I grew up on thick, fruity smoothies and this cottage cheese peach smoothie quickly became my go-to when ripe peaches show up at the farmer’s market. It’s creamy, naturally protein-packed, and ready in minutes — perfect for breakfast on the run, a post-workout refuel, or a cooling afternoon pick-me-up. If you like a rich texture without yogurt or protein powder, this blend of cottage cheese, fresh peaches, banana, and milk delivers that silky mouthfeel and real-food nutrition. For more smoothie inspiration, try this collection of peach smoothie ideas I like: Peach smoothie recipes.
Why you’ll love this dish
This smoothie hits several sweet spots: it’s fast (under 5 minutes), budget-friendly when peaches are in season, high in protein thanks to cottage cheese, and kid-approved because it tastes indulgent while being wholesome. It’s also flexible — swap the milk for soy or oat, or skip the sweetener if your fruit is perfectly ripe.
“Velvety, bright, and surprisingly filling — a peach smoothie that actually keeps me full until lunch.” — regular morning routine review
If you want a creamier, dessert-like version try pairing it with a chilled granola bowl or a slice of something cozy like this apple crumble cheesecake for brunch.
The cooking process explained
Before you start, the process is refreshingly simple: you combine soft dairy (cottage cheese) with ripe fruit and milk, blitz until smooth, and optionally add ice for chill and texture. Expect about 1–2 minutes of prep and a quick blend. This overview helps you know the consistency to aim for — smooth and pourable but not watery.
Key Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat for creaminess, low-fat if you prefer) — you can use small‑curd or large‑curd depending on texture preference.
- 2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced (use peeled if skins bother you)
- 1 banana (ripe for natural sweetness)
- 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice — dairy, oat, soy)
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional; skip if fruit is sweet enough)
- Ice cubes (optional, for a thicker, colder drink)
Notes and substitutions:
- For a vegan-ish option, substitute the cottage cheese with a silken tofu + a spoonful of tahini or a vegan cottage cheese alternative, and use plant milk.
- If peaches aren’t in season, frozen peaches work great and eliminate the need for ice. For more dessert pairings, see this apple crumble cheesecake write-up.
Directions to follow
- Add 1 cup cottage cheese, the sliced peaches, banana, and 1 cup almond milk to a blender. If you’re using sweetener, add 1–2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup.
- Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, about 30–60 seconds depending on your blender. Stop and scrape down the sides if needed.
- If you want a colder, thicker smoothie, add a handful of ice cubes and blend again until icy and evenly mixed. If using frozen peaches, you may not need ice.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve this smoothie in a tall glass with a straw for an on-the-go breakfast, or pour it into a bowl and top with granola, chia seeds, and a few fresh peach slices for a heartier breakfast bowl. It pairs nicely with light toast, nut butter, or a small spinach salad for a balanced mid-morning meal. For a brunch spread, offer alongside savory bites like mini frittatas or these creamy cheesecake bites cheesecake balls.
How to store & freeze
- Refrigeration: Smoothies are best enjoyed immediately, but you can refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 24 hours. Expect some separation — shake or stir before drinking.
- Freezing: Pour into an airtight container or ice cube tray and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or re-blend with a splash of milk.
- Food safety: Use cottage cheese within its use-by date and keep the finished smoothie refrigerated if not consumed right away. Discard if left at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour in hot environments).
Helpful cooking tips
- Texture tip: For the creamiest result, use full‑fat cottage cheese and a ripe banana. If you prefer a lighter smoothie, swap to low-fat cottage cheese and unsweetened almond milk.
- Blender tip: If your blender struggles, add the milk first, then the cottage cheese, and fruit last to help the blades catch.
- Sweetness check: Taste before adding honey — ripe peaches and banana often provide plenty of natural sugar.
- Make-ahead: Pre-portion fruit in freezer bags so you can toss ingredients in and go.
- Allergies: If dairy is an issue, try silken tofu + 1 tsp apple cider vinegar for tang as a cottage cheese stand-in.
I also like experimenting with protein variants when I want extra staying power — see this high-protein shake idea for inspiration: Peaches n Cream inspiration.
Creative twists
- Green peach smoothie: Add a handful of spinach or baby kale for color and an extra nutrient boost — the peach and banana mask the greens well.
- Nutty boost: Blend in 1–2 tablespoons of almond or cashew butter for healthy fats and richer texture.
- Spiced version: A pinch of cinnamon or grated fresh ginger adds warmth and depth.
- Frozen dessert: Freeze the blended smoothie in popsicle molds for a refreshing treat.
Your questions answered
Q: How long does this smoothie take to make?
A: About 5 minutes total — 1–2 minutes prep and a minute to blend.
Q: Can I use frozen peaches?
A: Yes. Frozen peaches are excellent — they make the drink thicker and cold without ice. If using frozen, you may reduce or skip the ice cubes.
Q: Is cottage cheese safe to blend raw?
A: Yes. Cottage cheese is a pasteurized dairy product in most countries; blending it is safe. Always use within the product’s indicated fridge time and discard if it smells off.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: For a dairy-free option, try silken tofu plus a little tahini or a commercial plant-based cottage cheese alternative; the texture will be slightly different but still creamy.
Q: Will blending destroy nutrients?
A: Blending breaks down cell walls, making some nutrients more bioavailable and preserving most vitamins and minerals when consumed promptly.
Conclusion
If you want more ideas that riff on creamy peach blends, check this peach and cottage cheese smoothie take on a classic: Peach Cottage Cheese Smoothie (Creamy and Delicious). For a protein-forward spin with similar flavors, this recipe is a useful reference: Peaches n Cream Protein Shake | protein shake made with cottage ….
Enjoy your smoothie — it’s a simple, satisfying way to use ripe peaches and boost your protein without extra fuss.
Cottage Cheese Peach Smoothie
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat) Use small-curd or large-curd depending on texture preference.
- 2 pieces ripe peaches, pitted and sliced Use peeled if skins bother you.
- 1 piece banana, ripe Ripe banana adds natural sweetness.
- 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice) Dairy, oat, or soy milk are good alternatives.
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup Optional; skip if fruit is sweet enough.
- as needed pieces ice cubes Optional, for a thicker, colder drink.
Instructions
Preparation
- Add 1 cup cottage cheese, the sliced peaches, banana, and 1 cup almond milk to a blender.
- If you’re using sweetener, add 1–2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup.
- Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, about 30–60 seconds depending on your blender. Stop and scrape down the sides if needed.
- If you want a colder, thicker smoothie, add a handful of ice cubes and blend again until icy and evenly mixed. If using frozen peaches, you may not need ice.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
