Description
A creamy, protein-packed Salted Caramel Cottage Cheese Ice Cream made with wholesome ingredients like Medjool dates, maple syrup, and a rich homemade caramel drizzle. This healthy dessert blends cottage cheese with vanilla protein and natural sweeteners for a smooth, satisfying treat with a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ice Cream Ingredients
- 16 oz cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 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 Ingredients
- 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
- Blend Base: Combine cottage cheese, vanilla protein powder, pure vanilla extract, maple syrup, and sea salt in a blender. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides to ensure even mixing.
- Add Dates: Add the pitted Medjool dates to the mixture and blend again just enough to break the dates into small chunks, giving texture to the ice cream.
- Freeze Ice Cream: Pour the blended mixture into a small dish or loaf tin. Place in the freezer for 3-4 hours until firm enough to scoop but still soft enough for creamy texture.
- Prepare Caramel Drizzle: In a separate bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil, maple syrup, creamy peanut butter, pure vanilla extract, and sea salt until smooth and well combined.
- Serve: Either drizzle the caramel sauce over the scooped ice cream or mix it into the ice cream before freezing for caramel frozen chunks, depending on your preference. Enjoy immediately or store frozen.
Notes
- For best texture, serve the ice cream after 3-4 hours of freezing. It will become harder if left overnight.
- Allow ice cream to thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before scooping to improve creaminess.
- You can omit the protein powder without significantly affecting the ice cream’s texture.
- Use Medjool dates for best natural sweetness and softness.
- Cashew butter can be substituted with almond or peanut butter if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 recipe
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
