Cottage Cheese Ice Cream: Keto-Friendly Treat?

Cottage cheese ice cream is a viral trend that has taken TikTok and social media by storm. This frozen dessert is made with cottage cheese as the main ingredient, blended with other ingredients to create a creamy texture and sweet taste. The ice cream is popular among those on a keto diet as it is a low-carb, high-protein, sugar-free, and low-calorie treat. It is also customisable and can be made with various mix-ins such as fresh or frozen fruit, cookies, or nuts.

Cottage cheese ice cream recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (16 oz) full-fat cottage cheese
• 2 tablespoons of a sweetener of your choice (e.g. honey, maple syrup)
• 1/2 cup of add-ins (e.g. peanut butter, chocolate chips, fruit)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)

Method:

• Add the cottage cheese and sweetener to a food processor or high-speed blender.
• Blend until smooth and creamy.
• Add any additional ingredients (e.g. peanut butter, fruit) and blend again.
• For add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts that you want to keep crunchy, stir them into the mixture by hand.
• Transfer the mixture to a freezer-friendly container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until frozen.
• Remove from the freezer and let it thaw for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• For a creamier texture, add a banana or some cashews to the mixture before blending.
• To avoid ice crystals forming, stir the mixture every hour during the first 4 hours of freezing.
• If you have an ice cream maker, you can churn the mixture after blending for a softer, creamier texture.
• This recipe is highly customisable and can be adapted to include different flavours and add-ins.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 200-300
• Carbohydrates: 25-40g
• Protein: 15-25g
• Fat: 5-20g

Keto-friendly ingredients

The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat restrictive diet that offers many health benefits. It is more popular than ever, with more and more keto-friendly products on the market. Here are some keto-friendly ingredients to help you navigate the fascinating world of trendy low-carb keto recipes and foods:

• Almond flour: A magical keto staple that creates many low-carb, keto-friendly dessert options and makes it possible to enjoy modified versions of bread, bagels, tortillas, and more.
• Unsweetened almond milk: A great way to make mind-blowingly good smoothies and breakfasts while keeping your oath to the Keto society.
• Avocados: Healthy substitutes for many unhealthy foods (like mayonnaise). Avocado ice cream, in particular, should be a thing even if you don't care about carbs or macros! It's creamy, fudgy, and doesn't come with much guilt.
• Bulletproof coffee: A blend of coffee and healthy fats, including grass-fed butter and MCT. It prevents hunger, provides more energy and mental focus, especially if you tend to skip breakfast.
• Chia seeds: Classified as a superfood, packed with omega-3, fiber, iron, and calcium. Chia seed smoothies or salads are a popular keto-friendly breakfast option.
• Cloud bread: A high-protein bread alternative when you are tired of using lettuce for hamburger buns.
• Coconut flour: Another type of gluten-free flour that makes baking possible for low-carb enthusiasts (and those with gluten allergies).
• Erythritol: One of the keto-friendly sugar substitutes. It has no calories, doesn't cause blood sugar spikes, yet still has 70% of regular sugar's sweetness. You can also bake with it as it's heat-stable.
• Fat bombs: A type of high-fat delicious snack that provides healthy calories and a boost of energy. They can be sweet or savoury, cheesy or chocolatey, snacks, or even replace a meal.
• Veggies: The general rule of thumb is to stick to vegetables that are grown above the ground. Vegetables that grow below the ground, like carrots, potatoes, and sweet potatoes, tend to be high in carbs and should be avoided on keto. Your best bet is to aim for green veggies like lettuce, bok choy, kale, spinach, and collard greens.
• Fruit: Try to limit fruit to one serving a day to manage carbs. Some keto fruit choices include acai berries, strawberries, and kiwi fruit.
• Protein: All meat is keto, but many high-fat enthusiasts go for fattier cuts like pork belly, chicken thighs, and high-fat ground beef. Other top picks for meats, seafood, and vegan protein include fish (trout, mackerel, and salmon), eggs and egg whites (vegetarian), and tempeh.
• Dairy and dairy substitutes: Dairy is a match made in heaven with keto. This delicious, high-fat food group makes the perfect garnish for just about any meal or snack. If you don't eat dairy, "coconut dairy" is about to become your best friend. Enjoy hard cheeses (Parmesan, cheddar, gouda), soft cheeses (cream cheese, mascarpone, brie), and coconut kefir.
• Nuts and seeds: High in fat, protein, and taste. They're a great snack or addition to any keto meal, both savoury and sweet. Try walnuts, coconut, and tahini (sesame seed paste).
• Sauces, fats, and oils: Avoid inflammatory oils such as sunflower and soy. Instead, opt for butter (grass-fed is best), flax seed oil (not for cooking), hemp oil (not for cooking), Worcestershire sauce, creamy salad dressings, vinegar-based dressings, and sugar-free tomato-based sauces (like marinara and salsa).
• Beverages: Juice and soda are off the table, but there are plenty of other delicious low-carb options. Try low-sugar probiotic drinks, tea (ginger, turmeric, or cinnamon), and tequila.
• Cooking and baking ingredients: Celtic or Himalayan pink salt, 85% or higher dark chocolate, and spices (like smoked paprika).

