This Lemon Cottage Cheese Pudding is a creamy, refreshing, and protein-packed dessert that satisfies your sweet cravings without the guilt. Made with simple ingredients like cottage cheese, cream cheese, and fresh lemon, it delivers a smooth and tangy mousse-like texture that’s perfect for a light treat. With just 10 minutes of prep, this quick and easy pudding is a must-try for anyone looking for a healthier dessert option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in Protein: Thanks to cottage cheese, this pudding is naturally protein-rich.
- Low in Sugar & Calories: A healthier alternative to traditional puddings.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes with no cooking required.
- Light & Refreshing: The fresh lemon flavor makes it perfect for a summer dessert or post-meal treat.
- Gluten-Free & Low-Carb: Great for those following a low-carb or gluten-free lifestyle.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Zest from one lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine the cottage cheese, cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Process Until Smooth: Blend until the mixture is very smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Adjust to Taste: Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if desired. If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, add more zest or lemon juice.
- Chill for a Thicker Consistency: For a firmer pudding, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with additional lemon zest before serving for an extra citrusy touch.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Honey-Sweetened: Replace powdered sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener option.
- Berry Bliss: Top with fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for extra flavor.
- Chocolate Lemon Pudding: Stir in cocoa powder or dark chocolate shavings for a unique twist.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and cottage cheese alternatives to make it vegan.
- Keto-Friendly: Swap powdered sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While you can freeze it, the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Yes! Greek yogurt will create a similar creamy texture while keeping it high in protein.
What type of cottage cheese works best?
Full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese both work well, but full-fat will give a creamier texture.
Can I make this pudding ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge, as the flavors meld together.
How do I make this pudding even thicker?
Refrigerating it for a few hours will help thicken it. You can also add a small amount of chia seeds for extra thickness.
Is this dessert keto-friendly?
Yes! Just replace the powdered sugar with a low-carb sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can substitute it with Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese for a slightly different flavor and texture.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch.
Can I blend this pudding without a food processor?
Yes! A high-powered blender works best, but you can also use a hand mixer or immersion blender for a slightly chunkier texture.
What can I serve with this pudding?
It pairs well with graham crackers, granola, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of honey.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just blend in batches if needed, depending on your blender’s size.
Conclusion
This Lemon Cottage Cheese Pudding is a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors in a healthier, protein-rich dessert. Whether you’re looking for a light snack, a post-dinner treat, or a refreshing summer dessert, this easy-to-make pudding is a fantastic choice. Try it today and enjoy a guilt-free indulgence!
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Lemon Cottage Cheese Pudding
This Lemon Cottage Cheese Pudding is a creamy, protein-packed, and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for a guilt-free treat. Made with cottage cheese, cream cheese, and fresh lemon, it has a light, mousse-like texture with a delicious citrusy zing. Ready in just 10 minutes, this gluten-free, low-carb pudding is an easy and healthy alternative to traditional desserts.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Zest from one lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine the cottage cheese, cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Process Until Smooth: Blend until creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Adjust to Taste: Add more powdered sugar or lemon juice if desired.
- Chill for Thickness: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for a firmer texture.
- Garnish & Serve: Top with extra lemon zest and enjoy!
Notes
- For a natural sweetener, replace powdered sugar with honey or maple syrup.
- To make it keto-friendly, use monk fruit or erythritol instead of sugar.
- For extra texture, mix in chia seeds or top with fresh berries.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
