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3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Ice Cream (High-Protein & Easy!)

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overhead image of cottage cheese ice cream being scooped with an ice cream scoop.

Quick stats: 15g protein per serving · 3 ingredients · No ice cream maker needed · Ready in 6 hours

If you’ve been on TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen cottage cheese ice cream everywhere — and for good reason. This 3-ingredient cottage cheese ice cream is creamy, naturally sweet, packed with protein, and shockingly easy to make. No churning, no ice cream maker, no fancy equipment. Just a blender, a container, and your freezer. If you’re already a fan of my cottage cheese cookie dough, you already know how magical this ingredient can be in a sweet recipe.

I’ve been making this on repeat all summer, and it has completely replaced my store-bought ice cream habit. With 15 grams of protein per serving, it satisfies my sweet tooth and keeps me full — which is honestly the dream. Whether you’re following a high-protein diet, trying to eat a little healthier, or just craving something cold and delicious, this recipe is for you. (And if you’re on a high-protein kick, you’ll also want to bookmark my 4-ingredient protein brownies and 3-ingredient protein cookies — they’re just as easy and just as good.)

Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

  • Only 3 ingredients. Cottage cheese, mixed berries, and a touch of honey or maple syrup. That’s it. No hidden ingredients, no weird additives — just real food!
  • Seriously high in protein. With 15 grams of protein per serving, this ice cream works as hard as you do. It’s the ultimate healthy treat that actually keeps you satisfied.
  • Incredibly easy to make. Toss everything in a blender, pour it into a container, and let the freezer do the work. Prep time is under 5 minutes — I promise!
  • No ice cream maker required! No special equipment needed whatsoever. A blender and a freezer-safe container are all you need.
  • Healthy and wholesome. Made with real ingredients and naturally sweetened, this ice cream is low in added sugar and free from the artificial stuff you find in most store-bought pints.
  • Perfect for satisfying cravings. This isn’t a sad “diet food” situation. It’s genuinely creamy, sweet, and delicious — and it really does taste like ice cream.
three scoop of cottage cheese ice cream in a bowl with a spoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much protein does one serving of cottage cheese ice cream contain?

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings, and each serving contains about 15 grams of protein — almost entirely from the cottage cheese. For reference, a serving of traditional ice cream typically has just 3–4 grams of protein. That’s a pretty incredible upgrade for something that tastes this good!

Can I make this added sugar-free?

Absolutely! If you want to skip the added sugar entirely, you have a couple of options. First, you can simply leave out the honey or maple syrup — the natural sweetness from the berries may be enough for you, especially if you’re using ripe, sweet fruit. Alternatively, you can sweeten with a few pitted Medjool dates blended right into the mixture for a completely natural, whole-food sweetener with zero added sugar.

How long does this stay good in the freezer for?

Stored in an airtight container, this cottage cheese ice cream keeps well in the freezer for up to 1 month. For the absolute best texture and flavor, try to enjoy it within the first week or two. Since cottage cheese is high in water content, the ice cream can get a bit icier over time. Just a heads up: every time you pull it out and let it thaw, then refreeze it, the texture can become a little more crystallized, so try to avoid too many thaw-refreeze cycles.

Flavor Variations

The beauty of this recipe is how endlessly customizable it is. Once you’ve nailed the base, the flavor possibilities are truly unlimited! Here are some of my favorites:

🍓 Strawberry Cheesecake Swap the mixed berries for 1 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries and add ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. The vanilla plays up the natural tang of the cottage cheese, making it taste incredibly close to strawberry cheesecake.

🍫 Chocolate Berry Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the blender along with your mixed berries. The result is a rich, fudgy chocolate-berry ice cream that feels indulgent but is still packed with protein.

🥜 Peanut Butter & Honey Skip the berries and blend in 2–3 tablespoons of natural peanut butter along with your honey. Stir in a handful of chocolate chips before freezing. This one is wildly addictive.

🍋 Lemon Blueberry Use 1 cup of blueberries (fresh or frozen), swap the honey for maple syrup, and add the zest of one lemon and a tablespoon of lemon juice. Bright, refreshing, and absolutely delicious.

🍑 Peach Mango Replace the mixed berries with ½ cup frozen peaches and ½ cup frozen mango chunks. The tropical sweetness of the mango pairs perfectly with the creamy cottage cheese base.

