Salted Caramel Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Recipe

Introduction

This Salted Caramel Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a creamy, protein-packed treat that combines smooth cottage cheese with the rich flavors of caramel and Medjool dates. It’s a healthier twist on traditional ice cream, perfect for a satisfying dessert or snack.

Ingredients

• 16 oz cottage cheese
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 pinch sea salt
• 6 whole Medjool dates, pitted
• 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
• 2 Tbsp cashew butter

Caramel drizzle:

• 2 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 3 Tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 pinch sea salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a blender, combine cottage cheese, vanilla protein powder, vanilla extract, maple syrup, sea salt, and cashew butter. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
2. Step 2: Add the pitted dates to the blender and pulse just enough to break them into small chunks without fully pureeing.
3. Step 3: Pour the mixture into a small dish or loaf tin and place in the freezer for 3 to 4 hours until firm.
4. Step 4: While the ice cream is freezing, whisk together melted coconut oil, maple syrup, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt to make the caramel drizzle.
5. Step 5: Serve the frozen ice cream with caramel drizzle poured on top, or mix the caramel into the ice cream before freezing for swirled frozen caramel chunks.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, substitute cashew butter and peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini.
• If you prefer a smoother ice cream, soak the dates in warm water for 10 minutes before blending.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the base for extra warmth and flavor.

Storage

Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week. Let it soften for a few minutes at room temperature before scooping. The caramel drizzle can be stored separately in the fridge and warmed slightly before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular protein powder instead of vanilla?

Yes, you can use any protein powder you prefer, but vanilla adds the best complementary flavor to the caramel and dates.

Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet?

This recipe requires cottage cheese, so it is not dairy-free as written. For a dairy-free option, you could experiment with plant-based yogurt or soft tofu, but results will differ.

Salted Caramel Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 98 reviews

This Salted Caramel Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a creamy, protein-packed frozen treat that combines the natural tanginess of cottage cheese with the rich flavors of caramel and sweet Medjool dates. Sweetened with pure maple syrup and enhanced with cashew butter and vanilla protein powder, this homemade ice cream offers a healthy alternative to traditional desserts with a luscious caramel drizzle that can be served on top or mixed into the ice cream for delightful frozen caramel chunks.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ice Cream Base

• 16 oz Cottage Cheese
• 1/4 cup Pure Maple Syrup (or honey)
• 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1 pinch Sea Salt
• 6 whole Medjool Dates (pitted)
• 1/4 cup Vanilla Protein Powder
• 2 Tbsp Cashew Butter

Caramel Drizzle

• 2 Tbsp Coconut Oil, Melted
• 3 Tbsp Pure Maple Syrup
• 1/3 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
• 1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1 pinch Sea Salt

Instructions

1. Prepare Ice Cream Base: In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, vanilla protein powder, pure vanilla extract, pure maple syrup (or honey), and a pinch of sea salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides for an even texture.
2. Add Dates: Add the pitted Medjool dates to the blender and pulse a few more times to break them down into small chunks evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
3. Freeze the Mixture: Pour the blended mixture into a small dish or a loaf tin. Place it in the freezer and allow it to set for 3 to 4 hours until firm enough to scoop.
4. Make the Caramel Drizzle: In a bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, pure maple syrup, creamy peanut butter, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt until smooth and well combined.
5. Serve or Mix Caramel: Either drizzle the caramel sauce over the scooped ice cream just before serving or gently fold the caramel into the ice cream base before freezing for delicious frozen caramel chunks.
6. Enjoy: Scoop the frozen cottage cheese ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy this creamy, protein-rich dessert with a satisfying salted caramel flavor.

Notes

• Ensure the dates are pitted before blending for smooth consistency.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative, though texture may vary.
• The ice cream is best consumed within 2-3 days of freezing for optimal flavor and texture.
• You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup or honey according to taste.
• Caramel can be mixed into the base or used as a topping depending on your preferred texture.

Keywords: Salted caramel, cottage cheese ice cream, protein ice cream, healthy dessert, frozen treat, Medjool dates, caramel drizzle