Dessert

Salted Caramel Cottage Cheese Protein Ice Cream Recipe

ByJulian Dempsey October 18, 2025October 18, 2025

Introduction

This Salted Caramel Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a creamy, high-protein treat that’s naturally sweetened without refined sugar. With a smooth texture and an optional homemade caramel drizzle that hardens into delightful chunks, it’s a delicious and customizable dessert perfect for any time.

The image shows a tall glass filled with creamy white ice cream as the main base. It is topped with small dark brown chocolate chips scattered on top and some dripping caramel sauce that runs down the sides of the glass. A woman's hand holds a spoon inside the glass, ready to take a bite. The background is a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright feel to the image. The glass is clear, showing the smooth texture of the ice cream inside and the rich toppings on top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

16 oz cottage cheese
1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 pinch sea salt
6 whole Medjool dates, pitted
1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
2 tbsp cashew butter

For the caramel drizzle:

2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
3 tbsp pure maple syrup
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 pinch sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, vanilla protein powder, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and sea salt. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
Step 2: Add the pitted Medjool dates to the blender and pulse a few more times to break the dates into small chunks but not completely smooth.
Step 3: Pour the mixture into a small dish or loaf pan. Cover and freeze for 3 to 4 hours until firm but scoopable.
Step 4: To make the caramel drizzle, whisk together the melted coconut oil, pure maple syrup, creamy peanut butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt until smooth.
Step 5: Serve the ice cream with the caramel drizzle poured over the top, or gently swirl the caramel into the ice cream before freezing for caramel chunks throughout.
Step 6: Let the ice cream thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before scooping to enjoy the best texture.

Tips & Variations

Use honey instead of maple syrup for a different natural sweetness.
Add chocolate chunks, crushed nuts, or berries for extra texture and flavor.
You can omit the protein powder if you prefer; the ice cream will still have a creamy texture.
For a vegan version, substitute cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative like a thick almond yogurt.

Storage

Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week. Over time, it will harden more, so allow it to thaw for 15-20 minutes at room temperature before serving to regain a creamy texture. The caramel drizzle can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to a week and warmed gently before use.

How to Serve

The image shows a tall clear glass filled with layered dessert. The bottom layer contains creamy white custard mixed with small light brown crunchy bits. The middle layer is similar, with more of the creamy custard and crunchy pieces inside. The dessert is topped with a generous swirl of white whipped cream that looks soft and fluffy. On top of the whipped cream, there are scattered clusters of crunchy light brown nuts or granola, some drizzled with a shiny caramel sauce that slowly drips down the sides of the whipped cream. The glass stands on a white marbled surface, with more crunchy pieces scattered around it. In the background, there is a blurred white bowl filled with similar crunchy bits and a wooden spoon. The scene looks fresh and inviting, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of maple syrup or honey?

Yes, you can use regular sugar, but the flavor and texture may be less complex and slightly less natural. Maple syrup or honey also provide moisture and a richer taste.

What if I don’t have a blender?

If you don’t have a blender, you can try mashing the cottage cheese thoroughly and chopping the dates finely before mixing everything by hand, but the texture may be less smooth.