How to make cottage cheese ice cream

Cottage cheese ice cream is a simple, high-protein dessert that can be easily customised to your taste preferences. This recipe uses just a few basic ingredients and does not require an ice cream maker.

Ingredients:

• Cottage cheese (full-fat is recommended for a creamier texture, but low-fat will also work)
• Liquid sweetener (such as maple syrup, honey, or a sugar-free alternative)
• Optional mix-ins (e.g. frozen fruit, peanut butter, chocolate chips, crushed cookies, etc.)
• Banana or cashews (optional, for a richer, creamier texture)

Instructions:

• Add the cottage cheese and liquid sweetener to a blender or food processor. If using banana or cashews, add them as well. Blend until smooth and creamy.
• Fold through any desired mix-ins.
• Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or ice cream pan and cover. Freeze for about 1 hour before serving.
• If not using banana or cashews, be sure to stir the mixture every 30 minutes during the first hour of freezing to prevent icing.
• Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it thaw for 5-10 minutes before scooping and serving.

Tips:

• Choose a good quality, smooth, and creamy cottage cheese with a mild flavour.
• Blend the cottage cheese until completely smooth to avoid any clumps in the final product.
• You can use an ice cream maker if desired for a creamier texture.
• Add a splash of vanilla extract for a subtle, sweet flavour.
• Experiment with different flavours and mix-ins, such as cookies and cream, peanut butter, chocolate chip cookie dough, strawberry cheesecake, or chocolate.

Storing and serving cottage cheese ice cream

Storing Cottage Cheese Ice Cream:

Firstly, it's important to note that cottage cheese ice cream should be stored in an airtight container in the freezer. This will ensure that it remains fresh and prevents freezer burn. You can use a freezer-safe container or a loaf pan, and it's recommended to cover the surface with plastic wrap before sealing to prevent ice crystals from forming.

Cottage cheese ice cream can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks, but it's best to enjoy it within the first week for optimal flavour and texture. If you don't plan on eating it all at once, you can portion it into individual servings before freezing to make it easier to thaw and serve.

Serving Cottage Cheese Ice Cream:

When you're ready to serve the cottage cheese ice cream, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. This will make it easier to scoop and provide a creamier texture. If you've stored it for an extended period, you may need to let it thaw for up to 30 minutes, depending on the depth of your container.

Once it's slightly thawed, use an ice cream scoop to serve the desired amount into bowls or cones. You can get creative with toppings such as fresh fruit, chopped nuts, granola, or a drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce. You can also layer it with other ingredients such as fresh fruit, yogurt, or whipped cream for a parfait-style treat. If you're feeling indulgent, place a scoop between two cookies or waffles for an ice cream sandwich!

Health benefits of cottage cheese ice cream

Cottage cheese ice cream is a delicious and healthy dessert option, especially for those on a keto diet, low-carb diet, or looking to reduce their sugar intake. This ice cream is high in protein and has a low carbohydrate content, making it a perfect treat that won't spike your blood sugar levels. Here are some detailed health benefits of cottage cheese ice cream:

Weight Management:

Cottage cheese ice cream can support your weight loss goals. It is a low-calorie, high-protein food that helps curb your appetite and manage hormones related to appetite, digestion, and insulin release. High-protein diets have been linked to weight loss and the prevention of obesity and its related health issues.

Bone Health:

Cottage cheese is an excellent source of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. Calcium helps prevent osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures. Phosphorus is crucial for proper bone development and strength, especially during growth spurts or fracture healing. The protein in cottage cheese may also help maintain bone mineral density and reduce the risk of fractures in older adults.

Blood Sugar Control:

Cottage cheese ice cream is an excellent choice for individuals watching their blood sugar levels. It is low in carbohydrates, and the slow-digesting casein protein helps prevent blood sugar spikes. By choosing plain cottage cheese ice cream and avoiding added sugars, you can effectively manage your blood sugar.

High in Protein:

Cottage cheese ice cream is an excellent source of high-quality protein, providing all the essential amino acids that your body needs. This makes it a popular choice among athletes and gym-goers, as protein is crucial for muscle growth, repair, and recovery. The casein protein in cottage cheese provides a slow release of amino acids, which is beneficial for building muscle tissue and aiding muscle recovery after workouts.

Gut Health:

Cottage cheese ice cream can contribute to a balanced gut. The curdling process used to make cottage cheese adds beneficial bacteria, promoting better gut health. Look for cottage cheese with 'live and active cultures' on the label to ensure you're getting these probiotics and improving your gut microbiota.

Frequently asked questions