Finally, a Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse recipe that’s not just whipped cottage cheese but a real dessert!
This low-carb recipe is the perfect solution for chocolate lovers and health enthusiasts alike to satisfy a sweet tooth while sticking to health and wellness goals.
Why cottage cheese, you ask?
It’s not just super healthy but also lends a rich, creamy base to desserts without needing heavier ingredients or loads of sugar.
In fact, this cottage cheese chocolate mousse recipe only calls for two additional ingredients – whipping cream and dark chocolate! The chocolate stabilizes the mousse, so you don’t need eggs or gelatine.
The health benefits of cottage cheese, combined with the antioxidants in dark chocolate, make this dessert as nutritious as it is delicious. Plus, it’s much easier to make than it looks, which is perfect when you need to impress dinner guests on a whim or craving something sweet just because.
The finished mousse is a luscious, velvety dessert with a creamy texture that you can customize to your heart’s content with your favorite toppings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s almost time to dig in, but first, here are the top reasons to make cottage cheese chocolate mousse:
- Great for entertaining. Impress your guests with a simple, healthier alternative to classic chocolate desserts that looks and tastes like a gourmet treat.
- Make-ahead friendly. You can prep it in advance and store it in the fridge. It tastes even better on day two!
- Protein-packed. Cottage cheese adds a hefty dose of protein, making this mousse a nutritious option for a dessert or post-workout snack.
- Rich and creamy. Dark chocolate contributes to that deep chocolate flavor and helps create a silky, smooth texture.
Ingredient Notes
Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to get started on your high-protein chocolate mousse:
- Dark chocolate – I highly recommend using dark chocolate with a high cocoa percentage. 70% dark chocolate is ideal. It not only provides the best flavor and perfectly balances the salt in the cottage cheese, but it is also a good source of antioxidants. You may need to tweak the sweetness if you use dark chocolate with a different cocoa content.
- Cottage cheese – The secret to rich and creamy protein-packed chocolate mousse! Blend the cottage cheese in a food processor or blender until it’s completely smooth for the best results.
- Whipping cream – When whipped, it forms the stiff peaks that give chocolate mousse that delightfully fluffy, slightly firm texture we love.
How to Make Chocolate Mousse with Cottage Cheese
Making chocolate mousse with cottage cheese is simpler than you might think. With just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious yet nourishing dessert ready in no time:
Step 1. Melt the chocolate.
Chop the chocolate into small chunks, then melt it in a heat-safe glass bowl until smooth. Once melted, stir in 2 tablespoons of the whipping cream, then set it aside to cool.
Step 2. Blend the cottage cheese.
Add the cottage cheese to a food processor or blender. Pulse a few times to break it up, then process until smooth and creamy.
Step 3. Make the whipped cream.
Whip the remaining cream in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form.
Step 4. Combine the chocolate and whipped cream.
Once the melted chocolate is nearly at room temperature, fold about 1/3 of it into the whipped cream until well combined. Gradually add half the remaining chocolate and mix thoroughly, then repeat with the remaining chocolate.
Step 5. Mix with cottage cheese.
Add the cottage cheese mixture to the chocolate whipped cream, stirring gently until everything is fully incorporated.
Step 6. Chill and serve.
Serve the mousse immediately in dessert bowls or chill it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight before serving.
Recipe Tips
Here are my best pieces of advice to help ensure a perfectly smooth, creamy, and oh-so-fluffy batch of cottage cheese chocolate mousse every time:
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before making the whipped cream. This helps the cream whip faster and achieve perfect stiff peaks. Just be careful not to over-whip and inadvertently turn your whipping cream into butter.
- Gently melt the chocolate in the microwave in 20 to 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or use a double boiler to prevent the chocolate from burning (see below for how to use a double boiler).
- Allow the melted chocolate to cool to nearly room temperature before adding it to the whipped cream. If it’s too hot, it will melt the whipped cream and make it runny.
- Take time blending the cottage cheese until it’s completely smooth and creamy without any lumps. If you don’t have a food processor or blender, you can use a hand mixer, but blending works best for an ultra-smooth, velvety finish.
How to Use a Double Boiler to Melt Chocolate
A double boiler is a setup that helps you melt chocolate gently without using direct heat. This method prevents burning and keeps the chocolate from tasting bitter.
To use a double boiler, fill a saucepan with one to two inches of water. Place a heatproof bowl on top of the saucepan and heat the water over medium heat until it simmers gently. Put the chopped chocolate in the bowl and allow the steam from the simmering water to slowly melt the chocolate, stirring occasionally.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a variety of topping ideas for extra flavor and visual appeal:
- Fresh fruit – Top with fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, or banana slices. Or, layer the mousse with fruit puree or compote for a fruity burst in each bite.
- Nutty toppings – Sprinkle chopped almonds, walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts over the top for crunch or toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
- Chocolate garnishes – Grate dark or white chocolate over the top or create elegant chocolate shavings. Or, top with cocoa nibs or a dusting of cocoa powder for a classic elegant finish.
- Mint leaves – Garnish individual bowls of your dark chocolate mousse with fresh mint leaves for a hint of refreshing flavor and a burst of green color.
- Creative toppings – Consider drizzling peanut butter over your chocolate mousse, or keep it classic with whipped cream and a cherry on top!
FAQs
More Cottage Cheese Recipes
Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse Recipe
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Equipment
- Food Processor (or blender)
- Mixer (or whisk)
Ingredients
- 4½ oz. (127.57 g) 70% dark chocolate
- 1 cup whipping cream (+ 2 tablespoons)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
Instructions
- Chop the chocolate into small chunks. Place it in a bowl and melt it either in the microwave or over a water bath. Once the chocolate is melted add 2 tablespoons whipping cream and mix. Set aside to cool.4½ oz. 70% dark chocolate
- Add the cottage cheese to a food processor or blender. Pulse a few times, and then process until smooth and creamy.1 cup cottage cheese
- In a separate bowl, whip the cream to stiff peaks.1 cup whipping cream
- Once the melted chocolate is almost room temperature, add about 1/3 of it to the whipped cream and mix until well combined. Then, add half of the remaining chocolate and mix. Repeat with the remaining chocolate.
- Add the cottage cheese to the chocolate whipped cream and mix until well combined.
- Add to dessert bowls. You can serve it right away or chill in the fridge for about 3 hours or overnight.
Recipe Notes
- Chill the mixing bowl and beaters for 10-15 minutes to help the cream whip faster.
- Blend the cottage cheese until smooth and creamy for the best texture.
Storing
- If making ahead, add to dessert bowls and cover each bowl with plastic wrap, making sure the wrap doesn’t touch the mousse. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, remove the wrap and garnish the top with whipped cream, raspberry sauce, fruit slices, or berries.
- Freezing is not recommended.
The nutrition facts are an estimate. Variations in ingredient brands, portion sizes, or substitutions can affect the final nutritional values. For the most accurate information, please use a nutrition calculator or consult with a healthcare provider. Always ensure that each of the ingredients is allowed in your diet.
Meet Maria
Maria Ushakova is a holistic nutritionist and food blogger. She focuses on developing easy recipes using real food ingredients. She believes that healthy food is delicious and anyone can learn how to cook it. Maria’s work has appeared on numerous popular websites as well as in print.
Oh my goodness! I made this dessert this evening for dinner. It was so good and so simple to make. I loved it. Thank you Maria!!
Oh, I am so glad you liked it!