RECIPES

High Protein Ice Cream Alternative

Here's a simple twist on homemade "ice cream" (more accurately a creamy frozen dessert or "nice cream" style treat) using only cottage cheese, dates, vanilla, honey, sea salt, almond butter, dash of cinnamon, and frozen banana slices.

Note: Cottage cheese is typically dairy-based (from milk), so this isn't 100% dairy-free unless you use a plant-based cottage cheese substitute. If you're avoiding dairy entirely, swap in a vegan cottage cheese alternative if available. Otherwise, this recipe creates a surprisingly creamy, high-protein frozen treat with natural sweetness from dates, honey, and bananas—similar to popular cottage cheese "ice cream" trends.

Makes about 2–3 servings (roughly 2–3 cups) 

Prep time: 5–10 minutes active + freezing time

• 1–1½ cups frozen banana slices (about 2–3 medium bananas, sliced and frozen in advance)
• 1 cup (about 8–10 oz) cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat; use plant-based if strictly dairy-free)
• 4–6 pitted dates (Medjool work best for creaminess and caramel-like sweetness; adjust for desired sweetness)
• 2–3 Tbsp honey (start with 2 Tbsp and taste; dates add a lot of natural sugar)
• 2–3 Tbsp almond butter (smooth or crunchy)
• 1–1½ tsp vanilla extract (or vanilla paste)
• Pinch of sea salt (enhances all the flavors)
• Dash of cinnamon (about ⅛–¼ tsp)

1. If your dates are dry/hard, soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes to soften, then drain.
2. Add the cottage cheese, frozen banana slices, dates, honey, almond butter, vanilla, sea salt, and dash of cinnamon to a high-powered blender or food processor.
3. Blend on high, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. It may take 1–3 minutes to become smooth and creamy. If it's too thick and won't blend, add a tiny splash (1–2 tsp) of water or unsweetened almond milk if you have it—but try to keep it thick for the best ice cream texture.
4. Taste and adjust: Add more honey/dates for sweetness, more almond butter for nutty richness, extra cinnamon, or a tiny pinch more sea salt if needed.
5. For soft-serve style: Scoop and enjoy immediately (it'll be like a thick, creamy soft serve).
6. For scoopable ice cream: Transfer the mixture to a small loaf pan or freezer-safe container. Smooth the top. Freeze for 2–4 hours until firm but not rock-hard. Let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping for the best texture.

• Top with extra almond butter drizzle, a sprinkle of cinnamon, crushed nuts, or more chopped dates.
• It has a mild banana-caramel flavor with nutty undertones and subtle warm spice.