You know those nights when you’re craving something sweet, but also kind of want to feel good about it? That’s exactly when I whip up this Tiramisu Cottage Cheese Chia Mousse – my secret weapon for satisfying dessert cravings without the guilt. It’s got that dreamy, creamy texture you love in classic tiramisu, but packed with protein from cottage cheese and all the goodness of chia seeds.
Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to impress guests last-minute, this mousse has saved me more times than I can count. The best part? You probably have most of the ingredients in your fridge and pantry right now.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Tiramisu Cottage Cheese Chia Mousse
Oh, where do I even start? This little miracle of a dessert checks all the boxes:
- Protein-packed goodness – Cottage cheese gives it that sneaky nutrition boost while tasting like dessert (my kind of magic trick!)
- Creamy cheesecake vibes – The texture will fool you into thinking you’re eating something far more indulgent
- No oven required – Just blend, chill, and you’re done. Perfect for hot summer days!
- Ready in minutes – The active prep time is shorter than scrolling through Netflix trying to pick a movie
- Better overnight – Makes it perfect for meal prep or when you want dessert waiting for you after work
Honestly, I keep making batches of this because it disappears faster than I can say “just one more spoonful…”
Ingredients for Tiramisu Cottage Cheese Chia Mousse
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dreamy dessert happen:
- ½ cup full-fat cottage cheese – This is non-negotiable for that ultra-creamy texture
- ½ cup almond milk (or whatever milk you have – I’ve used oat milk in a pinch)
- ¼ cup chia seeds – These little powerhouses thicken everything beautifully
- 2 tbsp maple syrup – Or adjust to your sweet tooth’s demands
- 1 tsp instant coffee granules dissolved in 1 tsp hot water – The tiramisu magic!
- ½ tsp vanilla extract – Pure vanilla makes all the difference
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – For that classic tiramisu dusting
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Don’t stress if you need to swap things! Dairy-free milk works perfectly here – I’ve made it with coconut milk when we had guests with allergies. Honey can stand in for maple syrup if that’s what’s in your pantry. But please, please use full-fat cottage cheese – low-fat versions just don’t give that luscious mouthfeel we’re after. Trust me on this one!
How to Make Tiramisu Cottage Cheese Chia Mousse
Okay, let’s make some magic happen! This is seriously one of the easiest desserts you’ll ever whip up – even my 8-year-old can make it (with supervision, of course). Here’s how we do it:
- Blend it smooth: Toss your cottage cheese, almond milk, maple syrup, coffee mixture, and vanilla into the blender. Now blend the heck out of it until it’s completely smooth – no lumps allowed! This usually takes me about 30 seconds to a minute on high.
- Chia time: Pour that gorgeous creamy mixture into your serving bowls or jars. Sprinkle in the chia seeds and give them a good whisk to distribute evenly. Here’s my trick – set a timer for 5 minutes, then whisk again. This prevents those sneaky chia seeds from clumping together at the bottom.
- The waiting game: Cover and pop it in the fridge. I know, I know – waiting is hard! But give it at least 2 hours to thicken properly. Overnight is even better if you can resist (the flavors develop so beautifully).
- Final touch: Right before serving, grab your cocoa powder and dust it over the top like you’re a fancy pastry chef. Instant elegance!
Pro Tips for Perfect Texture
Want that silky-smooth, mousse-like consistency? Blend until you can’t feel any cottage cheese grains anymore – I usually do an extra pulse after it looks done. The second whisking after 5 minutes is clutch for even thickening. And if you want that spoon-standing-up thickness? Overnight chilling is your best friend – worth the wait, promise!
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Dreamy Tiramisu Cottage Cheese Chia Mousse in Just 5 Minutes
A high-protein dessert with a creamy, cheesecake-like texture. Perfect for a quick treat or special occasion.
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (or overnight)
- Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp instant coffee granules (dissolved in 1 tsp hot water)
- ½ tsp vanilla extractFilters
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, almond milk, maple syrup, dissolved coffee, and vanilla. Blend on high until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a jar or bowl. Whisk in the chia seeds. Wait 5 minutes and whisk again.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to thicken.
- Dust with cocoa powder before serving.
Notes
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest texture.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, increase the instant coffee granules.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes Whilst
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blended, No-Bake
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Low Lactose
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Serving & Storing Tiramisu Cottage Cheese Chia Mousse
This mousse is basically a blank canvas for your dessert dreams! I love dusting mine with extra cocoa powder for that authentic tiramisu look, but fresh berries or a drizzle of melted chocolate take it next-level. For storage, just keep it covered in the fridge – it stays perfect for up to 3 days (if it lasts that long!). The chia seeds actually help it stay fresh and thicken even more over time. Pro tip: give it a quick stir before serving leftovers!
Tiramisu Cottage Cheese Chia Mousse Variations
Oh, the fun you can have with this base recipe! My family loves when I switch it up – sometimes I’ll blend in cocoa powder for a chocolate-coffee twist (about 1 tbsp does the trick). For special occasions, I layer it with crushed ladyfinger cookies just like classic tiramisu – the textures are heavenly together! If you want more ideas on high-protein desserts, check out my cottage cheese mousse variations.
Other favorites? Swirling in melted peanut butter before chilling, or topping with toasted coconut flakes for crunch. The possibilities are endless – what will you try first? You can also see how I use cottage cheese in savory dishes like my fajita chicken cottage cheese bake recipe!
Nutritional Information
Just so you know what you’re getting into (in the best way possible!): each serving of this dreamy mousse packs about 180 calories and a whopping 10g of protein – dessert that actually fuels you! Of course, these numbers are estimates and might vary slightly based on your exact ingredients. But hey, when something tastes this indulgent while giving you that protein boost, I call that a total win! If you want to see more of my recipes, follow along on Facebook.
FAQs About Tiramisu Cottage Cheese Chia Mousse
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt works beautifully – you’ll get a slightly tangier flavor that’s still delicious. Just make sure it’s full-fat for that creamy texture we love.
How long does the chia mousse keep in the fridge?
It stays perfect for about 3 days covered in the refrigerator. The chia seeds actually help it thicken more over time – sometimes I think day two tastes even better!
What if I don’t like coffee flavor?
No problem! Simply leave out the instant coffee granules. You’ll still get a lovely vanilla-chia mousse that’s delicious with cocoa powder dusted on top.
Can I make this sugar-free?
Yes! Swap the maple syrup for your favorite sugar-free sweetener. Just adjust to taste – I find monk fruit or erythritol blends work really well here. For more healthy dessert options, check out my cottage cheese flourless brownies recipe.
Why does mine turn out lumpy?
Two tricks: blend the cottage cheese mixture extra smooth before adding chia seeds, and don’t skip that second whisk after 5 minutes! This guarantees silky texture every time.
Final Thoughts
I’ll be honest – this mousse has become my go-to dessert for good reason. Easy, delicious, and secretly nutritious? Yes please! Give it a try and let me know how you make it your own – I can’t wait to hear your favorite variations!
