There’s something incredibly special about homemade ice cream—especially when it’s rich, creamy, and has that perfect balance of sweet and salty. This Cottage Cheese Salted Caramel Ice Cream is a delightful twist on classic caramel ice cream, bringing a unique texture and added protein thanks to the cottage cheese. If you’ve never used cottage cheese in ice cream before, prepare to be amazed. It blends beautifully, creating a lusciously smooth and indulgent treat without the need for an ice cream maker.

Salted caramel has always been a favorite for those who love that sweet-and-salty contrast. The deep, buttery caramel flavor combined with a touch of salt enhances every bite, making this ice cream feel luxurious. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something delicious, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your dessert collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No Ice Cream Maker Needed – You can make this with just a blender or food processor.
• Protein-Packed – Cottage cheese adds a creamy texture while providing a boost of protein.
• Perfectly Sweet and Salty – The caramel flavor is balanced by just the right amount of salt.
• Super Simple Ingredients – Everything comes together with just a handful of pantry staples.
• Customizable – Add chocolate chips, nuts, or swirl in extra caramel for extra indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

How to Make Cottage Cheese Salted Caramel Ice Cream

Making this ice cream is incredibly simple, and the best part is that you don’t need any fancy equipment. A blender or food processor will do all the heavy lifting for you.

Step 1: Blend the Base

In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This step is crucial because you want to eliminate any curds and create a velvety texture. If needed, stop and scrape down the sides to ensure everything blends evenly.

Step 2: Add the Salted Caramel

Once your base is smooth, add 1/2 cup of salted caramel sauce and the sea salt. Pulse or blend for just a few seconds to incorporate the caramel without over-mixing. You want a nice swirl effect rather than fully blending it in.

Step 3: Freeze the Mixture

Pour the mixture into a loaf pan or an airtight container. For a more intense caramel flavor, drizzle extra salted caramel over the top and gently swirl it in with a knife. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and freeze for at least 4–5 hours, or until firm.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly. Scoop into bowls or cones, drizzle with more caramel if desired, and enjoy this creamy, dreamy homemade ice cream.

Helpful Tips

• Use Full-Fat Cottage Cheese – For the creamiest texture, opt for full-fat cottage cheese rather than low-fat or fat-free versions.
• Blending is Key – Make sure to blend thoroughly so the ice cream turns out silky smooth. If needed, strain through a fine-mesh sieve for an ultra-luxurious finish.
• Customize It – Mix in crushed nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for extra texture.
• Softening Before Scooping – Since this ice cream doesn’t have traditional stabilizers, letting it sit for a few minutes before scooping makes a big difference.

Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Freeze Time: 4–5 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Churn
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• If you prefer a sweeter taste, add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the freezer.
• If your ice cream gets too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~180
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 7g
• Sugar: 18g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Sweetener?

Yes! Instead of maple syrup, you can use honey or agave syrup. Just note that it may slightly alter the flavor.

What If I Don’t Have Salted Caramel?

You can make your own by melting sugar and mixing it with a little butter and cream, then adding a pinch of sea salt. Alternatively, a store-bought caramel sauce works great.

Can I Make This Without a Blender?

A blender or food processor is the best way to achieve a smooth texture, but if you don’t have one, you can try using a hand mixer and strain the mixture to remove lumps.

How Do I Keep It from Getting Too Hard in the Freezer?

Since this ice cream doesn’t contain traditional stabilizers, it will firm up more than store-bought versions. To make scooping easier, let it sit out for a few minutes before serving.

Storage Instructions

Store this cottage cheese salted caramel ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To prevent ice crystals from forming, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container.

Related Recipes

If you loved this homemade ice cream, you might also enjoy:

• Cottage Cheese Ice Cream with Brown Butter and Vanilla
• Decadent Cottage Cheese Salted Caramel Ice Cream
• Cottage Cheese Ice Cream with Brown Butter and Vanilla

Conclusion

Making your own Cottage Cheese Salted Caramel Ice Cream is easier than you think—and the results are absolutely delicious. It’s creamy, sweet, and has that perfect salted caramel richness. Plus, the added protein makes it a more satisfying treat. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or impressing guests at a gathering, this ice cream is sure to be a hit.

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