Whipped Cottage Cheese Dessert Cups are simple, satisfying, high in protein, and perfect for low-carb or keto diets and anyone who loves cheesecake...but doesn't want the extra work and calories!
Savor each bite and satisfy the urge for something indulgent! I usually enjoy it after dinner. But it's equally perfect for breakfast or as a snack, much like Pumpkin Cottage Cheese and Overnight Chia Seed Pudding.
The ingredient list couldn't be easier: cottage cheese, sweetener, and vanilla extract.
The transformation to a simple elegant dessert comes from whipping cottage cheese into a smooth creamy custard. If you pass on curds and whey (as they're also known) because you can't get past the lumps, then this recipe is for you!
How to "whip" cottage cheese
Use a food processor or blender to make cottage cheese the consistency of pudding. An immersion blender and a NutriBullet can do the job too. It takes about one minute.
Add sweetener and vanilla to the food processor at the same time OR it can be done later.
Tip: Process the entire tub while you have everything out for a quick dessert when you want it.
Types of cottage cheese
Much like dairy milk, cottage cheese is classified as regular, low-fat/reduced fat, or non-fat based on the amount of milk fat. You'll also find small versus large curds as well as low-sodium and flavored versions.
You can even find an already smooth version by Friendship Dairies if it's available in your area.
They are all super healthy according to Healthline and any of these products will work in this recipe.
We used a full-fat brand that is consistent with low-carb diets, including the new keto-friendly South Beach Diet.
Types of sweetener
A half cup of cottage cheese needs the equivalent of 2 teaspoons of sugar to give it a dessert taste (in my opinion.) Adjust it to taste! Low-carb options we suggest include:
- Erythritol (such as Swerve)
- Monk fruit
- Stevia
All-natural options, which aren't low-carb, but also have a place at the table:
- Honey
- Maple syrup
Topping ideas
Doctor up your whipped cottage cheese dessert any way you like or enjoy it with nothing at all.
- Dark chocolate chips - use Stevia sweetened chips to keep down the carb count.
- Berries, especially raspberries
- Nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, almonds
- Cinnamon
Note: Depending upon the topping, you may be able to use less sweetener!
It's not my beloved cheesecake. BUT, it is a healthy treat that you can enjoy whenever you want!
Did you make this recipe?
Please leave a rating and tell us how you liked it!
📋 Recipe
Whipped Cottage Cheese Dessert Cups Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup cottage cheese (full fat) any type will work; drain off excess liquid if necessary
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- sweetener to taste the equivalent of 2 teaspoons of sugar. See suggestions above.
Instructions
- Add everything to a small food processor and run for 1 minute or until smooth.
- Chill in the refrigerator to enjoy like pudding or freeze and enjoy like ice cream. See more notes below.
- Add toppings if desired and enjoy!
Notes
- Enjoy as pudding or soft serve ice cream: chill in the refrigerator.
- To make ice cream, store it in the freezer for 2-3 hours. Remove about 10-15 minutes before serving so that it softens. The timing will vary depending on how thick it is. The mixture can also be added to an ice cream maker.
Eva Hartzell
This is such an easy recipe I will be trying it. Thanks
Marjory Pilley
Thanks so much for your comment! Enjoy!
Mandy
Well, I was surprised at how good this was and my husband, whom I dragged into the South Beach Diet whining and pouting, was astonished. I used full-fat large curd cottage cheese and my immersion blender, then let it sit in the fridge for half an hour to set up a bit. I may use slightly less vanilla next time or experiment with other extracts like almond or orange. But it's definitely a keeper. Can't wait for Phase Two when I can add a compliant fruit.
Marjory Pilley
That's fantastic and love the idea of other extracts! I've recently started pairing orange with chocolate...I wonder how that work?!
DJ
That's a new favorite of mine.and what about a top of unsweetened cocoa and some pineapple? I love dark chocolate and fruit.
