You Have to Try Cottage Cheese Popsicles: Refreshing, Creamy + High-Protein
Summer is all about sunshine, poolside hangs and refreshing treats. But to be honest, those sugary popsicles can leave you feeling sluggish. That's why I was so excited to discover protein popsicles. They're packed with nutrients thanks to superfood cottage cheese to keep you feeling energized all day long, but still taste like a dream. You can also stay on track with your fitness goals by snacking on one after exercising. Plus, they come in endless flavor combinations you can prep in just 10 minutes — and I have tips for getting a smooth consistency and making DIY popsicle molds. Here’s how to nail protein popsicles.
What is the viral cottage cheese ice cream?
These protein popsicles were inspired by another trendy treat: cottage cheese ice cream. It involves blending cottage cheese with sweeteners and flavorings to create a creamy, high-protein ice cream alternative. The natural creaminess and mild flavor of cottage cheese make it an excellent base. Check it out in the TikTok below.
Love the cottage cheese trend ? Try Cottage Cheese Alfredo and Cottage Cheese Flatbread
Tips for the creamiest protein popsicles
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your popsicles turn out delicious and creamy.
1. Choose the right cottage cheese
Opt for a smooth, creamy variety with a higher fat content for a richer texture. If your cottage cheese is lumpy, blend it first to achieve a smoother consistency.
2. Sweeten to taste
Since cottage cheese has a slightly tangy flavor, sweeten your mixture with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup or stevia. Adjust the sweetness to your preference before freezing.
3. Make your own molds
Use small paper or plastic cups as the molds and wooden sticks or plastic spoons as the handles. Pour the mixture into the cups, cover each cup with a piece of aluminum foil, then poke the sticks through.
4. Freeze properly
Freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until completely solid. To easily remove the popsicles from the molds, run warm water over the outside of the mold for a few seconds.
Easy protein popsicles recipe
You’ll love how versatile (and easy to prep) this recipe from Feel Good Foodie is. It makes four delicious fruity flavors, but feel free to experiment with your favorite mix-ins.
Ingredients:
Strawberry Cheesecake
1 10-oz. bag frozen strawberries
1 cup cottage cheese
? cup milk
3 Tbs. pure maple syrup
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 graham cracker sheets crushed
Banoffee Pie
2 bananas
1 cup cottage cheese
? cup milk
2 Tbs. maple syrup
1 Tbs. salted caramel or regular caramel
1 tsp. vanilla extract
? cup mini chocolate chips
Pineapple Coconut
2 cups frozen pineapple chunks
1 cup cottage cheese
? cup coconut water
3 Tbs. maple syrup
1 tsp. vanilla extract
? cup unsweetened flaked coconut
Mixed Berry
1 10-oz. bag frozen mixed berries
1 cup cottage cheese
? cup milk
3 Tbs. maple syrup
1 tsp. vanilla extract
? cup granola
Directions:
Total time: 8 hours, 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Add all ingredients except the last from any of the flavors to a high-speed blender and process for 1-2 minutes, or until completely smooth. Stir the last ingredient into the blender using a spoon.
Transfer the mixture to a popsicle mold, then add wooden sticks, or the sticks that come with your mold.
Set in the freezer for at least 8 hours, then remove from mold.
Storing your protein popsicles
You can keep these protein bars in the freezer for up to 2 months. Be sure to keep them in the molds to prevent freezer burn.
Other healthy treats to make this summer:
Protein Ice Cream Recipe Is So Easy to Make With Just 5 Ingredients: My Taste Test Results
Homemade Nut Butter Recipes for Protein-Packed Treats Ready in 10 Minutes
Keto Ice Cream Is the Cool Way to Boost Weight Loss — Here’s the 4-Ingredient Recipe
