🍦 Salted Caramel Cottage Cheese Ice Cream (High Protein & Naturally Sweetened)

Looking for a dessert that’s creamy, dreamy, and secretly packed with protein? This Salted Caramel Cottage Cheese Ice Cream checks all the boxes. It’s smooth, sweet, and swirled with the rich, caramel-like flavor of blended dates. Plus, it’s naturally sweetened, no-churn, and freezer-friendly—making it the perfect guilt-free treat for any day of the week.

💬 The Story Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born out of a craving for ice cream—without the sugar crash. After experimenting with cottage cheese in smoothies, I thought: why not try it in ice cream? The result was shocking. The cottage cheese blended into a thick, creamy base, and with a touch of honey and a few dates, it took on that rich, salted caramel flavor we all love.

What started as a kitchen experiment quickly became a summer staple. And the best part? It’s high in protein, made with clean ingredients, and so easy—no ice cream machine required!

🧾 Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for one small batch (about 4 servings):

• 1 (16 oz) container full-fat cottage cheese

• ¼ cup honey

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of sea salt

• 6 Medjool dates (if hard, soak in warm water for 5 minutes)

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔹 Step 1: Blend the Base

In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the cottage cheese, honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.

🔹 Step 2: Add the Dates

Add the softened dates to the mixture and pulse or blend again briefly. You want the dates broken down into small caramel-like pieces, but not fully pureed. This gives the ice cream delicious bites of chewy sweetness.

🔹 Step 3: Freeze

Transfer the blended mixture into a freezer-safe bowl or loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Freeze for 3 to 4 hours, or until the ice cream is set but still scoopable.

🔹 Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes if it’s too firm to scoop. Serve in bowls or cones, and enjoy your high-protein, naturally sweetened treat!

🧮 Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approx. 4 Servings)

Nutrition values may vary slightly depending on the brand of ingredients used.

• Calories: 190

• Protein: 13g

• Fat: 7g

• Carbohydrates: 22g

• Sugar: 19g (from honey and dates)

• Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: 180mg

✅ Why You’ll Love It

• High in protein – thanks to the full-fat cottage cheese

• Naturally sweetened – no refined sugar, just honey and dates

• No ice cream maker needed – just a blender or food processor

• Freezer-friendly – make it ahead and store for sweet cravings

• Customizable – add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or swirl in nut butter

🍨 Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Cottage Cheese Ice Cream proves that healthy desserts don’t have to be boring. It’s luscious, lightly salty, and indulgent without the guilt. Whether you’re on a high-protein diet, cutting sugar, or just want a homemade ice cream that tastes like a treat—this recipe delivers.

So grab your blender and whip up this easy frozen delight. One scoop, and you’ll never look at cottage cheese the same way again!