This creamy cottage cheese pudding is as healthy as it is delicious! Packed with 40g protein, it makes a great prepare-ahead-of-time breakfast, healthier dessert or even a post-workout snack.
Cottage cheese is definitely having a moment on social media right now and for good reason. It’s such a versatile ingredient that’s packed with protein and fairly low in calories and fat (especially the lower fat or fat-free varieties). It’s also quite mild in flavour, so it can easily be incorporated into many different recipes.
I never really thought of cottage cheese as a main ingredient in a sweet recipe until I saw the viral TikTok trend of using it to make cookie dough. Although I haven’t tried the cookie dough recipe myself, it did give me the idea of using it in a sweet breakfast recipe that’s high in protein. Must admit that I’ve never really been a massive fan of cottage cheese – its taste or texture. However now I find myself wanting to experiment with it more to see just how many different ways I can use it to create tasty healthier meals!
Reasons to incorporate cottage cheese into your diet:
- Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. It contains casein protein, which digests slowly, providing a steady release of amino acids.
- It’s rich in calcium, which is vital for bone health. Adequate calcium intake helps in maintaining strong bones and teeth and may prevent osteoporosis.
- Low-fat and non-fat varieties of cottage cheese are available, making it a good option for those watching their fat intake. It provides the benefits of dairy without the extra calories from fat.
- Cottage cheese provides several essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins (such as B12 and riboflavin), phosphorus, and selenium, which play various roles in energy production, immune function, and overall health.
- The high protein and low carbohydrate content of cottage cheese can help stabilise blood sugar levels, making it a suitable option for people with diabetes or those managing their blood sugar levels.
Why I love making this cottage cheese pudding:
Cottage cheese has a mild, slightly tangy flavour that blends well with sweet ingredients. This makes it versatile enough to be used in various sweet dishes without overpowering other flavours. The creamy, soft texture adds richness and moisture to sweet recipes. It can create a smooth consistency in desserts like cheesecakes, smoothies, and puddings, like this cottage cheese pudding!
Adding cottage cheese to sweet recipes like this one boosts its protein content, making it more filling, satisfying and well-rounded. You can enjoy this cottage cheese pudding as a healthy dessert or make-ahead-of-time breakfast on busy mornings. It also works great as a post-workout snack. Each serving offers 40g protein!
I do add protein powder to bump up the protein content, but even without, this cottage cheese pudding offers around 20g protein, making it an easy way to get in some extra protein into my day.
Using cottage cheese in sweet recipes not only adds protein but also provides essential nutrients like calcium, B vitamins, and phosphorus, enhancing the nutritional profile of the dish.
What you need to make this cottage cheese pudding:
Cottage cheese – I used fat-free cottage cheese to lower the saturated fat content and overall fat content since I’m adding almond butter as my main source of healthy fats. You can use full-fat cottage cheese, just bear in mind that this will change the nutritional breakdown of the recipe.
Protein powder – I love adding protein powder to my breakfasts and desserts to make sure they’re more balanced, well-rounded and less likely to give me a sugar spike. Any protein powder will work, I usually use a vanilla vegan or whey protein powder. You can omit if you don’t have any.
Almond butter – this will make the pudding creamier, but will also add a nutty flavour. Adding healthy fats like nut butter will make this cottage cheese pudding tasty as well as more satiating and satisfying.
Maple syrup – since it’s a pudding, we need to add some sort of sweetener. If you’re using a flavoured protein powder which is already sweet, you may wish to omit the maple syrup. It’s all down to taste, so I would recommend giving the mixture a taste before adding extra sweetener.
Oats – I like to add oats to thicken up my cottage cheese pudding, but also add a bit of fibre. I usually eat this pudding as a dessert, so adding oats makes it more filling and balanced.
Milk – any type will work, I’m mainly using it to thin out the pudding and make it easier to blend!
How to make this cottage cheese pudding:
This cottage cheese pudding couldn’t be easier to make! You literally add everything to a blender, blend until smooth, then transfer into serving dishes. I would recommend refrigerating overnight to make the pudding thicker. Here’s the step-by-step instructions:
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Add everything to a blender/food processor and blend until smooth.
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Pour into serving glasses/bowls, cover, and chill overnight.
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Optional – top with some melted dark chocolate before serving.
The chocolate layer is optional, but recommended!
How to store your cottage cheese pudding:
Ideally you want to store the pudding in the fridge overnight before serving, or for at least 4 hours. You can enjoy it straight away, but the texture will be a little runnier.
If you have any leftovers, cover and store in the fridge. Consume within 24 hours.
This cottage cheese pudding is:
- High in protein
- Easy to make
- Great as a balanced breakfast
- Great as a healthier dessert
- Easily adjustable to likes/needs
- A fun way to enjoy cottage cheese!
- So delicious!
Cottage Cheese Pudding (High Protein)
Ingredients
- 200g fat free cottage cheese
- 2 tbsp almond butter
- 2 scoops protein powder I used vanilla whey
- 50g oats
- 60ml milk of choice
- 2 tbsp Maple syrup* see notes
- 10g dark chocolate optional
Instructions
- Add everything to a blender/food processor and blend until smooth.
- Pour into serving glasses/bowls, cover, and chill overnight.
- Optional – top with some melted dark chocolate before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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