Creamy and Delicious: How to Make Protein Ice Cream at Home
Ice cream and protein aren't two terms you'd often put together, right? Yet, this delicious, creamy treat is an indulgent ice cream packed with protein. If you've been looking for an ice cream that's not just sweet but also healthful, this recipe is about to become your new favorite.
Creamy and Delicious: How to Make Protein Ice Cream at Home
Why I Love This Recipe:
I love this recipe because it is high in protein. The cottage cheese is filled with good fats, so it makes for a really creamy ice cream base. It is also pretty bland and a little salty, so it resembles cheesecake when you blend it.
The best part of this recipe is how versatile it is: you can add on any flavor, and it will be delicious! Plus, whipping it up is super easy with just a few ingredients.
It's the perfect go-to when you're craving something sweet without the artificial sweeteners or added extras you find in store-bought high-protein ice creams. It has a ton of protein & it can be a great snack when you have a sweet tooth. And because you are making this yourself at home, you can decide just how sweet you want it to be!
Protein Ice Cream Ingredients
16 oz cottage cheese, I used @good_culture
1-2 cups fruit of choice, I used strawberries
1/4 cup sweetener, I used @madhavafoods agave
1/2 cup chocolate chips, I used a chopped-up @nutsolaofficial bar
How to Make Protein Ice Cream
Start by blending the cottage cheese, sweetener, and fruit of your choice in a blender until it becomes smooth. This will create the creamy base of your protein ice cream.
Once blended, stir in the chocolate chips or any other mix-ins you desire. Get creative with your flavors and textures!
Transfer the mixture to a container suitable for freezing. Make sure to use full-fat cottage cheese for a creamier and less icy texture.
Place the container in the freezer for a few hours to allow the ice cream to firm up. I recommend checking on it after 2 hours and giving it a quick mix to prevent it from becoming too solid.
After a few hours of chilling, your homemade protein ice cream is ready to be enjoyed! Scoop it out into bowls or cones and savor the creamy goodness.
If you over-freeze the ice cream and it becomes too hard to scoop, leave it out on the counter for about 30 minutes to thaw slightly.
Feel free to experiment with different flavors by adding fruits, peanut butter, and chocolate chips.
Tips
Choose full fat: Always choose full-fat cottage cheese for that creamy texture. It offers more fat and ensures your ice cream is less icy upon freezing. My personal favorite is Good Culture 4% cottage cheese.
Stay organic: Whenever possible, I prefer to go organic. It's a personal preference, but I feel it gives a richer taste.
Freeze only a few hours: Making enough ice cream to consume soon is key because it becomes too hard to scoop if left overnight. My trick? Freeze for 2 hours, give it a mix, and pop it back in. Think of it more like "chilling" than freezing. If it's been left frozen for too long, just let it sit out for about 30 minutes to soften up. It's always better when it's chilled, not rock solid.
Play with the flavors: Here's where you can get creative. Blend some of the flavors directly into your base and stir the rest afterward. This gives you an exciting play of textures. Think of it like how they mix it up at Cold Stone Creamery!
Flavor Variations
Fresh Fruit:
Try adding any fruit like mangoes or bananas for a tropical twist.
Peanut Butter Cup:
Make it a delicious peanut butter cup flavor by stirring in peanut butter and chocolate chips. You can use any type of nut butter and even add a frozen banana for a Peanut Butter Banana version.
Cookies and Cream:
Check out my super easy cookies and cream chocolate cream sandwich cookies recipe.
Mint Chocolate Chip:
Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the base and stir in dark chocolate chips. It's a refreshing and classic combination.
Salted Caramel Pretzel:
Stir in some caramel sauce and crushed pretzels into the base for a sweet and salty treat.
Chocolate Raspberry:
Add cocoa powder to the base for a rich chocolate flavor, and fold in fresh raspberries for a tart and sweet combination.
FAQ
Does this recipe use protein powder?
No, this recipe does not use protein powder. The protein in this ice cream comes from cottage cheese, which is naturally high in protein. Enjoy the creamy texture and protein-packed goodness without the need for any additional powders!
What are the main ingredients in Protein Ice Cream?
The main ingredients in this protein ice cream recipe are cottage cheese, fruit of choice, and a sweetener. The cottage cheese is the base of the ice cream and provides protein, while the fruit adds flavor and sweetness. The sweetener is used to improve the overall taste, but you can opt out for an unsweetened version.
How many grams of protein are in a serving of Protein Ice Cream?
In this protein ice cream recipe, you can expect to be getting around 14 grams of protein per serving. This delicious treat is a simple and quick option to pack in that protein for the day!
What are the benefits of eating Protein Ice Cream?
There are several benefits to eating protein ice cream. Its high protein content means it's a great way to increase your protein intake. Plus, this recipe is a great source of healthy fats, which are essential to your diet. Making this protein ice cream at home means fewer artificial ingredients, too!
Is Protein Ice Cream a healthier option than regular ice cream?
This protein ice cream recipe is higher in protein and lower in sugar than regular ice cream and can be a great choice if you want to increase your protein intake. Additionally, protein ice cream often contains fewer artificial additives and sweeteners compared to store-bought options.
Protein Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 16 oz cottage cheese
- 1-2 cups fruit of choice
- 1/4 cup sweetener
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Blend the cottage cheese, sweetener, and fruit until it’s smooth.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Place it in the freezer for 3-4 hours, then enjoy!
