I scream, you scream – we all scream for this ridiculously easy mango cottage cheese ice cream! Trust me, once you try this creamy, dreamy dessert, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with store-bought versions. The magic happens when sweet, ripe mangoes meet protein-packed cottage cheese in a whirl of vanilla and honey. No fancy ice cream maker needed – just your trusty blender and a little patience while it freezes. I’ve been making no-churn desserts for years, and this one? It’s the kind of simple, satisfying recipe that makes you look like a kitchen genius with barely any effort.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Mango Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
This isn’t just any ice cream – it’s the easiest, creamiest, most guilt-free treat you’ll make all summer. Here’s why it’s my go-to:
- No fancy equipment needed – Skip the ice cream maker! Your blender does all the work.
- Creamy without the guilt – Cottage cheese adds protein while keeping it luxuriously smooth.
- Naturally sweet – Ripe mangoes and a touch of honey make it sweet enough without being cloying.
- Ready in a flash – Just blend, freeze, and you’ve got dessert magic in hours.
Seriously, it’s so good you’ll want to eat it straight from the container (no judgment here).
Ingredients for Mango Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tropical delight – I promise, every ingredient plays a special role:
- 2 cups full-fat cottage cheese – The high-fat content makes it extra creamy
- 1 cup ripe mango, peeled and diced – Look for sweet, fragrant mangoes that yield slightly when pressed
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup – I prefer local honey for its floral notes
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract – The good stuff makes all the difference
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional) – For an ultra-luxurious texture
- Pinch of salt – Just a dash to balance the sweetness
Ingredient Substitutions & Notes
Don’t stress if you’re missing something! Here are my tried-and-true swaps:
- Swap honey for agave or maple syrup if vegan
- Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for dairy-free
- Frozen mango works in a pinch – just thaw and drain excess liquid
- Low-fat cottage cheese works, but won’t be as creamy
Equipment You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this recipe? You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen! Here’s what I grab when making my mango cottage cheese ice cream:
- A good blender – Any decent blender will do, but I love my trusty Vitamix for getting that ultra-smooth texture
- Freezer-safe container – I use a loaf pan lined with parchment for easy removal, but any airtight container works
- Hand mixer or whisk (optional) – Only if you’re using the heavy cream – makes whipping it much easier!
- Rubber spatula – For scraping every last bit of that delicious batter into the container
That’s seriously it! No ice cream maker, no special gadgets – just simple tools for simple (but amazing) ice cream.
For another cool treat, check out our Mint Chocolate Chip Cottage Recipe – a creamy favorite with a refreshing twist.
Print
3-Ingredient Mango Cottage Cheese Ice Cream – Irresistibly Creamy Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and refreshing mango cottage cheese ice cream that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 cup ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for creamier texture)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Blend cottage cheese, mango, honey, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- If using heavy cream, whip it until soft peaks form and fold into the mango mixture.
- Pour into a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours.
- Let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping.
Notes
- Use ripe mangoes for the best flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Churn
- Cuisine: International
How to Make Mango Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Okay, let’s make some magic happen! This recipe is so simple, but these little steps make all the difference between good ice cream and “oh-my-gosh-I-need-the-whole-batch” ice cream.
- Blend it smooth – Toss your cottage cheese, mango, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla, and that pinch of salt into the blender. Now blend, blend, blend until it’s completely smooth – I’m talking no lumps, just creamy perfection. Scrape down the sides if needed. This takes about 2-3 minutes in my blender.
- Whip the cream (if using) – If you’re going the extra creamy route with heavy cream, whip it in a separate bowl until you get soft peaks. Don’t overwhip – we want pillowy clouds, not butter!
- Fold gently – Pour that gorgeous mango mixture into the whipped cream and fold together with a big spoon or spatula. “Fold” means go slow and be gentle – we want to keep all that air in the cream for maximum fluffiness.
- Freeze with patience – Pour your mixture into your prepared container, smooth the top, cover tightly, and freeze for at least 4 hours. Overnight is even better if you can wait that long (I rarely can!).
- Serve with love – When the craving hits, let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping. This little rest makes all the difference for perfect, creamy scoops.
Pro Tips for Perfect Texture
Want that dreamy, scoopable texture every time? Here’s how:
- Use the ripest mangoes you can find – they blend smoother and taste sweeter
- If your blender struggles, add a splash of the cream (or a spoon of yogurt) to help it along
- For extra smoothness, press the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer
- Letting it soften slightly before serving is key – no one likes wrestling with rock-hard ice cream!

Variations of Mango Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, the fun begins! Here are my favorite ways to mix it up:
- Tropical twist – Add 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes and a squeeze of lime juice for a piña colada vibe
- Spiced mango – A pinch of cardamom or cinnamon gives it warm, exotic notes
- Berry mango swirl – Layer in homemade raspberry or strawberry puree before freezing
- Vegan delight – Use silken tofu instead of cottage cheese and coconut cream for the full dairy-free treatment
- Chocolate chip mango – Fold in mini chocolate chips after blending for sweet little surprises
The best part? No matter how you tweak it, you still get that luscious, creamy texture we all love.
Serving and Storage Tips
Here’s how to keep your mango cottage cheese ice cream tasting its best:
- Let it sit out for 5-10 minutes before scooping – that little patience makes ALL the difference!
- Use a warm ice cream scoop (run it under hot water) for perfect rounds
- Store in an airtight container with parchment pressed directly on the surface to prevent ice crystals
- Keeps beautifully for up to 2 weeks in the freezer (though mine never lasts that long!)
- For individual portions, freeze in muffin tins – perfect single-serve scoops ready to go!
Mango Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Nutritional Info
Nutrition varies by ingredients, but here are the estimates per 1/2 cup serving: 180 calories, 6g fat (3.5g saturated), 22g carbs (18g sugar, 1g fiber), and 10g protein. Remember, using different sweeteners or swapping dairy products will change these numbers – but no matter what, it’s still a healthier treat than store-bought ice cream!
Find more creative ice cream ideas on our Pinterest page.
FAQs About Mango Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Can I skip the heavy cream?
Absolutely! The cream just adds extra richness, but the cottage cheese alone makes a wonderfully creamy base. I’ve made it both ways, and while I love the ultra-luxurious version with cream, the simpler version is still delicious. If you skip it, your ice cream might freeze a bit harder – just let it sit out a few extra minutes before scooping.
How ripe should the mangoes be?
Go for the ripest, sweetest mangoes you can find – they should smell floral and give slightly when gently pressed. Underripe mangoes won’t blend as smoothly or taste as sweet. In a pinch, frozen mango works too (thaw and drain it first). My trick? Buy them a few days early and let them ripen on the counter in a paper bag.
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
You can, but full-fat gives that dreamy, creamy texture we all love. Low-fat versions tend to make ice cream that’s a bit icier. If that’s all you have, try adding an extra tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to compensate for texture differences.
Why cottage cheese instead of yogurt?
Cottage cheese has more protein and less tang than yogurt, giving a neutral base that lets the mango flavor shine. Plus, it blends up incredibly smooth – you’d never know it’s cottage cheese! I tried yogurt versions first, but kept coming back to cottage cheese for its perfect balance of creaminess and mild flavor.