Add the cottage cheese, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract to a food processor. Puree until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary. Stir in the almonds.
Pour the mixture into molds and freeze until solid.
Melt the chocolate in a microwave or double boiler.
Unmold the ice cream bars, dip each in chocolate, let the excess chocolate run off, and place the bars on a parchment paper-lined tray. If there’s extra chocolate, drizzle it decoratively on top. Freeze briefly to set the chocolate.
Enjoy, or wrap each ice cream bar in plastic wrap, place them in an airtight container or zip-top plastic freezer bag, and freeze for up to 1 month.
Notes
Refined Coconut Oil Substitutions: Instead of refined coconut oil, you can use the same amount of any of the following: virgin coconut oil (but if you use this, it will add a mild coconut flavor), MCT oil, or any nut butter you like (such as peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, etc.).
How to Roast Almonds: Spread the almonds out onto a baking tray and bake in a 350F oven until they’re light golden in color and smell nutty, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Tip for the Chocolate: Stir 3/4 teaspoon coconut oil into the melted chocolate. This will add extra shine and help the chocolate set quickly.
Recipe Yield and Serving Size: As written, this recipe makes 1 1/2 cups of popsicle mixture, which is perfect for 8 small ice cream pops. I use a small popsicle mold that holds 3 tablespoons (1.5 fluid ounces) per mold.
Serving Tip: Before serving, let the ice cream bars sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften a little.
Keto Version: Use keto chocolate for coating, which will bring the net carbs per bar down to about 1 or 2 grams net carbs each.