Cottage Cheese Keto Ice Cream Recipe

Introduction

Cottage Cheese Keto Ice Cream is a delightful, low-carb treat that combines the creamy richness of cottage cheese with keto-friendly ingredients to create a smooth, satisfying dessert. This recipe is ideal for those following a ketogenic diet, offering a way to indulge in a sweet, frozen dessert without compromising your nutritional goals. With a base of high-protein cottage cheese, this ice cream is not only delicious but also supports a healthy, balanced diet. The following detailed recipe provides comprehensive instructions, ingredient measurements, and nutritional information, including SmartPoints values for WW (Weight Watchers) program followers.

Ingredients

For the Ice Cream Base:

  • 2 cups full-fat cottage cheese (preferably unsweetened)
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ⅓ cup erythritol (or other keto-friendly sweetener of choice, such as monk fruit sweetener)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any low-carb plant-based milk)
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Add-Ins:

  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for chocolate flavor)
  • ¼ cup crushed nuts (such as almonds or pecans)
  • ½ cup fresh or frozen berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
  • 1 tbsp sugar-free chocolate chips (for added texture)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Measure out the cottage cheese, heavy cream, erythritol, vanilla extract, almond milk, and salt. If you plan to add optional ingredients, prepare them as well (e.g., crush nuts, measure cocoa powder).
  2. Blend the Base: In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the full-fat cottage cheese, heavy cream, erythritol, vanilla extract, almond milk, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This step ensures that the cottage cheese is fully integrated and the texture is consistent.
  3. Add Optional Flavorings: If you’re making chocolate ice cream, add the unsweetened cocoa powder to the blender and blend again until fully incorporated. For a fruity flavor, add fresh or frozen berries and pulse until well combined but still slightly chunky if you prefer some texture.
  4. Chill the Mixture: Transfer the blended mixture to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill thoroughly. Chilling the mixture helps improve the texture of the ice cream once it’s frozen.
  5. Churn the Ice Cream: After chilling, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes. The ice cream will have a soft-serve consistency when finished.
  6. Add Mix-ins: If using mix-ins such as crushed nuts or sugar-free chocolate chips, add them during the last 5 minutes of churning. This allows them to be evenly distributed throughout the ice cream without becoming too hard or clumping together.
  7. Freeze to Firm Up: Once churned, transfer the ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for an additional 2-3 hours to firm up. This step is crucial for achieving a scoopable texture.
  8. Serve: Remove the ice cream from the freezer a few minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly for easier scooping. Serve in bowls or cones, and enjoy!
  9. Store Leftovers: Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. If the ice cream becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before serving.

Useful Information

  • Cottage Cheese Choice: Using full-fat cottage cheese is important for achieving a creamy texture. Avoid low-fat or non-fat versions as they may result in a less desirable consistency.
  • Sweetener Options: Erythritol is a popular keto sweetener due to its low glycemic index and minimal impact on blood sugar. Other keto-friendly sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia can also be used, but adjust the quantity to taste.
  • Ice Cream Maker: While an ice cream maker provides the best texture, you can also use a no-churn method. Simply pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and stir every 30 minutes for the first 2-3 hours to prevent ice crystals from forming.
  • Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or mint, and various add-ins to create your own custom flavors.
  • Texture Tips: If the ice cream becomes too icy or hard, consider blending it again before serving to improve the texture. Adding a small amount of vodka (1-2 teaspoons) can also help keep it scoopable.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (½ cup, assuming 4 servings total):

  • Calories: 190 kcal
  • Total Fat: 15 g
    • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
  • Sodium: 230 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 6 g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1 g
    • Sugars: 3 g
  • Protein: 8 g

SmartPoints Value

For those following the WW (Weight Watchers) program, this keto-friendly ice cream is a reasonable choice:

  • SmartPoints (Blue, Green, Purple): 7 points per serving
    • The SmartPoints value may vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used. Adjust points accordingly if using different products.

Conclusion

Cottage Cheese Keto Ice Cream offers a delicious and creamy dessert option that fits perfectly within a ketogenic lifestyle. With its rich flavor and smooth texture, it’s a satisfying way to enjoy a frozen treat while staying on track with your dietary goals. Whether you stick to the classic vanilla or explore variations like chocolate or berry, this homemade ice cream is sure to become a favorite indulgence. Enjoy the balance of flavor and health in every scoop!