Pin it Last summer when my AC broke during that brutal heatwave, I got desperate for something cold and creamy but didn't want the heavy sugar crash from regular ice cream. I threw some cottage cheese and frozen berries into the blender, expecting something weirdly healthy tasting, but honestly? It became my go-to summer secret. My roommate thought I was crazy until she tried it and immediately demanded her own bowl.
I brought this to a potluck once and didn't tell anyone it was cottage cheese until after they'd all raved about it. The look on my friend Sarah's face when I finally dropped the ingredient bomb was absolutely worth keeping the secret for those first twenty minutes. Now she texts me every time she makes it asking if she can add different mix-ins.
Ingredients
- Cottage cheese: Full-fat gives you that luxurious mouthfeel but low-fat still works surprisingly well if that's your preference
- Honey or maple syrup: Start with three tablespoons but taste as you go because some berries are naturally sweeter than others
- Frozen mixed berries: Frozen is crucial here because they create that thick, scoopable texture without needing to freeze the mixture afterward
- Vanilla extract: Totally optional but rounds everything out beautifully
- Pinch of salt: Sounds weird but it makes all the flavors pop like they do in regular ice cream
Instructions
- Blend the base:
- Throw the cottage cheese, honey, and vanilla into your food processor or blender and let it run until it's completely silky smooth with zero grainy texture left
- Add the berries:
- Dump in those frozen berries with the salt and blend again, scraping down the sides a couple times until everything looks like soft serve
- Taste and tweak:
- Grab a spoon and test it, adding more honey if your berries were particularly tart or you just have a sweet tooth
- Choose your texture:
- Eat it right now for perfect soft serve, or transfer it to a container and freeze for a few hours if you want something you can scoop into proper bowls
- Serve it up:
- If you froze it, let it sit on the counter for about five minutes before scooping, then dish it out and watch it disappear
Pin it My dad claims he doesn't like cottage cheese in any form, but he polished off an entire bowl of this before asking what made it so creamy. I waited until he'd finished to tell him, and now he's the one suggesting we make it for family movie night.
Mix-In Magic
Sometimes I'll stir in dark chocolate chips or a swirl of peanut butter right before freezing. The mix-ins get all speckled throughout and every bite feels like finding a little treasure. Just don't add them before the initial blending or you'll lose those chunks entirely.
Fruit Swaps
Frozen mango transforms this into something that tastes suspiciously like a creamsicle, while peaches give it this nostalgic summery vibe. Cherries make it feel fancy enough for dinner party dessert. The beauty is that the base works with literally any frozen fruit you have on hand.
Make Ahead Strategy
I'll often triple batch this on Sunday and portion it into those small glass containers with lids. Having grab-and-go portions in the freezer means I'm never tempted by the ice cream aisle at the grocery store. It's become one of those meal prep things that actually feels like a treat instead of work.
- Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before freezing to prevent ice crystals
- Let it thaw on the counter for exactly eight minutes, not five or ten
- Store it in the back of the freezer where the temperature stays most consistent
Pin it This recipe showed me that healthy desserts don't have to feel like a compromise. Now I keep those frozen berries stocked all year round.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different fruits?
Yes, swapping frozen mixed berries for mangoes, peaches, cherries, or other fruits is a great way to vary the flavor.
- → How do I achieve a firmer texture?
Freeze the blended mixture for 2–4 hours, then let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving to scoop easily.
- → Is it possible to make a dairy-free version?
Using thick coconut yogurt instead of cottage cheese creates a dairy-free alternative with similar creaminess.
- → What sweeteners can I use besides honey?
Maple syrup or agave syrup can replace honey, offering different flavor profiles while keeping the treat naturally sweet.
- → What equipment is needed for preparation?
A food processor or high-speed blender and a freezer-safe container are required to blend and set the treat properly.