Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse is the best high protein sweet treat. Smooth and creamy, it's made with just 3 simple ingredients.
Cottage cheese is a dietitian staple for a reason: it's high protein, creamy, and versatile in so many recipes. I've used it in herb and garlic dip, smoothies, blueberry muffins and Alfredo pasta. But did you know that it's also incredibly in desserts?
This cottage cheese chocolate mousse is the most incredible dessert. It's smooth, creamy and super chocolate-y, but thicker than a standard pudding. Similar to my chocolate chia pudding, this is a sweet treat that satisfies your cravings and packs in some extra nutrients. You'll be hooked after the first bite!
Why This Recipe Is Dietitian Approved
- Higher protein. One serving of this cottage cheese chocolate mousse has 14g of high quality protein, making it a more balanced dessert option.
- Easy to make. I'm a big fan of this recipe because you can prep it ahead of time for large gatherings or dessert throughout the week.
- A sweet treat the entire family will love. Even if someone doesn't like cottage cheese, this is a chocolate mousse they will love. It's perfectly sweet and full of chocolate goodness!
Ingredients
Cottage cheese. The high protein base of our chocolate mousse! Seriously, what can’t cottage cheese do? When blended, it creates the ultimate creamy consistency. I have used 0%, 1% and 5% cottage cheese each with success, so pick what you prefer.
Cocoa powder. This helps provide a richness and depth of flavour the chocolate alone does not provide. I recommend using a high quality unsweetened cocoa powder such as this one. You can also substitute this with protein powder if desired- see notes at the bottom of the recipe card.
Chocolate chips. I typically recommend using dark chocolate chips for the richest mousse. To melt them, I mix them with a little coconut oil and just microwave.
Salt. This is essential to bring out the sweetness in the mousse.
Vanilla extract. Optional, but it provides additional flavour.
The complete ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
- In a food processor combine cottage cheese, melted dark chocolate, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, vanilla extract and sea salt.
- Blend until smooth- this may take about 3-5 minutes. I recommend blending for 1 minute longer even after you think it’s done for the smoothest consistency. If you still see chunks or even small pieces, KEEP blending.
- Once blended, taste the mousse, and adjust the amount of the cocoa powder to desired tastes. Blend again. Pour mousse into a bowl or jar and cover. Allow to chill in the fridge for about 2 hours (this is a crucial step if you are looking for a thicker and creamier mousse instead of just a chocolate pudding).
- Divide into bowls, top with whipped cream, shaved chocolate and fresh berries and enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
To make gluten-free: this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
To make dairy-free: unfortunately, I have not found a dairy-free cottage cheese substitute.
To make nut-free: this recipe is naturally nut-free.
Any fat percentage of cottage cheese can be used in this recipe. A higher fat such as 5% will create a creamier consistency.
If you find cocoa powder is too bitter for your tastes, I recommend starting with 1 tablespoon and increase by ½ tablespoon until it meets your preference.
For a higher protein chocolate mousse, the cocoa powder can be swapped for a chocolate protein powder of your choice.
If you prefer a sweeter mousse, you can add 1-2 teaspoon of maple syrup or honey (you can also top with whipped cream).
Equipment
Storage
This chocolate mousse stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just store in an airtight container and give it a stir before serving.
Top Tips for Success
The type of blender you use will make a difference! I originally tested this recipe using my Our Place Splendor Blender (similar to a Magic Bullet) and it was TOO powerful, so the consistency turned out to be liquid. I highly recommend a food processor or a blender that you can adjust the speed to ensure you aren’t over mixing.
Taste and adjust! Cocoa powder can have a fairly bitter flavour, however it does provide a lovely richness in this mousse. I recommend starting with 1 tablespoon and going from there. If you need additional sweetness, feel free to add 1-2 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup
Frequently Asked Questions
No! When blended the cottage cheese becomes smooth and creamy, creating the perfect consistency. When it’s mixed with the chocolate, you won’t even be able to taste the cottage cheese. So yummy!
Yes! The chocolate provides sweetness and flavour. If you are looking for a lower sugar variation, Lily’s has no sugar added chocolate chips.
More Healthy Dessert Recipes
Looking for more balanced sweet treats? Try these:
- Fudgy Black Bean 2 Bite Brownies
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Frozen Yogurt Bites
- No Bake Protein Cookie Dough
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars
See you in the kitchen!
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make this cottage cheese chocolate mousse, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!
📖 Recipe
Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese any fat percentage will work, see note below
- 3 tablespoon dark chocolate melted
- 1-2 tablespoon cocoa powder start with 1 and adjust to taste *see notes for a higher protein option
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- Pinch of sea salt optional
For topping:
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- In a food processor combine cottage cheese, melted dark chocolate, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, vanilla extract and sea salt.
- Blend until smooth- this may take about 3-5 minutes. I recommend blending for 1 minute longer even after you think it’s done for the smoothest consistency. If you still see chunks or even small pieces, KEEP blending.
- Once blended, taste the mousse, and adjust the amount of the cocoa powder to desired tastes. Blend again. Pour mousse into a bowl or jar and cover. Allow to chill in the fridge for about 2 hours (this is a crucial step if you are looking for a thicker and creamier mousse instead of just a chocolate pudding).
- Divide into bowls, top with whipped cream, shaved chocolate and fresh berries and enjoy!
Kendra says
Delicious and easy! I used semisweet chips and a little sweetener. With frozen cherries it's the perfect treat!
McKenna says
This is soo delish and easy to make!! Such a rich chocolatey flavor and perfect with raspberries or strawberries on top!!
Nicole Addison says
We've been eating this one NON stop and can't get enough of it! I hope you love it as much as we do!