Useful for mixing and transferring the mixture.
  • Freezer space: To chill your delicious treat until firm.

Instructions

Making Granola Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for a perfect frozen dessert every time.

Step 1: Blend the Base

Add cottage cheese, maple syrup, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt to your food processor. Process the mixture until it becomes completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure everything combines thoroughly. You want the texture to be uniform, with no cottage cheese curds visible. This smooth base is key to delicious cottage cheese ice cream.

Step 2: Incorporate Granola

Once your base is silky smooth, transfer it to a mixing bowl. Gently fold in the ½ cup of granola by hand using a spatula. Mix until the granola is evenly distributed throughout the creamy cottage cheese mixture. This step ensures you get a delightful crunch in every bite of your Granola Cottage Cheese Ice Cream.

Step 3: Freeze to Perfection

Pour the entire mixture into a standard loaf pan or any freezer-safe container. Smooth the top with your spatula. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent ice crystals from forming on the surface. Place it in the freezer for approximately 3-4 hours, or until the Granola Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is firm enough to scoop.

Step 4: Scoop and Serve

When you are ready to enjoy your treat, remove the pan from the freezer. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to soften slightly. This makes scooping much easier. Scoop generous portions of your homemade Granola Cottage Cheese Ice Cream into bowls or cones. Feel free to add optional garnishes like fresh fruit or a drizzle of extra maple syrup.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Follow these tips for the best results, and easily troubleshoot common issues.

  • Achieving Creamiest Texture: Always opt for full-fat cottage cheese when possible. It provides a richer, smoother base.
  • Preventing Ice Crystals: Blend your cottage cheese mixture until it is exceptionally smooth. Cover your container tightly before freezing to lock out air.
  • Too Hard After Freezing: Simply let your frozen treat sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping. It will soften beautifully.
  • Flavor Boosts: Enhance the flavor by adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the base mixture before blending.
  • Meal Prep Hack: Divide the blended mixture into single-serving containers before freezing. This makes portion control and quick snacks super easy.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Get creative with how you serve and store your delightful Granola Cottage Cheese Ice Cream.

  • Serving Suggestions: Top your scoops with fresh berries, sliced banana, an extra sprinkle of granola, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or even a dollop of whipped cream.
  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer. This prevents freezer burn and keeps it fresh.
  • Shelf Life: For the best taste and texture, enjoy your homemade Granola Cottage Cheese Ice Cream within 1-2 weeks.
  • Flavor Variations:
    • Chocolate Lovers: Blend in a tablespoon of cocoa powder and stir in chocolate chips or a chocolate swirl before freezing.
    • Fruity Twist: Add a handful of fresh or frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) to the food processor with the cottage cheese base.
    • Nutty Crunch: Mix in chopped pecans, walnuts, or even toasted coconut flakes along with the granola for added texture and flavor.
    • Spiced Delight: For an autumn feel, blend in a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or extra cinnamon.

Nutrition

Here is the nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious treat:

NutrientAmount
Serving Size1 cup
Calories278 kcal
Carbohydrates29 g
Protein15 g
Fat11 g
Saturated Fat3 g
Cholesterol18 mg
Sodium566 mg
Fiber1 g
Sugar19 g
Unsaturated Fat6 g
Vitamin A147 IU
Vitamin C0.01 mg
Calcium126 mg
Iron1 mg
Potassium260 mg

According to WebMD, cottage cheese is celebrated for its high protein content and other essential nutrients that promote overall health.

FAQ

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers about this incredible frozen dessert.

How to Store Granola Cottage Cheese Ice Cream?

Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks for optimal freshness.

Why Is My Cottage Cheese Ice Cream So Hard?

It just needs 5-10 minutes at room temperature to soften slightly before you scoop it.

Can You Freeze Blended Cottage Cheese?

Yes, absolutely! Blended cottage cheese freezes very well, maintaining a wonderfully creamy texture.

Is Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Healthy?

It’s a great option because it is higher in protein and lower in fat (especially if you use low-fat cottage cheese) than traditional ice cream, often with no refined sugar.

Do I Need an Ice Cream Maker?

No, you do not! This recipe is designed to be easily made without any special ice cream equipment.

What Kind of Granola Works Best?

Any type of granola works beautifully in this recipe, whether it’s homemade or your favorite store-bought variety.

Conclusion

This Granola Cottage Cheese Ice Cream truly redefines easy, high-protein desserts. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a deliciously creamy texture with a satisfying crunch. Enjoy a guilt-free treat that’s perfect for any time of year and incredibly versatile. Give this recipe a try today; you might just discover your new favorite way to cool down! We love hearing from you, so share your delicious creations and favorite variations in the comments below!

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