Salted Caramel Banana Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

Gluten-Free Salted Caramel Banana Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a no-churn treat made with cottage cheese, bananas, maple syrup, and a homemade salted caramel almond butter sauce. Topped with crunchy vanilla wafer cookie bits made from almond flour, this easy, no-ice-cream-maker dessert is rich, creamy, and full of flavor!

How to make the best Viral Salted Caramel Cottage Cheese Ice Cream that is naturally sweetened and gluten-free

Gluten-Free Salted Caramel Banana Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a no-churn dessert that will elevate your homemade ice cream game without the need for an ice cream maker. Made with creamy cottage cheese, ripe bananas, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, this ice cream is simple yet packed with flavor. The real highlight is the salted caramel almond butter sauce, drizzled over the top and swirled in for that perfect balance of salty and sweet.

To add a fun texture, I’ve included homemade vanilla wafer cookie bits, made with almond flour and tapioca flour, that give the ice cream a delicious crunch. This recipe is all about easy techniques and wholesome ingredients, making it the perfect choice for when you want a treat that tastes like it took hours to make—but really didn’t. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just treating yourself, this ice cream will be a favorite in your kitchen!

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Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Banana Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

  • Packed with flavor: The combination of ripe bananas, almond butter, and cottage cheese creates a rich, creamy ice cream experience with layers of flavor.
  • Simple ingredients: You probably have most of these pantry staples like almond flour, maple syrup, and coconut oil on hand, making it an easy recipe to whip up.
  • Naturally sweetened: Sweetened with maple syrup and ripe bananas, this ice cream gives a sweet treat without the need for refined sugars.
  • Gluten-free goodness: Made with almond flour and tapioca flour, this recipe is perfect for those avoiding gluten but still craving a delicious dessert.
A bowl of salted caramel banana cottage cheese ice cream.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here is everything you need to make the best cottage cheese ice cream with banana recipe:

Almond Flour: You can swap almond flour with another nut flour.

Tapioca Flour: If you don’t have tapioca flour, arrowroot powder or cornstarch can be used for a similar texture.

Maple Syrup: Honey or agave syrup can work as a 1:1 substitute for maple syrup, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.

Coconut Oil: Substitute with butter or any neutral oil, like avocado or vegetable oil, for a similar result.

Almond Butter: Peanut butter or cashew butter can be used instead for a different nutty flavor.

Cottage Cheese: Greek yogurt or ricotta can be used for a smoother texture, though it may not be as creamy as cottage cheese.

Bananas: Swap bananas with a different fruit like mango or strawberries for a fun flavor twist.

How to Make Salted Caramel Banana Cottage Cheese Ice Cream?

Step 1: Make the Vanilla Wafer Bits

You can use store bought vanilla wafers or make this easy recipe:

Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Blend the ingredients with a spatula until a dough forms. To determine whether your dough is dry enough, break off a tablespoon-sized ball and try rolling it in your hands. If it’s too wet to roll, simply mix in 1 tablespoon of almond flour until you reach a dry enough consistency to roll a ball of dough.

Adding wet ingredients to muffin batter.
Mixing the cookie dough in a glass mixing bowl with a spatula.
Rolling the cookie dough by hand to form cookie shape.

Step2: Form the Cookies

Continue forming dough balls and flatten them into cookie shapes on a piece of parchment paper. You may need to rub some butter on the palms of your hands so the dough doesn’t stick to them. Press the cookies to about .25″ thickness. They don’t have to look perfect since they will be broken up into pieces in the ice cream.

Bake at 350 degrees for 13 minutes. Allow them to cool.

Adding wet ingredients to muffin batter.
Baked cookies on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel

Combine the ingredients in a small bowl. Mix with a fork until blended.

Adding wet ingredients to muffin batter.
Almond caramel ingredients mixed together with a fork in a glass mixing bowl.

Step 4: Blend the Ice Cream

Combine the cottage cheese, bananas, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt in a mixer or the cup from a Nutribullet. Blend until smooth.

Banana cottage cheese ice cream ingredients in a blender cup.
Banana cottage cheese ice cream beans blended in a blender cup.

Step 5: Pour the Ice Cream

Pour the ice cream into a shallow dish or pan. This will allow the ice cream to cool and thaw more quickly.

Pouring the salted caramel banana cottage cheese ice cream into a shallow dish.
Sprinkling sea salt over the ice cream in the shallow dish.
Gently stirring all the ingredients with a spatula in the dish.

Step 6: Freeze & Enjoy

Place the ice cream in the freezer for at least two hours or until it is firm. Then remove the ice cream and enjoy! If it is too hard to scoop, allow it to cool on the counter for 10-15 minutes until slightly thawed.

Frozen salted caramel banana cottage cheese ice cream in a dish with an ice cream scoop.
Close-up of two scoops of salted caramel banana cottage cheese ice cream in a small bowl.