🍪 Cookies & Cream Skip the berries and blend the cottage cheese with maple syrup and a splash of vanilla. Once the mixture is in your container, stir in crushed chocolate sandwich cookies before freezing. A total crowd-pleaser.

Tips for the Creamiest Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

  • Use full-fat cottage cheese. I know I said it already, but it’s worth repeating — full-fat is non-negotiable if you want creamy (not icy) results.
  • Blend until completely smooth. Don’t rush this step. Blend on high until there are zero lumps or curds remaining. The smoother the base, the creamier the final texture.
  • Let it thaw properly before scooping. Pulling it straight from the freezer will make it rock solid. Give it a full 10 minutes (sometimes more!) on the counter before attempting to scoop.
  • Store it right. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing your container. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming on top.
  • Try it in a Ninja Creami. If you have one, this recipe works amazingly well in the Ninja Creami. Freeze the blended mixture overnight, then run it through the Creami for an ultra-creamy, soft-serve-like texture.

Made this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @samdoesherbest or TikTok @samdoesherbest — I repost my favorites! And if you loved it, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below. It means the world and helps other readers find this recipe!

overhead image of cottage cheese ice cream being scooped with an ice cream scoop.
5 from 1 vote

3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

This 3-ingredient cottage cheese ice cream is creamy, naturally sweet, and packed with 15 grams of protein per serving. No ice cream maker needed — just a blender and your freezer. It's the easiest, healthiest way to satisfy an ice cream craving!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Freeze Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • 1 blender or food processor
  • 1 freezer-safe airtight container

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole milk cottage cheese
  • 1 cup mixed berries fresh or frozen
  • 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

Instructions

  • Add the cottage cheese, mixed berries, and honey (or maple syrup) to a blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy with no lumps remaining.
  • Pour the mixture into a large freezer-safe container and spread evenly. Transfer to the freezer for at least 6 hours, or until frozen solid.
  • When ready to serve, remove from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes, or until soft enough to scoop. Scoop into bowls and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use full-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest texture. Low-fat versions are more watery and can result in an icy consistency.
  • Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing to prevent ice crystals.
  • Let thaw for at least 10 minutes before scooping — it freezes very solid!
  • Ninja Creami tip: Freeze the blended mixture overnight, then run through the Creami for an ultra-creamy, soft-serve texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 4g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g
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Dairy-Free

5-Ingredient Triple Berry Crisp with Frozen Berries

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Overhead image of triple berry crisp with frozen berries in a baking dish with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Everyone needs a good berry crisp recipe in their back pocket! I’ve made a few berry crisps in my day, but to be completely honest – none were quite right. They were either too dry, didn’t have enough berries, or overly sweet. But this triple berry crisp recipe?? Well… I don’t mean to brag but, she’s just PERFECT! Made with 5 ingredients, in one bowl, with frozen berries (so you can bake it year-round!). I drew some inspo from my healthy apple crisp which was a huge hit last fall! And also my 4 ingredient peach cobbler which I can’t wait to break back out this upcoming peach season.

Why You’ll LOVE This Triple Berry Crisp with Frozen Berries

  • Super Easy to Make: With just 5 simple ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly for a stress-free dessert.​
  • Versatile and Adaptable: Easily customize the recipe to suit gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, or vegan diets without compromising on flavor.​
  • Deliciously Healthy: Made with wholesome ingredients, this crisp offers a guilt-free indulgence that’s both satisfying and nutritious.​
close up image of triple berry crisp with frozen berries in a baking dish.

Can I Use Fresh Berries?

Yes, you can use fresh berries in this recipe. However, frozen berries are convenient and available year-round, providing consistent quality and flavor. If using fresh berries, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly, as they release less juice than frozen ones.

Can I Make Ahead and Freeze This Recipe?

