This refreshing Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a tasty treat that’s high in protein and low in carbs! It’s made with creamy cottage cheese and sweet strawberries, making it both healthy and delicious.
Making it is a breeze! Just blend the ingredients together and freeze. I love how guilt-free this dessert feels, so I can enjoy seconds without a worry! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the heart of the recipe. You can choose either full fat for creaminess or low fat if you’re watching calories. I lean towards full fat for a richer texture.
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh is best for the flavor! However, if strawberries are out of season, you could use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first.
Heavy Cream or Coconut Cream: Both options add richness. If you’re avoiding dairy, coconut cream is a great choice! It’s creamy with a hint of coconut flavor. Regular cream gives a classic taste.
Sweetener: There are many alternatives! I often use erythritol for its mild sweetness without calories. Stevia is another good option, but some find it leaves an aftertaste. Adjust based on your preference!
Lemon Juice: This is optional but adds a nice zing that enhances the strawberry flavor. If you don’t have fresh lemons, a splash of bottled lemon juice works in a pinch.
How Can I Ensure Smooth, Creamy Ice Cream?
Blending the mixture well is key for a creamy texture. Use a good blender or food processor, and blend until everything is smooth. Don’t rush this step; the better blended, the creamier the result!
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before blending. It helps them mix better.
- Empty any chunks of fruit or undissolved sweetener; everything should be fully integrated.
- Stir the mixture every hour while freezing. This breaks up ice crystals, keeping your ice cream soft and fluffy!
Delicious Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat or low fat, as preferred)
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for creaminess)
- 2-3 tbsp sweetener of choice (erythritol, stevia, monk fruit, or sugar if not strict low carb)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp lemon juice (optional, to enhance strawberry flavor)
Optional Garnishes:
- Crumble of biscuits or low carb crumble topping (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful ice cream takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll also need to freeze it for at least 4 hours to get that perfect scoopable texture. After prep, just a little bit of patience is required while it chills in the freezer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend the Base:
Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a blender or food processor, add the cottage cheese, chopped strawberries, heavy cream (or coconut cream), sweetener, vanilla extract, and lemon juice if you’re using it. Blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no chunks of strawberry left – we want a lovely, even texture!
2. Taste and Adjust:
Once blended, taste your mixture. If you think it needs a little more sweetness, feel free to add more sweetener and blend again briefly until it’s well combined.
3. Freeze the Mixture:
Transfer the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Make sure to spread it out evenly. Then, pop it in the freezer for at least 4 hours. To keep your ice cream nice and smooth, stir the mixture every hour. This will help prevent ice crystals from forming, giving you that creamy texture we all love!
4. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy your ice cream, take it out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly. Scoop the ice cream into bowls and garnish with extra fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of crumbled biscuits or low carb crumble if you like. Serve immediately and dig into your delicious high-protein, low-carb treat!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before blending to avoid extra water in your ice cream.
What Sweeteners Can I Use?
You have many options! Erythritol and monk fruit are great low-carb choices. Stevia works too, but be cautious with the amount since it can be much sweeter than sugar. Adjust to your taste!
How Long Can I Store This Ice Cream?
Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Just remember, it might become quite hard, so let it sit out for a few minutes before scooping again!
Can I Add Other Fruits?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other berries like blueberries or raspberries, or even add banana for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that different fruits may alter the texture slightly, so aim for similar water content.
