Thick And Creamy Cottage Cheese Pudding
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Cottage cheese is currently having its moment, and this cottage cheese pudding is proof that the hype is real! A blender and a few simple ingredients are all it takes to transform plain old cottage cheese into a luscious, velvety snack that’s as guilt-free as it is indulgent. It’s smooth, creamy, and absolutely dreamy – the perfect feel-good treat that you can whip up in just 5 minutes!
As much as I love indulging in homemade treats like apricot tart and tiramisu, sometimes I want to enjoy quick treats that are just as satisfying. Enter cottage cheese pudding – a treat I can make in literally a few minutes. I’ve been a long-time fan of cottage cheese and I’ve been seeing it as the unexpected star of many viral recipes across social media. With its nostalgic roots and modern versatility, I’m not surprised that it’s enjoying its moment in the spotlight right now.
Well, viral or not, this delicious pudding packed with rich chocolate flavor is a must-try. It’s a great make-ahead option for a breakfast treat, quick afternoon snack, pre- or post-workout eat, or sweet bite after dinner. You get to enjoy everything you love in a pudding – without the guilt and without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make: Just blend, pour, and enjoy!
- Delicious flavors: Creamy cheese, chocolatey cocoa, and sweet vanilla come together in this insanely delicious treat.
- Fun and trendy: It taps into the viral cottage cheese craze in the easiest, most delicious way.
- Flexible flavors: The base recipe is a blank canvas – just switch up the protein powder flavor to match your mood or cravings.
- Kid-approved: It’s sweet, smooth, and fun to eat – kids won’t even guess there’s cottage cheese involved.
- Make-ahead friendly: Stash it in the fridge and have a ready-to-go treat for busy days or late-night cravings.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Pudding
Cottage cheese pudding can’t be easier to make – simply blend the ingredients together and it’s ready to serve. I highly recommend that you give it some chill time before enjoying to help thicken the pudding and make it extra creamy and spoonable! Cottage cheese has never looked (or tasted) this good!
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Cottage cheese: Gives the pudding its signature creamy, cheesecake-like texture. Be sure to blend it well – cottage cheese is naturally lumpy, and only a good blend will get it nice and smooth.
- Flavored protein powder: I love using peanut butter flavored protein powder, but chocolate and vanilla are great too. You may add up to 2 tablespoons more depending on preference. I recommend using whey protein, as plant-based or casein powders can make the pudding overly thick.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that rich chocolate flavor. Just give it a quick sift before blending to avoid any clumps.
- Powdered erythritol: Sweetens things up without using regular sugar.The powdered kind blends much more smoothly than the granulated version.
- Vanilla extract
- Unsweetened almond milk: Helps loosen the pudding to your ideal consistency while keeping things light in flavor.
- Salt
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to turn simple ingredients into something silky, rich, and spoon-licking good? Follow these step-by-step instructions to blend your way to the best cottage cheese pudding you’ll ever taste!
Step 1: Blend
Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
Step 2: Taste and adjust
Taste and adjust sweetness or consistency with more almond milk if desired.
Step 3: Chill
Chill for 30 minutes for a firmer texture, or enjoy immediately.
Substitutions
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients. However, if you happen not to have some of the ingredients at home, you can substitute with these:
- Cottage cheese: Swap with ricotta cheese or silken tofu for a similar creamy texture. Greek yogurt works too – just keep in mind it’ll be a bit tangier and not quite as rich.
- Flavored protein powder: If you only have unflavored, no problem – just add extra vanilla extract and a bit more sweetener to taste.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: You can use cacao powder, carob powder, or even a scoop of chocolate protein powder. Just taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
- Powdered erythritol: Swap with powdered monk fruit sweetener, stevia, date sugar, or coconut sugar – whatever you’ve got on hand and like the flavor of.
- Vanilla extract: Substitute with vanilla bean paste or almond extract.
- Unsweetened almond milk: Any unsweetened dairy or plant-based milk (oat, soy, cashew, or coconut) works here. Use whatever fits your taste or what’s in the fridge.
Expert Tips
- Use cold ingredients: Starting with chilled cottage cheese and almond milk makes the pudding instantly cool and creamy and helps everything blend together more smoothly for that perfect silky texture.
- Adjust the consistency: Too thick? Add a splash more milk. Too thin? Blend in a bit more cottage cheese or protein powder.
- Play with flavors: Use flavored extracts (like almond, coconut, or maple) or add a spoonful of nut butter, instant espresso, or citrus zest for a fun twist.
- Get creative with mix-ins: Try blending in things like chia seeds, a handful of spinach, or even a bit of avocado – they blend smoothly and add a little something extra without changing the texture too much.
- Make it a dessert bowl: Dress it up with your favorite toppings like fresh berries, cacao nibs, shaved dark chocolate, chopped nuts, or a dollop of whipped cream for a treat that feels indulgent and totally satisfying.
- Batch ahead: Double or triple the recipe and store portions in individual containers for grab-and-go snacks or dessert throughout the week.
How to Store This Recipe
Scoop the pudding into an airtight container then pop them in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, though the texture may firm up a bit – just give it a good stir before digging in. Wait to add any toppings until you’re ready to serve. Freezing isn’t recommended, as it can make the pudding turn grainy once thawed.
What to Serve with Cottage Cheese Pudding
Cottage cheese pudding is super versatile, so you can enjoy it on its own or dress it up depending on the time of day. For breakfast or a midday snack, enjoy it with a slice of toast and fresh fruit, maple bacon and eggs, impossible quiche, or a make-ahead breakfast sandwich.
Want to make it more of a treat? Top it with crushed graham crackers, chocolate chips, or a swirl of jam. It also works great as a light dessert after a cozy dinner – especially when served with berries or a few crisp cookies on the side. We love it with either almond crescent cookies or shortbread cookies.
More Easy Treats To Try
- Berry smoothie bowl
- Lemon blueberry loaf
- Peppermint ice cream
- Peanut butter brownies
- 3-ingredient fudge
Easy 5-Minute Cottage Cheese Pudding
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 2 scoops peanut butter flavored protein powder
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tablespoons powdered sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk or nut milk
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or consistency with more milk if desired.
- Chill for 30 minutes for a firmer texture, or enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Starting with chilled cottage cheese and almond milk makes the pudding instantly cool and creamy and helps everything blend together more smoothly.
- Too thick? Add a splash more milk. Too thin? Blend in a bit more cottage cheese or protein powder.
- Use flavored extracts or add a spoonful of nut butter, instant espresso, or citrus zest for a fun twist.
- Try blending in mix-ins like chia seeds, a handful of spinach, or even a bit of avocado – they add a little something extra without changing the texture too much.
- Dress it up with your favorite toppings like fresh berries, cacao nibs, shaved dark chocolate, chopped nuts, or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Double or triple the recipe and store portions in individual containers for grab-and-go snacks or dessert throughout the week.
