Easy Funfetti Birthday Cake Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

This No-Churn Funfetti Birthday Cake Cottage Cheese Ice Cream brings all the flavor of birthday cake ice cream in a high-protein, no-churn treat. Made with a quick almond flour mug cake and swirls of blue buttercream, this fun recipe is an easy way to enjoy a healthier version of ice cream without needing an ice cream maker.

ByNicole Bonilla
Gluten-Free diet-friendly recipe
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Funfetti birthday cake cottage cheese ice cream in a bowl.

This No-Churn Funfetti Birthday Cake Cottage Cheese Ice Cream recipe is the ultimate fun treat that brings all the flavors of a birthday cake ice cream right into your home. This high-protein dessert is made with a gluten-free almond flour mug cake that’s ready in less than two minutes and a rich, creamy cottage cheese ice cream base. The addition of mini blue buttercream ribbons adds a festive touch without any complicated steps.

It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I want something special but quick. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up, and the result is just like enjoying a slice of birthday cake—without needing an ice cream maker. If you’re looking for a way to satisfy your ice cream cravings in a fun, colorful, and thoughtful way, this is the recipe to try!

Does Birthday Cake Cottage Cheese Ice Cream taste like traditional ice cream?

Cottage cheese ice cream has a similar creamy texture to traditional ice cream, with just a subtle hint of that cottage cheese base. I purposely keep the added sweeteners to a minimum for a more balanced flavor that still feels satisfying without being overly sweet. It may not be quite as sugary as what you’re used to in store-bought ice cream, but the flavor and creaminess are still incredibly delicious. And, of course, you can always adjust the sweetness to suit your taste. The bonus is that you still enjoy the benefits of cottage cheese, making it a more thoughtful dessert option!

YouTube video

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cottage Cheese Ice Cream with Birthday Cake Recipe

  • Fun and Festive: This ice cream has the vibrant colors and playful flavors of a birthday cake, making it a hit for all ages.
  • Easy to Make: No ice cream maker needed! This recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients and time-saving techniques.
  • High-Protein Treat: Cottage cheese adds protein without sacrificing the creamy texture and flavor you love.
  • Quick Mug Cake: The gluten-free almond flour mug cake cooks in under two minutes, adding a delicious cake element to the ice cream.
Funfetti birthday cake cottage cheese ice cream in a dish.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here is everything you need to make the best-tasting birthday cake cottage cheese ice cream:

Large Egg: This binds the cake together and adds moisture. 

Almond Flour: Be sure to use almond flour and not almond meal. You can also use 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour instead.

Cane Sugar: You can use any granulated sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.

Light Olive Oil: You can also use melted coconut oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil.

Baking Powder: Replace with half the amount of baking soda if needed.

Sprinkles: Use any type of sprinkles or omit them if desired.

Butter: Vegan butter or margarine can be used for a dairy-free version.

Powdered Cane Sugar: Regular powdered sugar or a powdered sugar substitute can be used.

Milk: Any type of milk, including dairy-free options like almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk, can be used.

Vanilla Extract: Use any other flavor extract or skip it for a different flavor profile.

Blue Food Coloring: Optional, or use natural food coloring alternatives if desired.

Cottage Cheese: You can use your favorite type of cottage cheese. I recommend using full-fat cottage cheese or whole milk cottage cheese for the richest texture. Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative can be used for a similar texture and flavor.

Maple Syrup: Honey, agave syrup, or any other liquid sweetener can be used.

Salt: Omit if you prefer to reduce sodium intake.

Funfetti birthday cake cottage cheese ice cream in a bowl.

How to Make My No-Churn Ice Cream with Cottage Cheese and Birthday Cake Recipe

Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions for the best way to make homemade ice cream with birthday cake and buttercream frosting. They’re also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.

Step 1: Make the Funfetti Mug Cake

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, cane sugar, vanilla extract, and oil until well combined.

Add the almond flour, baking powder, salt, and sprinkles, and mix until smooth.

Spray the inside of a microwave-safe mug with non-stick spray. Pour the funfetti cake batter into the mug. Top with a pinch of more sprinkles.

Microwave on high between one minute and 30 seconds and 1 minute and 50 seconds, or until the cake is set in the center. 

Carefully empty the cake onto a plate and place it in the freezer to cool quickly.

Mixing mug cake ingredients in a small bowl.
Dumping mug cake out of a mug.

Step 2: Make the Buttercream Frosting

In a small bowl, add the butter, milk, vanilla extract, salt, blue food coloring and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if needed so the frosting is soft enough to fall off a spatula.

Stirring blue buttercream frosting.

Step 3: Make the Homemade Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

In a high-speed blender, food processor, or immersion blender, blend the cottage cheese, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.

Adding cottage cheese ice cream ingredients to a food processor.

Step 4: Assemble the Funfetti Cake Ice Cream

Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture into a freezer-safe shallow bowl, loaf pan or dish.

Drop in dollops of the blue frosting. Gently swirl it with a spatula.

Cut the cooled funfetti mug cake into cubes and fold them in to the ice cream.

Add a few more sprinkles.

Cover the container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours or until firm.

Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.

Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy!

Swirling blue buttercream frosting into the cottage cheese mixture.
Mixing cake chunks into the ice cream.
Funfetti birthday cake cottage cheese ice cream in a bowl.

