Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This mousse is a decadent dessert that’s packed with protein, thanks to the cottage cheese base, making it a guilt-free indulgence. The combination of cocoa powder and vanilla gives it a rich chocolate flavor, while the honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option) adds just the right amount of sweetness. The mousse is smooth and creamy, and with the option to add your favorite toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings, it becomes a beautifully versatile dessert that’s both healthy and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy, adjust for consistency)
- A pinch of salt
- Fresh raspberries or strawberries (optional)
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Blend the Base:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, cocoa powder, honey, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, making sure there are no lumps. This may take 1-2 minutes depending on the strength of your blender.
Adjust the Texture:
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk (dairy or non-dairy) to achieve the desired consistency. Blend again until fully incorporated. The mousse should be thick but silky smooth.
Chill:
- Transfer the mousse into serving glasses or bowls. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and the texture to firm up.
Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, add your choice of toppings such as whipped cream, fresh raspberries, strawberries, or dark chocolate shavings. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Additional Time: 35 minutes (chilling)
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Sweetener Swap: You can use maple syrup, agave, or stevia as a sweetener alternative to honey for different flavor profiles.
- Add-ins: Add a pinch of espresso powder or cinnamon to the mousse for extra flavor complexity.
- Vegan Version: Substitute dairy cottage cheese with vegan cream cheese or silken tofu for a plant-based option.
- Toppings: Try topping with other fruits like blueberries, banana slices, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: This mousse is meant to be served cold, so there’s no need for reheating. Simply enjoy it chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use fat-free cottage cheese?
Yes, you can use fat-free cottage cheese, but keep in mind that it may affect the creaminess of the mousse. Full-fat cottage cheese gives a richer texture, but the fat-free version will still work if you prefer a lighter mousse.
Can I make this mousse ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up. Just cover and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before serving.
Can I substitute cocoa powder with melted chocolate?
Yes, you can melt about 2 oz of dark chocolate and add it to the mixture instead of cocoa powder. This will give the mousse a slightly different texture and a richer chocolate flavor.
Can I use a hand mixer instead of a blender?
A hand mixer can work, but it may not get the mousse as smooth as a blender or food processor would. If using a hand mixer, blend the ingredients in stages and be sure to mix thoroughly.
How do I know when the mousse is ready?
The mousse should be thick and smooth after blending, with a creamy consistency. Allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes to fully set and develop its flavors.
Can I freeze this mousse?
While you can freeze the mousse, it’s best enjoyed fresh or chilled. Freezing may alter the texture slightly once thawed.
Conclusion
Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse is a creamy, delicious dessert that’s not only a treat for the taste buds but also a healthy alternative to traditional mousse recipes. With just a few ingredients and simple preparation, you can indulge in a rich chocolate dessert that’s both satisfying and high in protein. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or garnishing with fresh berries and whipped cream, this mousse is the perfect way to satisfy your chocolate cravings in a healthier way!
Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse
Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse is a creamy, protein-packed dessert with the richness of chocolate and the smoothness of cottage cheese. Sweetened with honey, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional chocolate mousse.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy, adjust for consistency)
A pinch of salt
Fresh raspberries or strawberries (optional)
Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, cocoa powder, honey, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, making sure there are no lumps. This may take 1-2 minutes depending on the strength of your blender.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk (dairy or non-dairy) to achieve the desired consistency. Blend again until fully incorporated. The mousse should be thick but silky smooth.
- Transfer the mousse into serving glasses or bowls. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and the texture to firm up.
- Before serving, add your choice of toppings such as whipped cream, fresh raspberries, strawberries, or dark chocolate shavings. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Substitute maple syrup, agave, or stevia as a sweetener alternative to honey for different flavor profiles.
For a more complex flavor, add a pinch of espresso powder or cinnamon to the mousse.
For a vegan version, replace cottage cheese with vegan cream cheese or silken tofu.
Try topping with fruits like blueberries or banana slices, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg