Creamy Cookies and Cream Delight
Indulge in this luxurious Cookies and Cream Ice Cream, a delightful blend of creamy tofu, sweet sugar, and rich vanilla that will impress even the pickiest eaters. Inspired by a Cooking Light article from May 2001, this dessert not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also cleverly incorporates healthy ingredients like reduced-fat firm tofu and fat-free whipped topping. With generous bites of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies throughout, this dessert is a hidden gem that your whole family will adore. Perfect for summer gatherings or family movie nights, this ice cream will keep them guessing about its secret ingredient while they relish every delicious spoonful.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Reduced-fat firm tofu
12.3 ounces (drained)
Sugar
1/2 cup
Half-and-half
1/2 cup
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Frozen fat-free whipped topping
2 cups (thawed)
Cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos)
10 (crushed)
Cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos)
8 (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1
Start by draining the reduced-fat firm tofu thoroughly to remove excess moisture. This will help achieve the right creamy texture for your ice cream.
2
In a food processor or blender, combine the drained tofu, sugar, half-and-half, vanilla extract, and salt. Process the mixture until it is completely smooth and creamy.
3
Transfer the tofu mixture into a large mixing bowl. Gently fold in the thawed fat-free whipped topping until well incorporated, creating a luscious and airy ice cream base.
4
Pour the mixture into the freezer can of your ice cream maker. Freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions. Typically this takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on your ice cream maker.
5
During the last 5 minutes of freezing, add the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and mix well to distribute them evenly throughout the ice cream.
6
Once the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency, spoon it into a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze for an additional hour or until firm.
7
For an extra touch, garnish individual servings with whole chocolate sandwich cookies before serving, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cookies and Cream Delight?
It is a luxurious frozen dessert made with a blend of creamy tofu, sugar, and rich vanilla, inspired by a 2001 Cooking Light article.
What are the main ingredients for this ice cream?
The main ingredients include reduced-fat firm tofu, sugar, half-and-half, vanilla extract, salt, fat-free whipped topping, and chocolate sandwich cookies.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is a family-friendly dessert that cleverely incorporates healthy tofu into a treat that kids and adults will adore.
How do I prepare the tofu for this recipe?
You should start by draining the reduced-fat firm tofu thoroughly to remove excess moisture for a better texture.
Do I need a food processor?
Yes, a food processor or blender is needed to process the tofu, sugar, half-and-half, vanilla, and salt until completely smooth.
What kind of tofu should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 12.3 ounces of reduced-fat firm tofu.
How much sugar is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of sugar.
Can I use regular whipped topping?
The recipe recommends 2 cups of frozen fat-free whipped topping, thawed, for a lighter version.
How many cookies go into the ice cream?
You should mix in 10 crushed cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies like Oreos.
When do I add the cookies to the mixture?
Add the crushed cookies during the last 5 minutes of the ice cream maker's freezing cycle.
Do I need an ice cream maker?
Yes, you should pour the mixture into the freezer can of an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions.
How long does the ice cream maker process take?
Typically, it takes about 20 to 30 minutes depending on your specific ice cream maker model.
What should the consistency be before moving it to the freezer?
The ice cream should reach a soft-serve consistency before being transferred to a freezer-safe container.
How long does it need to freeze after churning?
After churning, cover and freeze for an additional hour or until the ice cream is firm.
Can I garnish the dessert?
Yes, you can garnish individual servings with whole chocolate sandwich cookies.
What is the role of salt in this recipe?
A 1/4 teaspoon of salt is used to enhance the flavors of the sweet ingredients.
Is this a healthy dessert option?
It is considered a healthier alternative because it uses reduced-fat tofu and fat-free whipped topping while still providing a rich flavor.
Can I use half-and-half in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe requires 1/2 cup of half-and-half to add creaminess.
How many cookies are used for garnish?
The recipe suggests using 8 optional cookies for garnishing the servings.
Is vanilla extract necessary?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract provides the essential rich flavor for the base.
How do I incorporate the whipped topping?
Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the smooth tofu mixture until well incorporated.
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?
Yes, a blender is a suitable alternative for processing the tofu base until it is smooth.
Does the recipe contain dairy?
Yes, it contains half-and-half and whipped topping, which usually contain dairy derivatives.
What is the secret ingredient?
The secret ingredient is tofu, which makes the ice cream creamy while adding nutritional value.
Is this recipe good for summer?
It is perfect for summer gatherings, providing a cool and refreshing treat.
How many cookies total are mentioned in the ingredients?
A total of 18 cookies are mentioned: 10 for the ice cream and 8 for garnish.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can freeze it for at least an hour or longer until you are ready to serve.
Is this a homemade ice cream?
Yes, it is a homemade frozen dessert that doesn't require a traditional custard base.
What should I do if the ice cream is too soft?
Simply freeze it in a freezer-safe container for an extra hour until it reaches your desired firmness.
How do I ensure the cookies are distributed evenly?
Mix them well during the final stages of churning in the ice cream maker.