If you’re looking for a quick, indulgent dessert that’s secretly healthy, this Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse is a must-try. Packed with protein, made with just three simple ingredients, and rich enough to satisfy even the strongest chocolate cravings, it’s one of those recipes I find myself coming back to week after week.
This high-protein mousse is thick, velvety, and deeply chocolatey without relying on refined sugars or heavy cream. What makes this mousse unique is its base cottage cheese which may sound unusual in a dessert, but trust me, once blended, it transforms into the smoothest texture. It’s a fun way to sneak in extra protein while still enjoying a classic dessert experience.
Why I Love This Cottage Cheese Mousse
I created this mousse for those moments when I want something sweet without a sugar crash. Whether you’re following a higher-protein diet, need a post-workout snack, or just want a smarter sweet option, this mousse fits right in. It’s a no-bake, no-fuss recipe that blends together in minutes and chills beautifully for later.
- Quick to make – Ready in under 5 minutes (or 35 if chilled)
- Only 3 key ingredients
- No added sugar needed
- Naturally gluten-free, nut-free, and vegetarian
- Customizable with easy swaps
I love that it delivers dessert-level satisfaction without any of the guilt. It’s also great for meal prep make a batch, portion it out, and enjoy throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this rich, creamy mousse:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (2% milk fat). This provides the creamy base and the protein boost. Lower fat versions work too, but the 2% gives a smoother texture.
- ⅔ cup milk chocolate chips. These are melted and give the mousse its sweet, decadent taste.
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder .Enhances the chocolate flavor and deepens the richness.
How I Make It
- Melt the chocolate chips: Place them in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20 to 30 second bursts, stirring each time until completely smooth.
- Blend everything: Add the cottage cheese, melted chocolate, and cocoa powder to a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend for 20 to 30 seconds, then scrape down the sides and blend again until perfectly smooth.
- Serve or chill: You can enjoy it right away, but I highly recommend letting it chill for about 30 minutes. This helps it firm up and creates that classic mousse like consistency.
- Top & enjoy: Serve it solo or dress it up with whipped cream, shaved chocolate, or fresh fruit.
Helpful Tips for the Best Results
- Use thicker cottage cheese: Avoid watery varieties, or drain excess liquid if needed.
- Blend until silky: If your mousse seems lumpy, blend longer. It should be completely smooth.
- Adjust sweetness: While the chocolate chips provide enough sweetness, a drizzle of maple syrup or honey can be added if desired.
- Flavor enhancements: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of instant coffee to deepen the chocolate notes.
Storage & Serving Ideas
Keep your mousse stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. I like to divide it into small jars or ramekins for easy grab-and-go snacks. One batch makes about 4 smaller servings, each offering around 8.5 grams of protein.
Optional Substitutions
Want to tweak it a bit? Here are a few changes I’ve tried:
- Use semi sweet or dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Try fat-free or full fat cottage cheese, depending on your texture preference.
- Add vanilla extract or a small amount of maple syrup for added sweetness.
- For dairy-free, use dairy free chocolate chips and lactose free cottage cheese.
This mousse is also safe for those avoiding gluten and nuts and if you ever find a great vegan cottage cheese, it could be your new favorite plant-based dessert too