Expert Recipe Tips

Frozen bananas: Use ripe bananas that have been frozen ahead of time for an extra creamy ice cream texture.

Customize the toppings: Add your favorite chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles to the ice cream for extra texture and fun.

Ice cream consistency: If the ice cream becomes too hard in the freezer, let it sit on the counter for 10-15 minutes to soften for easier scooping.

Delicious Serving Suggestions

  • As a dessert: Serve a scoop of this salted caramel banana ice cream after dinner for a cool, refreshing treat.
  • With fresh fruit: Pair the ice cream with fresh berries or sliced mango for a colorful, fruity addition.
  • On waffles or pancakes: Top your breakfast with a scoop of this ice cream for a fun twist on classic toppings.
  • As a sundae: Drizzle more salted caramel sauce, add nuts, and whipped cream for an indulgent sundae experience.
  • In an ice cream sandwich: Place the ice cream between two cookies or graham crackers for a quick homemade ice cream sandwich.
  • With brownies: Serve a scoop of this ice cream alongside a warm gluten-free brownie for a rich, chocolatey pairing.
  • On a pie: Top a slice of gluten-free pie with this ice cream to add extra creaminess and flavor.

Freeze properly: Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks to keep it fresh.

Thaw before serving: If the ice cream is too hard, allow it to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping.

Re-freeze any leftovers: If you don’t finish it all in one sitting, you can refreeze the ice cream for another day, but avoid letting it sit out too long.

Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, almond milk, coconut milk, or any dairy-free alternative works well in this recipe.

What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
Greek yogurt or ricotta can be used, but the texture might be slightly different.

How long does this ice cream last in the freezer?
Stored in an airtight container, this ice cream should last up to 2 weeks in the freezer.

Can I skip the caramel sauce?
You can, but the salted caramel sauce adds an amazing layer of flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute it with melted chocolate or leave it out.

Can I use store-bought gluten-free cookies instead of making the vanilla wafer bits?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using store-bought gluten-free cookies will work perfectly.

How to make the best Viral Salted Caramel Cottage Cheese Ice Cream that is naturally sweetened and gluten-free

Gluten-Free Salted Caramel Banana Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

Gluten-Free Salted Caramel Banana Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is a no-churn treat made with cottage cheese, bananas, maple syrup, and a homemade salted caramel almond butter sauce. Topped with crunchy vanilla wafer cookie bits made from almond flour, this easy, no-ice-cream-maker dessert is rich, creamy, and full of flavor!
5 from 7 votes
Servings 5
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 33 minutes

Ingredients
  

Vanilla Wafer Cookie Bits

Salted Caramel Almond Butter Sauce

  • 1/4 cup almond butter
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • dash salt

Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

  • 1-1/2 cups cottage cheese
  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

Vanilla Wafer Cookie Bits

  • Preheat oven to 350ºF
  • Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Blend the ingredients with a spatula until a dough forms. To determine whether your dough is dry enough, break off a tablespoon-sized ball and try rolling it in your hands. If it's too wet to roll, mix in 1 tablespoon of almond flour until you reach a dry enough consistency to roll a dough ball.
  • Continue forming dough balls and flatten them into cookie shapes on a piece of parchment paper. You may need to rub some butter on the palms of your hands so the dough doesn't stick to them. Press the cookies to about .25" thickness. They don't have to look perfect since they will be broken up into pieces in the ice cream.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 13 minutes. Allow them to cool. 

Salted Caramel Almond Butter Sauce

  • Combine the ingredients in a small bowl. Mix with a fork until blended. 

Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

  • Combine the cottage cheese, bananas, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt in a mixer or the cup from a Nutribullet. Blend until smooth.
  • Pour the ice cream into a shallow dish or pan. This will allow the ice cream to cool and thaw more quickly.
  • Break the vanilla wafer cookies into small pieces and sprinkle over the ice cream. 
    Then drip the salted caramel sauce across the top of the ice cream.
    Sprinkle a dash of coarse salt over the ice cream.
    Gently stir the ice cream with a spatula to dunk the cookie pieces and caramel sauce to create a marbled pattern.
  • Place the ice cream in the freezer for at least two hours or until it is firm. Then remove the ice cream and enjoy! If it is too hard to scoop, allow it to cool on the counter for 10-15 minutes until slightly thawed.

Video

YouTube video

Nutrition

Calories: 227kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 186mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 60IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 67mgIron: 1mg
Keyword almond butter, banana, cottage cheese ice cream, gluten free, naturally sweetened, nilla wafers, salted caramel, vanilla wafers
Did you make this recipe and love it?Please let me know in the comments below how it turned out 🙂

3 Comments

  1. So easy and love it without needing to cook an egg cream. Love your recipes and videos. This came out great! Thank you for sharing.

5 from 7 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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