Decadent desserts that just happen to be surprisingly healthy? Yes, please! Cottage cheese is often overlooked as a sweet treat option, but it’s actually a game-changer when it comes to creamy, dreamy desserts. With its rich texture and mild flavor, cottage cheese is the perfect base for a wide range of indulgent treats. From classic cheesecakes to tangy tarts, fruity parfaits to rich mousses, we’ve rounded up 18 creamy cottage cheese dessert recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re a fan of bright citrus flavors or rich chocolate decadence, there’s something on this list for everyone. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and indulge in these ridiculously delicious desserts – your taste buds (and your diet) will thank you!
Classic Cottage Cheese Cheesecake
This cheesecake recipe takes the classic dessert to new heights by incorporating cottage cheese, adding a tangy and creamy twist. With its smooth texture and subtle flavor, this dessert is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup cottage cheese
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the crust by mixing crumbs and sugar in a bowl. Add melted butter and mix until combined.
3. Press crust into a 9-inch springform pan.
4. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and cottage cheese until smooth.
5. Gradually add sugar and eggs, beating until well combined.
6. Stir in vanilla extract.
7. Pour cheesecake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until set.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Lemon Cottage Cheese Tart
Brighten up your dessert game with this refreshing lemon cottage cheese tart! A creamy and tangy combination of lemon curd, cottage cheese, and a buttery crust will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup lemon curd (homemade or store-bought)
– 16 oz cottage cheese
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the crust and place in a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
2. In a medium bowl, mix cottage cheese, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Spread the lemon curd evenly over the crust.
4. Top with the cottage cheese mixture, spreading it to the edges.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
6. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Berry Cottage Cheese Parfait
Start your day with a refreshing and healthy breakfast parfait that combines the creaminess of cottage cheese with the sweetness of mixed berries.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cottage cheese
– 1/2 cup mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup granola
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the cottage cheese and honey until smooth.
2. Spoon half of the cottage cheese mixture into a parfait glass or a tall clear cup.
3. Top with half of the mixed berries.
4. Sprinkle with half of the granola and half of the sliced almonds.
5. Repeat the layers: cottage cheese, berries, granola, and almonds.
6. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None! Just layer and serve.
Cottage Cheese and Honey Mousse
This light and airy mousse is a perfect blend of tangy cottage cheese and sweet honey, making it an ideal dessert for warm weather or as a healthy snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cottage cheese
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped until stiff peaks form
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, honey, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
2. Fold in the whipped heavy cream until well combined.
3. Spoon the mixture into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 4-6 servings
Enjoy your creamy and sweet Cottage Cheese and Honey Mousse!
Chocolate Cottage Cheese Pudding
This decadent dessert combines the tanginess of cottage cheese with the richness of dark chocolate, creating a unique and indulgent treat. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while still being relatively healthy.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cottage cheese
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 1 ounce high-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), melted
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, cocoa powder, and honey or maple syrup. Mix until smooth.
2. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
3. Fold in heavy cream or half-and-half until fully incorporated.
4. Melt chocolate in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl in 10-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
5. Fold melted chocolate into the cottage cheese mixture until well combined.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None required! Simply chill and serve.
Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
This refreshing dessert combines the creaminess of cottage cheese with the sweetness of strawberries, perfect for a hot summer day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cottage cheese
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup hulled and sliced strawberries
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, sugar, and heavy cream. Blend until smooth.
2. Add sliced strawberries and honey to the mixture. Blend until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Once churned, transfer the mixture to an airtight container and place in the freezer for at least 2 hours to firm up.
5. Scoop and serve. Enjoy!
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (including churning time)
Cottage Cheese and Pineapple Delight
This refreshing dessert combines the creamy texture of cottage cheese with the sweetness of pineapple, creating a delightful treat that’s perfect for warm weather. With only a few ingredients and simple preparation, you’ll be enjoying this sweet and tangy delight in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cottage cheese
– 1/2 cup crushed pineapple
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese and crushed pineapple.
2. Add the honey, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of pineapple chunks or a few fresh mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This dessert is ready in just a few minutes of preparation and can be served immediately.
Vanilla Cottage Cheese Panna Cotta
Panna cotta, an Italian dessert, gets a creamy twist with the addition of vanilla cottage cheese. This light and airy treat is perfect for warm weather or as a refreshing snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cottage cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup whole milk
– 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, and salt until well combined.
3. Gradually pour the cream mixture into the cottage cheese mixture. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
4. Pour the mixture into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
5. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
Cottage Cheese and Blueberry Crumble
This recipe combines creamy cottage cheese with sweet blueberries and a crunchy oat topping, making for a delightful dessert or snack. Perfect for warm weather, this crumble is light, refreshing, and satisfying.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cottage cheese
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together cottage cheese and honey until smooth.
3. Add blueberries and gently fold into the cottage cheese mixture.
4. In a separate bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Add melted butter to the oat mixture and stir until crumbly.