Carol
I used key lime juice instead of vanilla and added a little extra swerve. It was delicious! Could be put on an almond flour crust for a delicious key lime pie.
Marjory Pilley
That's a great idea! I've been adding key lime juice to Greek Yogurt and whipping it! Also, very delicious!
Michelle
Hi, the recipe is delicious, but mine turned out soupy. It's been in the fridge for an hour and still not thickened. I used small curd, could that be it?
Marjory Pilley
Hi! I would not have expected small curd to make much of a difference! It sounds like it may have been a little creamier to begin with or possibly had a little extra liquid in the container. I'm hoping it will firm up a little or you could stir in some mix-ins that might thicken it up?! Thank you so much for your comment. I'd love to know what happens.
Michelle
Unfortunately it never thickened up. But it tasted so good I drank it out of a glass. 😊
Marjory Pilley
Wow! Thanks for sharing! It sounds like you have the makings of a smoothie!
CAMIEL WILSON
Maybe next time mix it with a package of sugar free pudding or chia seeds? I have not tried either, but I am planning on the pudding mixture to see if I can get more of a 'solid' texture.
Nancy
This is very good, it tastes like a similar dessert I had at a Persian restaurant. So the second time
I made it I added a sprinkle of cardamom, a drizzle of honey and, some crushed pistachios on top and
a couple of diced dried apricots. Delicious and exotic.
Marjory Pilley
That sounds fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing.
Aimee
Mine got liquidy as well. I used 2% cottage cheese and the magic bullet. I’m not sure how to thicken it more... tried to add a little cream cheese, protein powder, and then ice but it’s still totally liquidy. I guess I’ll try 4% cottage cheese next time but I wonder if the magic bullet is too powerful.
Marjory Pilley
Hi! Thanks for your comment. Could it possibly have been processed a little too long? I've successfully added cream cheese, but I don't think ice will work like it does for a smoothie. You could also try adding some fresh fruit, like strawberries.
Billie N
If you blend with frozen fruit and sweetener it will be nice and thick! Frozen raspberries are my favorite.
Marjory Pilley
Delicious idea!
Heather
I tried this with a hand blender and it worked great! I also have added a whole banana and skipped the Splenda. Great recipe!! Thanks for sharing it!!
Brigitte Wood
I put my 2% cottage cheese tub in a sieve before it went in the Ninja. That way it was not as “wet”. Then I added a little Maple syrup and one kiwi. Nuts and Kiwi slices on top.
Tastes great and looks attractive.
Marjory Pilley
Sounds delightful! Thanks so much for sharing!
Kayla
I added half a scoop of protein powder to it with a Tbls of pb2. It Def thickened it up.
Audrey
I can’t believe how good this tastes. The most simple thing in the world and really tastes quite divine. Have never eaten cottage cheese with such verve before! I added brown rice later for a comforting healthy kind of desert - topped with maple syrup of course. Thank you for this recipe!
Lisa
Haven't tried it yet. But I was thinking about it being watery: what about adding some chia seeds(?) Just an idea...
Marjory Pilley
I think that is an excellent idea! Thanks for sharing.
Mary
Very good I only added the cottage cheese with sugar free strawberry jelly. Came out delicious. Thanks for this recipe.
Marjory Pilley
Genius. Thanks for sharing. I'm guessing it had a strawberry cheesecake flavor.
X
Just tried this after seeing it everywhere , and I’m impressed . Just thinking of all the things I can add is mind blowing !!
Marjory Pilley
I'm so happy you enjoyed it!
Ronnie
Just made this, looks a little watery for me as well, but I added some quick oats in so hope when it settles overnight the oats will soak up extra moisture.
Liz
I just froze this cottage cheese mixture for about an hour and scooped it out like ice cream. I can’t believe how delicious it was. Topped it with strawberries and a crushed graham crackers. Can’t wait to experiment with more variations.
Marjory Pilley
Sounds amazing and thanks sharing. Love to hear about all the variations people are trying!