Absolutely! This berry crisp can be prepared ahead of time and frozen either before or after baking:​

  • Before Baking: Assemble the crisp, cover it tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, remove from the freezer, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and bake as directed.​
  • After Baking: Allow the crisp to cool completely, then cover and freeze. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.​
triple berry crisp with frozen berries on a plate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

  • Make it Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats and gluten-free all-purpose flour or almond flour for the crisp topping.
  • Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a non-dairy alternative like coconut oil or a plant-based butter.​
  • Make it Nut-Free: Ensure all ingredients, including oats and flour, are free from cross-contamination with nuts.​
  • Make it Vegan: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan-friendly sugar.
Overhead image of triple berry crisp with frozen berries in a baking dish with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
5 from 1 vote

5-Ingredient Triple Berry Crisp with Frozen Berries

Effortless and delicious 5-Ingredient Triple Berry Crisp, crafted with frozen mixed berries and a simple, wholesome crisp topping! This fruit crisp is not only simple to make, but also easy to adapt to a variety of diets, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious and healthy dessert!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Equipment

  • 1 9-inch baking dish
  • 1 large bowl

Ingredients

For the berries:

  • 4 cups frozen mixed berries
  • 1/4 cup cane sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1/4 cup gluten-free all purpose flour or regular all purpose flour
  • 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice optional
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional

For the crisp:

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup gluten-free all purpose flour or almond flour
  • 1/2 cup cane sugar or coconut sugar
  • 6 ounces butter cut into 1-inch cubes

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
  • Add all berry ingredients to a 9-inch baking dish and toss together until evenly coated, then spread the berries into an even layer around the dish.
  • Add all crisp ingredients to a large bowl. Use a fork to mix together, until a crumbly mixture forms. Sprinkled the crisp topping evenly over the berries.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the berries are super soft, then let cool slightly before serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. YUM!
    berry crisp with frozen berries step 3

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 18g | Sugar: 24g
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30 Minutes or Less

Skinny Strawberry Margarita Recipe

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close-up image of a skinny strawberry margarita in a glass with fresh strawberries and lime wedges on top.

A lighter, but just as delicious skinny strawberry margarita! Shake up one of these ice cold cocktails at your next Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, or summer party. Made with fresh-squeezed juice, good quality tequila, and fresh strawberries for an incredibly light and refreshing cocktail!

skinny strawberry margarita being poured from a cocktail shaker into a glass.

What You’ll Need To Make A Skinny Strawberry Margarita

Strawberries – Fresh (not frozen) strawberries are a perfect fruity addition to this classic cocktail! Slice off the tops of your strawberries, then gently muddle them in the bottom of your drink glass. Last, pour your shaken skinny margarita on top and give it a gentle stir to incorporate.

Lime Juice – Fresh-squeezed lime juice is best in any margarita recipe. However, if you’re short on time, or making a large batch of these, go ahead and use bottled lime juice instead. Though when picking a bottled lime juice, make sure it has just one ingredient – limes – no added sugar, please!

Orange Juice – Just like the lime juice, fresh-squeezed orange juice is best, and healthiest in this recipe. Most traditional margarita recipes have some sort of orange liquor which packs in extra calories and sugar. So by replacing the liquor with fresh-squeezed orange juice, we effectively turn this into a “skinny” cocktail!

Agave Nectar – Another key component to this skinny strawberry margarita recipe. The agave nectar replaces simple syrup, with a very similar taste and sweetness! Though if you don’t have agave nectar, you can use honey or simple syrup to sweeten your drink instead.

skinny strawberry margarita in a glass with fresh strawberries and lime wedges on top.

Tips and Tricks

  • Craving a frozen strawberry margarita? Place all ingredients (strawberries, tequila, lime juice, orange juice, and agave nectar) in a blender with a small handful of ice! I love making a whole pitcher of frozen margs for friends and family on hot summer days.
  • If you don’t own a fancy-shmancy muddler, simply use the end of a mixing spoon to muddle your strawberries instead. Preferably one with a wide, flat end – but really anything that allows you to press and crush your strawberries will do!
  • Switch up this summer cocktail recipe however you’d like! Rim the glass with just salt, or just sugar, based on your preferences. You could even muddle in some fresh mint leaves to make it even more refreshing! Or for a skinny blackberry margarita, check out my recipe here.
overhead image of a skinny strawberry margarita in a glass.

