Chocolate Cherry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

This creamy chocolate cottage cheese ice cream is swirled with juicy cherries and studded with dark chocolate for a rich, fruity frozen treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups full-fat cottage cheese
• 1 1/2 cups pitted sweet cherries, divided
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
• 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp almond butter or cashew butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp fine salt
• 2 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 tbsp chocolate shavings, for topping
• 4 whole cherries, for garnish

Instructions

1. Add the cottage cheese, 1 cup of the pitted cherries, maple syrup, cocoa powder, nut butter, vanilla, and salt to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
2. Pour the mixture into a loaf pan or freezer-safe container. Fold in the remaining 1/2 cup chopped cherries and the dark chocolate pieces.
3. Cover and freeze for 2-3 hours, stirring once halfway through for a softer, creamier texture. For a firmer scoop, freeze 4 hours.
4. Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping.
5. Scoop into bowls and top with chocolate shavings and whole cherries. Spoon over any extra cherry juices for a glossy cherry swirl effect.
6. Serve immediately and store leftovers covered in the freezer for up to 1 week.

Tip: For the smoothest texture, blend the cottage cheese mixture extra well and use ripe, sweet cherries so the ice cream stays naturally creamy and flavorful.