Cottage Cheese Ice Cream with Brown Butter and Vanilla

There’s something special about homemade ice cream—the way it churns into creamy perfection, the anticipation as it freezes, and that first, indulgent spoonful. This Cottage Cheese Ice Cream with Brown Butter and Vanilla is a delightful twist on traditional ice cream, offering a rich, nutty depth from brown butter and a luscious, creamy texture from cottage cheese.

this RECIPE FOR LATER

If you’ve never considered cottage cheese as an ice cream base, prepare to be amazed. Its naturally high protein content makes this treat both satisfying and smooth, without the need for heavy cream. The brown butter adds a hint of caramelized nuttiness, while vanilla brings a classic, comforting flavor. Whether you’re looking for a unique dessert to impress guests or just a fun new way to enjoy cottage cheese, this recipe is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in Protein – Thanks to the cottage cheese, this ice cream is more nutritious than traditional versions, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
• Luxuriously Creamy – Despite being made without heavy cream, the texture is rich and smooth.
• Easy to Make – No fancy ice cream maker is needed, just a blender and a little patience.
• Nutty and Sweet Flavor – The combination of brown butter and vanilla creates a deep, rich taste that pairs perfectly with any toppings.
• Customizable – Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit for a personalized touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups cottage cheese
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

How to Make Cottage Cheese Ice Cream with Brown Butter and Vanilla

Making this ice cream is incredibly simple, with just a few steps to achieve creamy perfection.

Step 1: B

rown the Butter

Browning butter is a small but important step that elevates the flavor of this ice cream.

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Swirl the pan occasionally, watching as the butter foams and then turns a golden brown color. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Once you see brown specks forming and smell a nutty aroma, remove the pan from heat immediately to prevent burning.
4. Pour the brown butter into a bowl and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Blend Everything Together

Now, it’s time to create a smooth and creamy base.

1. In a high-powered blender or food processor, add the cottage cheese, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, sea salt, and the cooled brown butter.
2. Blend until completely smooth. This should take about 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the sides if necessary to ensure everything is well combined.

Step 3: Freeze the Mixture

1. Pour the blended mixture into a loaf pan or a freezer-safe container.
2. Smooth the top with a spatula, then cover the container tightly with a lid or plastic wrap.
3. Freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until firm.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before scooping.
2. Use an ice cream scoop to serve, and enjoy as is or with your favorite toppings!

Helpful Tips

• Use Full-Fat Cottage Cheese – For the creamiest texture, opt for full-fat cottage cheese instead of low-fat versions.
• Sweeten to Taste – If you prefer a sweeter ice cream, add a little more honey or maple syrup before blending.
• Don’t Skip the Brown Butter – This step adds a deep, caramel-like flavor that makes this ice cream extra special.
• Stir in Mix-Ins – Once blended, fold in chopped nuts, dark chocolate chunks, or fresh berries before freezing for extra texture and flavor.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (for browning butter)
• Total Time: 4-6 hours (including freezing time)
• Yield: About 4 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Freezing
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• If you don’t have a high-speed blender, use a food processor to ensure the cottage cheese blends into a smooth, creamy texture.
• For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle with melted dark chocolate before serving.
• This ice cream is naturally gluten-free and can be made refined sugar-free by using maple syrup or raw honey.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~150
• Protein: ~10g
• Carbohydrates: ~12g
• Fat: ~8g
• Fiber: ~0g
• Sugar: ~10g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Sweetener?

Yes! You can swap honey or maple syrup with agave syrup, coconut sugar, or a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.

What If I Don’t Have a Blender?

A food processor works just as well! Just make sure to blend until the mixture is completely smooth.

How Long Does It Last in the Freezer?

This ice cream can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Let it sit out for a few minutes before scooping to soften.

Can I Make This Dairy-Free?

You can try using a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative, but the texture may be slightly different.

Does It Taste Like Cottage Cheese?

Not at all! The blending process creates a silky texture, and the vanilla and brown butter give it a classic ice cream flavor.

Storage Instructions

• Store in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
• Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping for the best texture.
• If the ice cream becomes too firm, you can briefly microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this Cottage Cheese Ice Cream, here are some other delicious frozen treats to try:

• Decadent S’mores Cheesecake – A Sweet Twist on a Timeless Favorite

• Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

Conclusion

This Cottage Cheese Ice Cream with Brown Butter and Vanilla is proof that you don’t need heavy cream or an ice cream maker to create an irresistibly smooth and flavorful frozen dessert. The combination of nutty brown butter, natural sweetness, and creamy cottage cheese makes this a unique and nutritious treat. Whether you’re enjoying it as a simple dessert or dressing it up with fun mix-ins, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

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