Tiramisu is one of Italy’s most beloved desserts, known for its layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, silky mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder. But what if you want to lighten things up or make it a little healthier? Enter Easy Cottage Cheese Tiramisu, a modern twist on the classic that uses blended cottage cheese for a creamy, high-protein filling.
Don’t worry — you still get the dreamy, coffee-infused layers and rich flavor of traditional tiramisu, but with a lighter, slightly tangier profile thanks to the cottage cheese. It’s budget-friendly, quick, and perfect for feeding a crowd, making it a great option for gatherings, parties, or a simple family treat.
Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Tiramisu
- High-protein, lower-fat alternative to classic tiramisu
- Easy to prepare using everyday ingredients
- No baking required — just layer and chill
- Crowd-pleasing — makes 16 servings
- Perfectly balanced with rich espresso flavor and a creamy filling
Ingredients (Serves 16)
For the Cottage Cheese Cream:
- 16 ounces (450 grams) low-fat cottage cheese (2%)
- 2 large egg yolks
- 6 tablespoons white sugar (divided)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 2 cups heavy cream or whipping cream
For the Coffee Soak:
- 1 ½ cups strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla essence
For the Assembly:
- About 40–45 ladyfinger cookies
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Mixture
In a shallow bowl, stir together the brewed coffee or espresso, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla essence until the sugar is fully dissolved. Set this aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Process the Cottage Cheese
Add the cottage cheese to a food processor. Blend on high speed until it becomes completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure no lumps remain.
Add 4 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence, then blend again until fully combined and creamy. Place this mixture in the fridge while you prepare the eggs and whipped cream.
Step 3: Prepare a Double Boiler
Set up a double boiler by placing a glass or metal bowl over a saucepan with about 1 inch of simmering water (making sure the bowl does not touch the water).
Step 4: Cook the Egg Yolks
In the bowl of the double boiler, whisk together the 2 egg yolks with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir constantly for about 10 minutes, until the mixture is pale, slightly thickened, and reaches about 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Remove from the heat and continue whisking for another minute to cool slightly.
Step 5: Whip the Cream
In a separate cold bowl, beat the heavy cream with a mixer until medium-stiff peaks form.
Step 6: Combine All the Cream Mixture
Add the slightly cooled egg yolk mixture to the chilled cottage cheese mixture in the food processor, blending gently until combined.
Transfer to a large mixing bowl and fold in the whipped cream in two parts, using a spatula to maintain a light, airy consistency.
Step 7: Assemble the Tiramisu
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee mixture — be sure to dip quickly, as ladyfingers soak up liquid very fast and can become mushy.
Line the base of a 9×13-inch baking dish with a layer of dipped ladyfingers.
Spread half of the cottage cheese cream mixture evenly over the ladyfingers.
Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the rest of the cream.
Smooth the top and dust generously with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine mesh sieve.
Step 8: Chill
Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the ladyfingers to soften.
Tips for Success
- Blend the cottage cheese well to get that perfectly smooth, mascarpone-like consistency
- Use strong espresso for the most authentic coffee flavor
- Do not oversoak the ladyfingers to keep the layers distinct
- Chill overnight for the best flavor and texture
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for dusting — it makes a difference
Variations
- Alcohol kick: Add 2–3 tablespoons of Kahlua or coffee liqueur to the coffee mixture
- Berry twist: Swap half the espresso for raspberry puree for a summer spin
- Chocolate lovers: Add a layer of grated dark chocolate between the cream layers
- Lighter version: Use light whipped cream instead of full-fat heavy cream
Why This Recipe Works
Classic tiramisu is all about creamy layers and coffee-soaked cookies, and this Easy Cottage Cheese Tiramisu captures all that with a healthier, higher-protein filling. Cottage cheese is blended until silky smooth, delivering a rich flavor and luscious texture that mimics mascarpone while being easier on the waistline.
The egg yolk mixture adds richness and stability to the cream, while whipped cream keeps the layers light and fluffy. Combined with strong espresso and a dusting of cocoa powder, you get a delicious, authentic taste with a modern, nutritious twist.
Storage
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing is not recommended as the cream will separate upon thawing.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled, straight from the fridge
- Add chocolate curls on top for extra flair
- Garnish with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a pop of color
- Pair with a strong cup of espresso for a classic Italian finish
Perfect for These Occasions
- Holidays like Christmas or Easter
- Summer BBQs and picnics (no-bake and easy to transport)
- Birthday parties
- Dinner parties with friends
- Sunday brunch
Final Thoughts
Easy Cottage Cheese Tiramisu is a delightful spin on the traditional Italian classic, making it accessible, lighter, and higher in protein without sacrificing any of the indulgent flavors you love.
It’s a recipe that proves you don’t need mascarpone or a complicated technique to enjoy a delicious tiramisu at home. Give this easy, crowd-pleasing dessert a try, and it might just become your new go-to for any occasion.
The Goods
Easy Cottage Cheese Tiramisu
We appreciate you taking the time to rate!
Recipes
For the Cottage Cheese Cream:
- 16 ounces 450 grams low-fat cottage cheese (2%)
- 2 large egg yolks
- 6 tablespoons white sugar divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 2 cups heavy cream or whipping cream
For the Coffee Soak:
- 1 ½ cups strong brewed coffee or espresso cooled
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla essence
For the Assembly:
- About 40–45 ladyfinger cookies
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Mixture
- In a shallow bowl, stir together the brewed coffee or espresso, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla essence until the sugar is fully dissolved. Set this aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Process the Cottage Cheese
- Add the cottage cheese to a food processor. Blend on high speed until it becomes completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure no lumps remain.
- Add 4 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence, then blend again until fully combined and creamy. Place this mixture in the fridge while you prepare the eggs and whipped cream.
Step 3: Prepare a Double Boiler
- Set up a double boiler by placing a glass or metal bowl over a saucepan with about 1 inch of simmering water (making sure the bowl does not touch the water).
Step 4: Cook the Egg Yolks
- In the bowl of the double boiler, whisk together the 2 egg yolks with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir constantly for about 10 minutes, until the mixture is pale, slightly thickened, and reaches about 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Remove from the heat and continue whisking for another minute to cool slightly.
Step 5: Whip the Cream
- In a separate cold bowl, beat the heavy cream with a mixer until medium-stiff peaks form.
Step 6: Combine All the Cream Mixture
- Add the slightly cooled egg yolk mixture to the chilled cottage cheese mixture in the food processor, blending gently until combined.
- Transfer to a large mixing bowl and fold in the whipped cream in two parts, using a spatula to maintain a light, airy consistency.
Step 7: Assemble the Tiramisu
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee mixture — be sure to dip quickly, as ladyfingers soak up liquid very fast and can become mushy.
- Line the base of a 9×13-inch baking dish with a layer of dipped ladyfingers.
- Spread half of the cottage cheese cream mixture evenly over the ladyfingers.
- Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the rest of the cream.
- Smooth the top and dust generously with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine mesh sieve.
Step 8: Chill
- Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the ladyfingers to soften.
Leave a Reply