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Easy Cottage Cheese Tiramisu Recipe

4.5 from 134 reviews

This Easy Cottage Cheese Tiramisu offers a light and healthier twist on the classic Italian dessert by substituting mascarpone with low-fat cottage cheese. Creamy, smooth, and rich in flavor, this no-bake tiramisu blends the robust aroma of espresso with delicate layers of sweetened cottage cheese cream and ladyfinger cookies, dusted with cocoa powder for a perfect finish. Ideal for those seeking a delicious dessert with reduced fat content, this recipe is straightforward and requires simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Cream Mixture

  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 cups heavy cream or whipping cream
  • 16 ounces low-fat cottage cheese (2%)
  • 6 tablespoons white sugar (divided)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

Coffee Mixture

  • 1 1/2 cups strong brewed coffee or espresso
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence

Others

  • Ladyfinger cookies (quantity as needed for layering)
  • Cocoa powder (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Coffee Mixture: Stir together 1 ½ cups of strong black coffee or espresso, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract in a bowl until the sugar is completely dissolved. Pour this coffee mixture into a shallow dish and set it aside to cool.
  2. Process the Cottage Cheese: In a food processor, add 16 ounces of 2% cottage cheese and process on high speed until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Add ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then process again until well incorporated. Place this creamy mixture in the fridge while preparing other ingredients.
  3. Prepare the Double Boiler: Set up a double boiler by placing a glass or metal bowl over a saucepan with simmering water, ensuring the bowl’s bottom does not touch the water. Bring the water to a simmer for the next step.
  4. Cook the Egg Yolk Mixture: In the double boiler bowl, add 2 large egg yolks and the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Whisk constantly for about 10 minutes until the mixture is pale, thickened, and no longer gritty. Remove from heat and whisk for a couple more minutes to cool slightly.
  5. Combine Egg Yolk Mixture with Cottage Cheese: Add the slightly cooled egg yolk mixture to the chilled cottage cheese in the food processor and process until completely uniform and creamy.
  6. Whip the Heavy Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip the 2 cups of heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  7. Fold Cream into Cheese Mixture: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cottage cheese and egg yolk mixture until fully combined, creating a smooth and airy cream.
  8. Assemble the Tiramisu: Quickly dip ladyfinger cookies into the cooled coffee mixture to avoid sogginess and arrange them in a single layer at the bottom of a serving dish. Spread half of the cream mixture evenly over the ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and top with the remaining cream.
  9. Chill and Serve: Cover the tiramisu and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set. Before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder.

Notes

  • Use fresh eggs for the egg yolk mixture, and ensure gentle, continuous whisking over the double boiler to prevent curdling.
  • Chill the cottage cheese mixture well before combining to ensure a smooth texture.
  • Do not soak ladyfingers too long in coffee to prevent a soggy dessert.
  • The dessert is best served chilled and can be prepared a day in advance.
  • For a lower fat version, substitute heavy cream with whipping cream or a lighter alternative, though texture may vary slightly.

Keywords: cottage cheese tiramisu, easy tiramisu recipe, low fat tiramisu, no bake tiramisu, healthy tiramisu