When someone inquires about the source of the latest viral recipes, clever life hacks, new gadgets or flawless makeup contour, a typical response is now, “I saw it on TikTok.”
The social media platform shares “micro-entertainment,” 15-second content customized with a few clicks of a button. TikTok users pass the hours with everything from original music to adorable animals and wacky culinary creations. We taste-tested TikTok recipes that went viral and chose two that were well worth their 15 seconds of fame.
Since we’re still blending up the occasional bowl of “nice cream” (homemade ice cream using frozen bananas as its natural sweetener), we were eager to try TikTok’s cottage cheese adaptation. Cottage cheese haters probably think, “You’ve gone too far, TikTok!” — but hear us out. There’s a reason #CottageCheeseIceCream has racked up more than 260 million views. Pureeing full-fat cottage cheese with high-quality, unfiltered honey produces a rich, creamy frozen treat with no special equipment required. We particularly enjoyed pairing the rich ice cream with caramel for a decadent bite that’s also high in protein. User beware: Cottage cheese is salty, so consider that when you get creative with mix-ins. In our next batch, we’re pureeing raspberries and graham crackers into the batter for a cheesecake vibe.
Whipped drinks are taking TikTok by storm. Viewers whisk up whipped lemonade during warm months and switch to frothy hot chocolate as the seasons change. But the whipped beverage to top them all is coffee. Dalgona coffee is a whipped beverage whose origins are unclear, with versions arising from India, Greece, Korea and Macau. The name Dalgona, “it’s sweet” in Korean, was inspired by a popular street candy made of toffee, similar in flavor notes and color. With nearly 660 million views, Dalgona coffee has become TikTokers’ favorite way to caffeinate. We found ours foamed best with a hand mixer or milk frother. Espresso powder and finely ground coffee grounds can be used in a pinch, but won’t whip up to stiff peaks. To change it up, we’re trying a hazelnut-flavored instant coffee next.
Despite its propensity to incite an occasional endless doom scroll, TikTok offers a plethora of viral recipes that just may be worth a try. We’re teeing up cloud bread and corn ribs next. What will TikTok inspire you to create? You’ve got 15 seconds … and go!
Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Serves: 4 | Prep time: 5 minutes | Inactive prep time: 4 hours
Ingredients:
2 cups (16 oz) full-fat cottage cheese
¼ cup honey
1 tsp vanilla extract, or the seeds
of 1 vanilla bean
Optional toppings/mix-ins: caramel, hot fudge, chocolate chips, cookies, nut butter, sprinkles, berries
Directions:
Blend ingredients in a food processor or blender for one to two minutes, until smooth. Stir in any desired mix-ins. Transfer the mixture back into the cottage cheese container, or a loaf pan. Freeze cottage cheese mixture for four hours. Remove the container from the freezer. Let stand at room temperature up to 5 minutes if mixture is hard. Scoop into a serving bowl and top as desired.
Whipped Coffee (Dalgona Coffee)
Makes: 1 serving | Prep time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp instant coffee
1 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 Tbsp hot water
1 cup milk, chilled or heated
Optional: Ice cubes
Directions:
Add instant coffee, sugar and hot water to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Whisk with a hand mixer or milk frother for 3-4 minutes on high, until the mixture lightens to a caramel color and forms stiff peaks. Fill a coffee cup or glass with one cup of iced or hot milk of your choice. Spoon the whipped coffee on top of the milk and enjoy.