Easy Homemade Protein Ice Cream with Chocolate Chips
When it comes to satisfying my sweet tooth while staying on track with my health goals, I always turn to my favorite homemade protein ice cream. This easy protein ice cream recipe is not only a game changer but also a delicious way to boost your protein intake. With basic ingredients like cottage cheese, fruit, and chocolate chips, this healthy ice cream recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy a guilt-free treat. Let me walk you through how to make this creamy, high-protein ice cream that’s sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
Why Make Homemade Protein Ice Cream?
Traditional ice cream is undeniably delicious, but it’s often loaded with added sugar and lacks nutritional value. This homemade protein ice cream is different. It’s packed with grams of protein from the cottage cheese, making it a great choice for those looking to increase their protein intake. Plus, it has less sugar than regular ice cream, especially when you use a natural sweetener like Madhava Foods agave.
Jazz's Recommended Products
For the best results and a smoother ice cream-making experience, I recommend using the following product:
Hamilton Beach Food Processor: This powerful machine is essential for blending your ingredients into a smooth and creamy base. It makes the process quick and easy, ensuring you get the perfect texture for your homemade protein ice cream. Check it out here
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need to make this delicious high-protein ice cream:
16 oz cottage cheese (I used Good Culture)
1-2 cups fruit of choice (I used strawberries)
1/4 cup sweetener (I used Madhava Foods agave)
1/2 cup chocolate chips (I used a chopped-up Nutsola bar)
Step-by-Step Directions
Blend the Base: In a powerful blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese, sweetener, and fruit until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add the Mix-Ins: Stir in the chocolate chips to add a delightful texture to your ice cream base.
Freeze: Pour the mixture into a loaf pan or pint container. Place it in the freezer for a few hours until it reaches a soft serve consistency.
Enjoy: Scoop out your homemade protein ice cream and enjoy your guilt-free sweet treat!
Tips for the Best Results
How to Achieve the Perfect Creamy Texture?
For the best results, use full-fat cottage cheese. Full fat gives you more fat, making the ice cream creamier and less icy when you freeze it. Good Culture 4% cottage cheese is an excellent option. If your ice cream turns out icy, it could be due to the type of cottage cheese you used. Another tip is to freeze the mixture for only a few hours. I like to freeze it for 2 hours, give it a little mix, then freeze it again. Think of it as chilling rather than freezing. If you leave it in the freezer overnight, it tends to solidify and harden, making it really hard to scoop. If this happens, just leave it out on the counter for 30 minutes to thaw.
How to Add More Flavor Variations?
One of the best parts of making homemade ice cream is experimenting with flavors. You can blend in different fruits like mango or banana for a tropical twist. For a peanut butter flavor, stir in some peanut butter and chocolate chips. You can even make a cookies and cream variation by mixing in chocolate cream sandwich cookies. Here’s a link to my easy cookies and cream recipe on Instagram: Cookies and Cream Protein Ice Cream.
Why I Love This Recipe
This homemade protein ice cream is a great way to enjoy a healthy dessert without compromising on flavor. It’s a delicious way to meet your protein needs and satisfy your sweet tooth. The creamy texture and versatility of this recipe make it one of my favorite ice cream flavors. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
Jazz's Tips and Tricks
How to Make the Most of Your Ingredients?
Using a good quality cottage cheese is crucial. I always opt for organic when I can. Another tip is to play with the freezing time. Freezing for too long can make the ice cream hard to scoop, so I recommend freezing it for shorter periods and checking the consistency. If you have a Ninja Creami ice cream machine, you can achieve a soft serve consistency by using the first spin option. This machine is a game changer for homemade ice cream.
Can You Use Other Types of Milk?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the cottage cheese with coconut milk, almond milk, or even cashew milk. Adding a little xanthan gum or guar gum can help achieve a creamier texture if you’re using non-dairy milk.
What About Adding Protein Powders?
To boost the protein content even further, you can add chocolate protein powder, vanilla protein powder, or whey protein powder to the mix. This is especially useful if you’re looking to make a high-protein ice cream that doubles as a protein shake.
Nutrition Information
This recipe is not only delicious but also packs a punch in terms of nutrition. The combination of cottage cheese and fruit provides a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, making it a great post-workout treat. For those tracking their macros, this ice cream offers a substantial amount of protein per serving with minimal added sugar
FAQ
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If you prefer to avoid sweeteners, you can substitute with natural alternatives like maple syrup, honey, or mashed ripe bananas. Adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference and blend it thoroughly with the cottage cheese and fruit for a smooth texture.
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Yes, you can make this recipe without a food processor. A powerful blender will work just as well to blend the cottage cheese, sweetener, and fruit until smooth.
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From start to finish, this easy protein ice cream recipe takes about 5-10 minutes of prep time, plus a few hours of freezing time. It’s a quick and simple way to enjoy a healthy dessert.
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You can top your protein ice cream with a variety of healthy and delicious toppings. Some of my favorites include chopped nuts, fresh fruit, granola, and a drizzle of almond butter or maple syrup. These toppings not only add extra flavor but also enhance the texture of the ice cream.
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If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the freezer. For the best texture, I recommend consuming the ice cream within a few days. If it gets too hard, let it sit on the counter for a bit before scooping.
Making homemade protein ice cream is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy a healthy dessert. This easy recipe with chocolate chips is a great starting point, but don’t be afraid to get creative with different flavors and mix-ins. Whether you’re using a Ninja Creami ice cream maker or just a simple loaf pan, the results are sure to delight your taste buds. Happy scooping!
Protein Ice Cream with Chocolate Chips
Ingredients
- 16 oz cottage cheese
- 1-2 cups fruit of choice
- 1/4 cup sweetener
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Blend the cottage cheese, sweetener, and fruit until it’s smooth.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Place it in the freezer for 3-4 hours, then enjoy!
Hey, I’m Jazz
I’m a nutritional therapist practitioner and spent 3 years as a personal chef to NBA athletes. Follow along for easy, attainable and healthy recipes in under 30 minutes!
Watch the Recipe Tutorial
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