6. Pour the blueberry-cottage cheese mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish.
7. Top with the oat crumble mixture.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Banana Cottage Cheese Smoothie Bowl
Start your day with a creamy and nutritious breakfast bowl that’s packed with protein and fiber. This Banana Cottage Cheese Smoothie Bowl is a delicious and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for a quick morning meal or afternoon snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1/2 cup cottage cheese
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– Ice cubes (as needed)
– Sliced almonds and shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the bananas, cottage cheese, and honey. Blend until smooth.
2. Add the Greek yogurt and blend until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
4. Pour the smoothie into a bowl and top with ice cubes if desired.
5. Garnish with sliced almonds and shredded coconut, if using.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Cottage Cheese and Peach Cobbler
This refreshing dessert combines the creaminess of cottage cheese with the sweetness of peaches, creating a unique and delicious treat perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cottage cheese
– 2 cups sliced peaches
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese and sugar. Mix until smooth.
3. Add sliced peaches, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the bowl. Toss gently to combine.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Pour melted butter into the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly.
6. Spoon cottage cheese mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with crumb mixture.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Matcha Cottage Cheese Mousse
A refreshing and healthy dessert that combines the creamy texture of cottage cheese with the vibrant flavor of matcha green tea. This light and airy mousse is perfect for warm weather or as a unique dessert option.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cottage cheese
– 2 tablespoons matcha powder
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine cottage cheese, matcha powder, and honey. Blend until smooth.
2. Add vanilla extract and blend until well combined.
3. Fold in whipped heavy cream until no white streaks remain.
4. Spoon the mousse into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 5-10 minutes (prep time), plus chilling time
Cottage Cheese and Apricot Tart
This tart combines the creamy tanginess of cottage cheese with the natural sweetness of apricots, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust. It’s an unexpected yet delightful twist on traditional desserts.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup cottage cheese
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to desired thickness.
3. In a bowl, mix together cottage cheese, sugar, and apricots until well combined.
4. Spread the mixture onto the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Drizzle honey over the top of the filling.
6. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling to form a crust.
7. Brush the egg wash over the pastry to give it a golden glaze.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is set.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chocolate Chip Cottage Cheese Cookies
These cookies combine the creaminess of cottage cheese with the indulgence of chocolate chips, creating a unique and delicious treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cottage cheese
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, sugar, brown sugar, and egg. Mix until smooth.
3. Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until combined.
4. Stir in chocolate chips.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Cottage Cheese and Mango Sorbet
This unique sorbet combines the creaminess of cottage cheese with the sweetness of ripe mango, creating a refreshing dessert perfect for warm weather. With only a few ingredients and no cooking required, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cottage cheese
– 2 cups frozen mango chunks
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, mango chunks, honey, and lemon juice.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Once frozen, scoop and serve immediately.
Cooking Time:
– None (no cooking required)
Yield: 1 pint
Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pie
This Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pie is a unique and delicious twist on traditional pumpkin pie, featuring the creaminess of cottage cheese. It’s perfect for a fall-themed dessert or as a healthier alternative to traditional pumpkin pie.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked, mashed pumpkin
– 1/2 cup cottage cheese
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– Whipped cream, optional
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine pumpkin, cottage cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until smooth.
3. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Pour pumpkin mixture into the pie crust.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the filling is set.
6. Let cool before serving. Top with whipped cream, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cottage Cheese and Raspberry Trifle
A sweet and tangy dessert that combines creamy cottage cheese with fresh raspberries and crunchy biscuits, perfect for a quick and easy treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cottage cheese
– 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
– 1/4 cup granola or crushed biscuits
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional)
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the cottage cheese and honey until smooth.
2. Spoon half of the mixture into a glass or parfait dish.
3. Top with fresh raspberries.
4. Sprinkle granola or crushed biscuits over the raspberries.
5. Repeat steps 2-4, ending with the remaining cottage cheese mixture on top.
6. If desired, drizzle with heavy cream and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None! This trifle is ready in just a few minutes.
Cottage Cheese and Caramel Flan
This sweet treat combines the creamy texture of cottage cheese with the rich flavor of caramel flan, creating a unique dessert experience. Perfect for those looking to mix things up in the kitchen!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cottage cheese
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg yolk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together cottage cheese, sugar, and heavy cream until smooth.
3. Add egg yolk and vanilla extract; whisk until well combined.
4. Pour mixture into 6-8 ramekins or small cups.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until edges are set and centers are slightly jiggly.
6. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature.
7. Drizzle with caramel sauce and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Servings: 6-8 individual servings
Summary
Celebrate the creamy delights of cottage cheese with these decadent dessert recipes! From classic cheesecakes to fruity parfaits and rich mousses, there’s something for every sweet tooth. Try the Lemon Cottage Cheese Tart, Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream, or Chocolate Cottage Cheese Pudding. Or, get creative with unique flavor combinations like Matcha Cottage Cheese Mousse or Cottage Cheese and Mango Sorbet. Whatever your taste buds desire, these 18 creamy cottage cheese dessert recipes are sure to satisfy.