Strawberry Banana Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

Name: Strawberry Banana Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen; 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and frozen; 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Borderless Food

I absolutely love creating desserts that are not only delicious but also healthy! This Strawberry Banana Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a perfect example of that. It combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the tartness of strawberries, resulting in a creamy and satisfying treat. Plus, using cottage cheese adds a protein-packed twist that keeps me feeling good about indulging. Trust me, this ice cream is a game-changer for those hot summer days or a late-night snack.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-19T19:11:18.169Z

When I first experimented with cottage cheese in desserts, I was amazed at how creamy and rich the texture could be. For this recipe, I blended fresh strawberries and ripe bananas into the cottage cheese, and the result was pure magic! The natural sweetness from the fruits makes it unnecessary to add any sugar, maintaining a fresh and vibrant flavor that I keep coming back to.

One tip I discovered is to pre-freeze the strawberries and bananas before blending them with cottage cheese. This creates an ice cream that is not only smooth but also incredibly refreshing. It feels like summer in a bowl, making it a perfect dessert that I can enjoy without any guilt!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy texture that rivals traditional ice cream
Packed with protein to keep you satisfied
Fresh and fruity flavors for the perfect summer treat

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to achieving a silky smooth texture in your Strawberry Banana Cottage Cheese Ice Cream lies in your choice of ingredients. Opt for very ripe bananas, as their natural sweetness will enhance the flavor of the ice cream without needing added sugars. Additionally, using fresh strawberries rather than frozen ones can offer a burst of bright flavor, though frozen berries work perfectly well if you want to save time. The cottage cheese, which provides the creaminess and protein, should be full-fat or low-fat for a balance that keeps the ice cream rich yet satisfying.

When blending, make sure to use a high-powered blender. This ensures that the cottage cheese is fully incorporated, and you’ll end up with an ice cream that’s devoid of any grainy texture. If your blender struggles with frozen bananas, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes until slightly softened, or slice them into smaller pieces to assist blending.

Perfecting Your Ice Cream Texture

After blending the ingredients, it’s crucial to freeze the mixture correctly. Transferring the blended ice cream to an airtight container prevents ice crystals from forming, maintaining a creamy texture. If you find that your ice cream is too hard after freezing for 2 hours, try letting it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before scooping. This will soften it enough for easy serving without compromising the structure of the ice cream.

For those wanting to experiment with texture, consider briefly processing the ice cream after the initial freeze. Simply remove it from the freezer, let it soften slightly (about 5 minutes), then re-blend until creamy. This extra step can help break any ice crystals that may have formed and will create an even smoother final product.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Strawberry Banana Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is delicious on its own, but you can easily elevate it with various toppings. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for added sweetness, or sprinkle with granola for a crunchy texture contrast. Fresh mint leaves or a dusting of cinnamon can also add a refreshing twist to each scoop, enhancing the overall flavor experience while providing an attractive presentation.

For a delightful variation, consider adding a handful of spinach or kale to your blend. This won't drastically alter the flavor but will boost the nutrient profile and give your ice cream a unique green hue. Experiment with flavors by adding cocoa powder for a chocolatey version or swirl in some almond or peanut butter for a nutty finish—these modifications can completely change the dessert while retaining its health-conscious essence.

Ingredients

For Strawberry Banana Ice Cream

2 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and frozen
1 cup cottage cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Blend the Ingredients

In a blender, combine the frozen bananas, frozen strawberries, cottage cheese, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Freeze the Mixture

Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm it up.

Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the ice cream into bowls and enjoy immediately, or let it sit out for a few minutes to soften before serving.

Pro Tips

For a fun twist, try adding a handful of spinach or kale while blending to sneak in some extra nutrients without altering the flavor!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're looking to prep your Strawberry Banana Cottage Cheese Ice Cream ahead of time, you can make the mixture and store it in the freezer for up to one week. Just be sure to use a well-sealed container to avoid freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy it, let it soften slightly on the counter before scooping. This will make serving much easier, and your ice cream will still taste fresh and delightful.

If you want to batch your ice cream for last-minute treats, try portioning it into individual serving containers right after blending. This way, you can pull out just what you need without worrying about refreezing the entire batch, which can impact the texture.

Handling Common Issues

One common issue with freezing homemade ice cream is the formation of ice crystals, which can result in a less desirable texture. To combat this, try adding a small amount of granulated sugar or honey to the mixture before blending. This will lower the freezing point and help maintain creaminess. Additionally, ensure that your ice cream is stored in a tightly sealed container to limit exposure to air, which contributes to ice crystal formation.

If you accidentally leave the ice cream in the freezer too long and it becomes too hard, simply let it thaw at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. If it remains too icy after thawing, consider briefly blending it again before serving to restore that creamy consistency.

Customizing Your Flavors

Feel free to customize the flavor profile of your Strawberry Banana Cottage Cheese Ice Cream to suit your palate! Adding extracts like almond or coconut can introduce pleasant subtleties to your ice cream. Alternatively, for those who prefer a tangy kick, a tablespoon of lemon juice can brighten the overall flavor while balancing the sweetness of the bananas and strawberries.

Consider adding mix-ins like chopped dark chocolate, nuts, or even a swirl of fruit preserves once the ice cream has been blended. This provides a delightful surprise with every bite and makes for a more texturally interesting treat.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Yes, but using frozen strawberries helps achieve a smoother and creamier consistency.

→ How long can I store the ice cream in the freezer?

You can store it in the freezer for up to 1 month, but it's best enjoyed within the first week for optimal texture.

→ Can I substitute cottage cheese with yogurt?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for cottage cheese for a tangy flavor.

→ Is this ice cream suitable for vegans?

No, this recipe contains cottage cheese, which is a dairy product. However, you can try using a dairy-free yogurt or nut-based cream.