Description
Healthy Cottage Cheese Tiramisu is a lighter, protein-packed twist on the classic Italian dessert that replaces mascarpone with blended cottage cheese. This guilt-free version retains the creamy, coffee-infused richness but dramatically reduces sugar and fat, making it perfect for health-conscious dessert lovers and fitness enthusiasts seeking indulgence without compromise.
Ingredients
Scale
Cream Layer
- 1½ cups low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese
- 2–3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Coffee Layer
- 1 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
Layers
- 12–16 ladyfinger biscuits or whole-grain sponge fingers
- Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Blend the Cottage Cheese: Add cottage cheese, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and optional lemon zest to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed to achieve a creamy, mascarpone-like texture.
- Prepare the Coffee: Brew a strong cup of espresso or coffee and let it cool completely. Stir in cocoa powder and coffee liqueur if using, to add depth to the coffee layer.
- Assemble the Tiramisu: Quickly dip each ladyfinger biscuit into the cooled coffee, ensuring they are soaked but not soggy. Arrange a layer of soaked biscuits in a serving dish, then spread a thick layer of the blended cottage cheese cream over them. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cream on top.
- Chill the Dessert: Refrigerate the assembled tiramisu for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up properly.
- Serve: Before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder to finish the dish authentically.
Notes
- Ensure cottage cheese is blended thoroughly for smooth, creamy texture.
- Do not over-soak ladyfingers to prevent sogginess.
- Chilling time is essential for best texture and flavor melding.
- Avoid flavored cottage cheese as it may alter the taste.
- Can customize with chocolate protein powder, keto-friendly biscuits, or vegan substitutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Healthy tiramisu, cottage cheese dessert, low sugar tiramisu, protein dessert, Italian classic, guilt-free dessert, creamy tiramisu, no bake dessert