Recipe Notes and Helpful Tips

Cottage Cheese Texture: Blend the cottage cheese until smooth to ensure a creamy ice cream texture. Some small curds are okay and can add a nice texture to the ice cream.

Cake and Frosting Alternatives: You can use store-bought funfetti cake or frosting instead of making them from scratch. Just crumble the cake and swirl the frosting into the ice cream.

Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of maple syrup or sweetener to taste. You can also use sugar-free or low-calorie sweeteners if preferred.

Additional Favorite Ice Cream Flavors

Here are some delicious suggestions for more sweet treats with higher protein content:

Chocolate Cake Peanut Butter Cottage Cheese Ice Cream: Use chocolate cake cubes, and chocolate frosting, and add peanut butter powder to the cottage cheese mixture.

Strawberry Cheesecake Cottage Cheese Ice Cream: graham crackers, vanilla frosting, and add fresh strawberries to the cottage cheese mixture.

Carrot Cake Cottage Cheese Ice Cream: Use a carrot cake mug cake cubes, cream cheese frosting with lemon juice, and add pumpkin pie spice to the cottage cheese mixture.

Freezing: Press a layer of plastic wrap or parchment paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container with its lid. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming.

Thawing: When ready to serve, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before scooping.

Scooping: Use a sturdy ice cream scoop or spoon to scoop the ice cream. Dip the scoop in warm water between scoops for easier serving.

Refreezing: It’s best not to refreeze melted ice cream, as it can become icy and lose its creamy texture. Try to scoop only the amount you plan to serve.

Do I need an ice cream maker to make Birthday Cake Cottage Cheese Ice Cream?
No. You simply mix the ingredients, pour them into a shallow dish, and allow it to freeze for several hours.

Can I use store-bought cake and frosting instead of making them from scratch in this healthier cottage cheese ice cream recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought funfetti cake or frosting to save time. Simply crumble the cake and swirl the frosting into the ice cream.

Is this birthday cake cottage cheese ice cream high in protein?
Cottage cheese itself is naturally high in protein, so yes, this ice cream is higher in protein than traditional options. 

Can I omit the food coloring from the buttercream frosting?
Yes, the food coloring is optional and can be omitted if you prefer not to use it.

How long does cottage cheese ice cream take to freeze?
The ice cream needs at least 2-3 hours to be solid enough to scoop and 4 hours to completely freeze.

Can I add other mix-ins to homemade birthday cake ice cream?
Yes, feel free to add other mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or additional sprinkles for extra flavor and texture.

Can I use a different cake flavor for this birthday cake no-churn ice cream recipe?
Yes, you can use a different flavor of cake to customize the ice cream. Just be sure it’s baked and cubed before mixing it into the ice cream.

Do you love homemade ice cream? Check out more of my easy and healthier cottage cheese ice cream recipes:

More Healthier Dessert Recipes

Funfetti birthday cake cottage cheese ice cream in a bowl.

Easy Funfetti Birthday Cake Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

Gluten-Free diet-friendly recipe
This No-Churn Funfetti Birthday Cake Cottage Cheese Ice Cream brings all the flavor of birthday cake ice cream in a high-protein, no-churn treat. Made with a quick almond flour mug cake and swirls of blue buttercream, this fun recipe is an easy way to enjoy a healthier version of ice cream without needing an ice cream maker.
5 from 4 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Servings 6
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours

Ingredients
  

Funfetti Mug Cake:

Buttercream Frosting:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2/3 cup powdered cane sugar
  • 2 teaspoons milk (almond milk is my fave)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 8 drops blue food coloring

Cottage Cheese Ice Cream:

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

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, cane sugar, vanilla extract, and oil until well combined. Add the almond flour, baking powder, salt, and sprinkles, and mix until smooth.
    Spray the inside of a microwave-safe mug with non-stick spray. Pour the funfetti cake batter into the mug. Top with a pinch of more sprinkles.
    Microwave on high between one minute and 30 seconds and 1 minute and 50 seconds, or until the cake is set in the center. Carefully empty the cake onto a plate and place it in the freezer to cool quickly.
  • In a small bowl, add the butter, milk, vanilla extract, salt, blue food coloring and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if needed so the frosting is soft enough to fall off a spatula.
  • In a high-speed blender, food processor, or immersion blender, blend the cottage cheese, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
  • Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture into a freezer-safe shallow bowl, loaf pan or dish. Drop in dollops of the blue frosting. Gently swirl it with a spatula.
    Cut the cooled funfetti mug cake into cubes and fold them in to the ice cream. Add a few more sprinkles.
    Cover the container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours or until firm.
    Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.

Video

YouTube video

Notes

Cottage Cheese Texture: Blend the cottage cheese until smooth to ensure a creamy ice cream texture. Some small curds are okay and can add a nice texture to the ice cream.
Cake and Frosting Alternatives: You can use store-bought funfetti cake or frosting instead of making them from scratch. Just crumble the cake and swirl the frosting into the ice cream.
Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of maple syrup or sweetener to taste. You can also use sugar-free or low-calorie sweeteners if preferred.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cupCalories: 251kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 8gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 369mgPotassium: 98mgFiber: 1gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 230IUCalcium: 89mgIron: 0.4mg
Keyword birthday cake, buttercream frosting, cottage cheese ice cream, funfetti, mug cake, sprinkles
Did you make this recipe and love it?Please let me know in the comments below how it turned out 🙂

5 Comments

5 from 4 votes (1 rating without comment)

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