Posted by - Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (I used 2%, but you can use any fat percentage based on your preference)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened for a rich chocolate flavor)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (or any preferred sweetener like honey or agave)
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract (optional but enhances flavor)
- 2 tsp chia seeds (for added fiber and thickening)
Optional Toppings:
- Crushed cookies
- Nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts)
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- Banana slices
- Vanilla yogurt
- Whipped cream
- Shaved chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
Gather all ingredients. Make sure the cottage cheese is fresh and the chia seeds are measured accurately. - Blend the Mousse:
- Add the cottage cheese, cocoa powder, maple syrup, chia seeds, and vanilla extract to a blender.
- Blend until smooth, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the blender with a spatula as needed. This step should take about 30–45 seconds.
- Chill the Mousse:
- Transfer the mousse to a jar, cup, or serving dish.
- Cover it with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The chia seeds will absorb moisture, thickening the mousse further.
- Add Toppings and Serve:
- Just before serving, add your favorite toppings for extra texture and flavor.
- Enjoy immediately for a refreshing and satisfying treat!
Tips & Tricks
- Achieving Smooth Texture:
- Use a high-powered blender or food processor for a creamy, lump-free consistency.
- If your cottage cheese is chunky, blend it alone first before adding the other ingredients.
- Customizing Sweetness:
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking. Taste the mousse before chilling and add more maple syrup or sweetener if needed.
- Thickening the Mousse:
- For an even thicker mousse, let it chill for longer (up to 2 hours).
- If you prefer a lighter texture, reduce the chia seeds to 1 teaspoon.
- Make It Vegan:
- Replace cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative, such as almond or cashew-based ricotta.
- Use a vegan sweetener like agave or date syrup.
- Add More Protein:
- Blend in a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder to boost the protein content.
FAQs
1. Can I make this mousse ahead of time?
Yes! This mousse can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add toppings just before serving for freshness.
2. What if I don’t like the taste of cottage cheese?
Blending the cottage cheese with cocoa powder and sweeteners completely masks its flavor. It turns into a smooth, creamy base with no trace of tanginess.
3. Can I freeze the mousse?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. It will have an ice cream-like texture when thawed slightly before eating.
4. What other sweeteners can I use?
You can use honey, agave syrup, stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or even dates for a natural sweetness. Adjust the quantity based on your preference.
5. Can I skip the chia seeds?
Yes, but the mousse will be slightly less thick. If you skip chia seeds, consider chilling the mousse for longer to achieve a firmer consistency.
6. Can I double or triple the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe scales well. Simply multiply the ingredients and blend in batches if needed.
Notes
- Nutritional Value:
This mousse is packed with 31g of protein and 6g of fiber, making it an excellent dessert or post-workout snack. - Dietary Modifications:
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your toppings (like cookies) are gluten-free.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Replace maple syrup with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or stevia.
- Storage:
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in a sealed container.
Serving Suggestions
- Simple Elegance: Dust with powdered cocoa and garnish with a mint leaf.
- Decadent Delight: Add whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
- Fruit Fusion: Top with fresh berries or banana slices for a fruity twist.
- Crunchy Texture: Sprinkle crushed nuts or granola on top for added crunch.