This Banana Pudding Cottage Cheese Ice Cream brings together the creamy richness of traditional banana pudding and the health benefits of cottage cheese in a refreshing frozen treat. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas, combined with the smooth and slightly tangy cottage cheese, creates a surprisingly luxurious and protein-packed dessert. Every spoonful carries the familiar flavor of banana pudding, complemented by the delightful crunch of vanilla wafers and graham crackers. Not only is this ice cream a delicious treat, but it’s also a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream, with the added bonus of being quick and easy to make at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup vanilla wafer cookies, crushed (optional for texture)
- 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers (optional for garnish)
- 1/2 cup sliced bananas for topping
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
Peel and slice the ripe bananas. For this recipe, use bananas that are fully ripe with a few brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor. Gather the other ingredients, including the cottage cheese, honey or maple syrup (if using), and vanilla extract. - Blend the Base:
In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the sliced bananas, cottage cheese, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. The cottage cheese should break down into a silky texture, mimicking the consistency of traditional ice cream. The bananas naturally add sweetness and the vanilla enhances the pudding-like flavor. - Taste and Adjust:
Taste the blended mixture. If you want it sweeter, you can add more honey or maple syrup at this point. You can also add a dash of cinnamon for extra warmth if desired. Blend briefly again to combine. - Freeze the Mixture:
Pour the blended banana and cottage cheese mixture into a freezer-safe container. If you’re adding crushed vanilla wafer cookies for texture, fold them into the mixture gently before freezing. These cookies will soften slightly in the ice cream, giving it that classic banana pudding texture. - Freeze for 4-6 Hours:
Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. Freeze for 4-6 hours, or until the ice cream is firm. For the best texture, you can give the mixture a stir every couple of hours to break up any large ice crystals that may form, ensuring a smooth and creamy final product. - Serve and Garnish:
When ready to serve, allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly. Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones, and top with crushed graham crackers, additional vanilla wafer crumbs, and sliced bananas for a true banana pudding experience. You can also drizzle a little honey or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
