Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in Protein: Each serving provides 12 grams of protein, making it a satisfying treat.
- Lower in Fat: By substituting traditional mascarpone with cottage cheese, this tiramisu reduces saturated fat content without compromising on taste.
- Simple Preparation: With a quick 20-minute prep time, there’s no need for baking or handling raw eggs—just blend, layer, and chill.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: The combination of creamy layers and coffee-soaked ladyfingers makes this a favorite among dessert lovers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cottage cheese
- Milk (such as unsweetened almond milk)
- Pure maple syrup or honey
- Pure vanilla extract
- Strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
- Ladyfinger cookies
- Cacao or cocoa powder
Directions
- Rinse Cottage Cheese: Place the cottage cheese in a fine mesh sieve and rinse with cold water to remove excess salt. Let it drain for a few minutes.
- Blend Mixture: In a high-speed blender, combine the rinsed cottage cheese, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth, about 2-3 minutes, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed.
- Prepare Layers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee, ensuring both sides are coated but not soaked. Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of a loaf pan. Spread one-third of the cottage cheese mixture over the ladyfingers, smoothing it with a spatula. Repeat the process to create two more layers, ending with the cottage cheese mixture on top.
- Chill: Cover the loaf pan tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
- Serve: Before serving, dust the top with cacao or cocoa powder. Slice and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 6 servings.
- Prep Time: Approximately 20 minutes.
- Chilling Time: At least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute traditional ladyfingers with gluten-free versions to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Alcohol-Infused: For an adult twist, add a splash of coffee liqueur or rum to the coffee used for dipping the ladyfingers.
- Different Sweeteners: Experiment with alternative sweeteners like agave syrup or stevia to suit your taste preferences.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Cover the tiramisu tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as it may alter the dessert’s texture.
FAQs
What is tiramisu?
Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert made of layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a rich, creamy mixture, traditionally containing mascarpone cheese, and dusted with cocoa powder.
Can I use a different cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, ricotta cheese can be used as an alternative; however, it may result in a higher fat content.
How can I make this dessert suitable for children?
Ensure the coffee is decaffeinated and omit any alcohol to make it kid-friendly.
Are there vegan alternatives for this recipe?
Substituting dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like vegan cottage cheese and almond milk can make this recipe vegan-friendly.
What can I use instead of ladyfinger cookies?
Sponge cake slices or biscotti can serve as substitutes if ladyfingers are unavailable.
How long does it take to set?
The tiramisu should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, but overnight chilling is recommended for optimal texture and flavor.
Can I add chocolate to this recipe?
Incorporating a layer of shaved dark chocolate between layers can enhance the dessert’s richness.
Is it safe to consume raw eggs in tiramisu?
This recipe does not include raw eggs, making it safer for consumption compared to traditional versions that do.
How do I prevent the dessert from becoming soggy?
Quickly dipping the ladyfingers in coffee prevents them from becoming overly saturated, maintaining the desired texture.
Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
Yes, preparing tiramisu a day ahead allows the flavors to meld, often improving the overall taste.
Conclusion
Cottage Cheese Tiramisu provides a delightful, healthier alternative to the traditional dessert, combining ease of preparation with indulgent flavors. Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight treat, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.
Cottage Cheese Tiramisu
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cottage Cheese Tiramisu offers a lighter, protein-packed twist on the classic Italian dessert. Made with creamy cottage cheese, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa, this healthier dessert is high in protein, lower in fat, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- Cottage cheese
- Milk (unsweetened almond milk or any preferred variety)
- Pure maple syrup or honey
- Pure vanilla extract
- Strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
- Ladyfinger cookies
- Cacao or cocoa powder
Instructions
- Rinse Cottage Cheese
Rinse cottage cheese under cold water using a fine mesh sieve to reduce saltiness. Let it drain. - Blend Mixture
Combine cottage cheese, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a blender. Blend until smooth. - Prepare Layers
- Dip ladyfingers quickly into cooled coffee.
- Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers in a loaf pan.
- Spread one-third of the cottage cheese mixture over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat for two more layers, finishing with cottage cheese on top.
- Chill
Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. - Serve
Dust with cacao or cocoa powder before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Texture Tip: Ensure ladyfingers are not over-soaked to maintain the dessert’s structure.
- Make-Ahead: Best prepared a day in advance for enhanced flavor and firmness.
- Kid-Friendly: Use decaffeinated coffee and skip any alcohol additions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: None (chilling time: 4+ hours)
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