Make It A Mocktail

For a virgin strawberry margarita, replace the tequila with 2 ounces of tonic or sparkling water!

skinny strawberry margarita in a glass with fresh strawberries and lime wedges on top.
3.75 from 4 votes

Skinny Strawberry Margarita Recipe

A lighter, but just as delicious skinny strawberry margarita! Shake up one of these ice cold cocktails at your next Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, or summer party. Made with fresh-squeezed juice, good quality tequila, and fresh strawberries for an incredibly light and refreshing cocktail!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • lime wedge
  • 3-5 strawberries, stems removed
  • 2 ounces tequila
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons agave nectar

Instructions

  • Mix sugar and salt together on a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip rim into sugar and salt mixture.
  • Place strawberries at the bottom of the glass and muddle until crushed, then fill the glass with ice.
  • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add in tequila. lime juice, orange juice, and agave nectar. Secure lid and shake for 30 seconds, then strain into glass. Gently stir to combine muddle strawberries and shaken margarita.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal

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30 Minutes or Less

Berry Breakfast Crisp (for one!)

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close-up image of berry breakfast crisp.

This berry breakfast crisp tastes so indulgent, it might as well be dessert! But don’t worry, it’s entirely gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free. It’s super healthy with plenty of plant-based protein and fiber which will leave you feeling full until your next meal!

overhead image of berry breakfast crisp with coconut yogurt on top.

What You’ll Need To Make Berry Breakfast Crisp

Fresh Berries – Use any kind(s) of fresh berries you’d like! I used a combo of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries – and OMG they were delicious. However, you can totally use whatever berry’s in season, or whatever you have on-hand. You could even use frozen berries if you’d like, just keep in mind they’ll yield more liquid once baked, resulting in a watery filling.

Rolled Oats – It’s super important you use rolled oats, instead of whole or steel cut oats. Rolled oats are flattened then toasted, and bake up beautifully in this berry breakfast crisp.

Almond Flour – Either almond flour or almond meal will work in this gluten-free breakfast recipe. I use and love the Bob’s Red Mill Almond Flour, as well as Anthony’s Almond Flour. And if you’re interested in other almond flour breakfast recipes, check out my almond flour pancakes or almond flour banana bread – both are incredible!

Coconut Oil – A tablespoon of solid coconut oil gives the crumble atop this berry breakfast crisp its crumbly texture. If your coconut oil is liquid at room temperature (this happens when the weather’s warm), then simply place it in the fridge or freezer for 5-10 minutes before using. Also, if you don’t have any coconut oil, you can use a tablespoon of cold butter or ghee instead.

close-up image of berry breakfast crisp with coconut yogurt on top.

Tips and Tricks

  • Remember, this recipe makes a single serving. Therefore, you’ll want to double, triple, or even quadruple the recipe when baking for others!
  • Finish off this berry breakfast crisp with a scoop of vanilla yogurt! I topped mine with a dollop of Cocojune’s unsweetened coconut yogurt and it was perfectly creamy and delicious. Though if you’re eating this for dessert, feel free to top it off with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream instead – YUM!
  • You can easily prep this healthy breakfast recipe the night before if you’d like. To do this, assemble the berries and crumble, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Then, in the morning, bake it off as instructed and enjoy a warm berry crisp for breakfast!

Adjust This Recipe To Your Dietary Needs

Make it Paleo: For a paleo crisp, replace the rolled oats with finely chopped nuts and/or coconut flakes!

Make it Nut-Free: To make this a nut-free breakfast recipe, replace the almond flour with one tablespoon of brown rice flour or all purpose flour.

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Berry Breakfast Crisp (for one!)

This berry breakfast crisp tastes so indulgent, it might as well be dessert! But don’t worry, it’s entirely gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free. It’s super healthy with plenty of plant-based protein and fiber which will leave you feeling full until your next meal!
Print Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 1 servings

Ingredients

For the berries:

  • 1 cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc)
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the crumble:

  • 1/4 cup rolled oats
  • 2 tablespoons almond flour or meal
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil, solid
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
  • Add all berry ingredients to a bowl and toss to evenly coat, then transfer into small oven-safe dish.
  • Mix all crumble ingredients together in same bowl as the berries, then sprinkle over top of the berries.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown and bubbly. Serve warm with additional maple syrup and/or a scoop of vanilla yogurt.

Video

Notes

  • Make this an apple breakfast crisp by replacing the fresh berries with fresh sliced apples!

    • Nutrition

    Calories: 300kcal

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