Cottage cheese tiramisu is your answer to a dessert layered with rich coffee flavor and a smooth cottage cheese cream—without the heaviness of mascarpone or excess sugar. This no-bake twist is light yet indulgent, rich in protein, and ready to satisfy any sweet tooth. It’s made with simple ingredients like cottage cheese, almond milk, maple syrup, and cold coffee—layered with soft ladyfingers and a dusting of cacao for that iconic tiramisu finish. If you’re looking for a healthy, high-protein dessert that feels like a treat, this easy cottage cheese tiramisu is a must-try.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
A Creamy Classic, Reimagined with Cottage Cheese
From espresso-filled memories to protein-packed indulgence
Growing up, tiramisu was that rare dessert my family only made for holidays. The combination of bold espresso, creamy mascarpone, and soaked ladyfingers delivers a dessert that feels both luxurious and satisfying. But when I started experimenting with lighter, high protein dessert options, I knew there had to be a way to enjoy those familiar flavors with a nourishing twist. Enter: cottage cheese tiramisu.
One day, I blended cottage cheese with a splash of unsweetened almond milk, vanilla, and maple syrup—just to see if it could mimic that creamy mascarpone texture. To my surprise, the blend was smooth, rich, and carried a subtle vanilla note that made it taste surprisingly close to the real thing. After soaking a few ladyfingers in brewed coffee and layering everything in jars, I dusted it with cacao powder and chilled it overnight. That first bite? Pure magic—like coffee and cream blended into a light, satisfying dessert that’s just sweet enough. If you love cottage cheese desserts, this one is the queen.
You’ll also want to check out our cottage cheese chocolate mousse and cottage cheese banana pudding for more creamy, protein-rich desserts you can enjoy without guilt.
Why this no-bake tiramisu recipe works so well
Unlike traditional tiramisu that requires mascarpone or heavy cream, this protein tiramisu recipe keeps it simple with blended cottage cheese. It’s affordable, easy to find, and completely no-bake—just a simple chill before serving. The cottage cheese filling provides a naturally tangy creaminess that balances perfectly with the sweetened layers and bold espresso. The touch of vanilla extract adds a subtle warmth, enhancing the richness and replicating the depth you’d expect from mascarpone.
It’s also an ideal gluten-free dessert if you use gluten-free ladyfingers or sponge alternatives. Whether you serve it in individual jars or as a tray for the whole family, this cottage cheese tiramisu delivers on taste, texture, and nutrition.
Ingredients & Texture Tips for Cottage Cheese Tiramisu
The ingredients that make cottage cheese tiramisu work
Creating a creamy, rich cottage cheese tiramisu starts with just a few wholesome ingredients. The base uses 2 cups of cottage cheese, blended with almond milk and lightly sweetened with maple syrup or honey. A dash of vanilla extract transforms it into a smooth, protein-packed cottage cheese cream that rivals traditional mascarpone. that’s simple to adapt to your taste.
You’ll also need about ¾ cup of cold coffee (or espresso for a stronger flavor), 18 ladyfingers, and 1 tablespoon of cacao powder for that finishing dusting of chocolate. This ingredient list not only simplifies traditional tiramisu but makes it no-bake, high in protein, and perfect for healthy meal prep.
Want more recipes with similar simplicity? Check out our cottage cheese brownies and cottage cheese chocolate pudding for more quick, cottage cheese-based sweets.
How to get the perfect creamy texture
To ensure your cottage cheese tiramisu is silky and spoonable, use full-fat or whipped cottage cheese. Blend until completely smooth—don’t rush this step. A high-speed blender or food processor transforms the curds into a soft, silky cottage cheese cream that mimics classic tiramisu filling. If your mixture feels too thick, simply add an extra tablespoon of milk and blend again.
Texture is everything in tiramisu—each layer should melt in your mouth. Let the assembled dessert chill for at least 4 hours, It is better to leave it overnight. The flavors deepen, and the ladyfingers soften to perfection, transforming into the classic layered dessert we love—minus the mascarpone.
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High Protein Cottage Cheese Tiramisu – No-Bake Dessert
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy no-bake cottage cheese tiramisu made with espresso, maple syrup, and ladyfingers. High in protein and naturally gluten-free.
Ingredients
2 cups cottage cheese
6 tablespoons almond milk
2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup cold brewed coffee
18 ladyfingers
1 tablespoon cacao powder
Instructions
1. Blend cottage cheese, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Quickly dip each ladyfinger in cold coffee.
3. In a dish or jars, layer ladyfingers and cottage cheese cream.
4. Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with cream on top.
5. Dust with cacao powder.
6. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
Store in fridge for up to 3 days. For best texture, chill overnight.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Discover more high protein dessert recipes on our Medium
How to Assemble Cottage Cheese Tiramisu Perfectly
Step-by-step to layering cottage cheese tiramisu
Begin by blending together the cottage cheese, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until the mixture is silky and fully combined. This whipped cottage cheese cream is your high-protein stand-in for mascarpone. In a shallow dish, pour in the cold coffee. Quickly dip each ladyfinger—don’t soak—just enough to moisten them without making them soggy.
In a jar or baking dish, begin your layers. Start with a base of dipped ladyfingers, followed by a generous spoonful of the cottage cheese mixture. Continue layering until all ingredients are used, making sure to end with a final layer of the creamy mixture on top. Dust with cacao powder and refrigerate.
Let it chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. That chill time lets the vanilla and coffee flavors deepen as the layers set perfectly. The result? A satisfying dessert layered with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and a smooth cottage cheese cream—delivering classic flavor with a protein-packed boost.
Need more no-bake inspiration? Try our cottage cheese chocolate cake and cottage cheese pudding—they’re just as simple and rewarding.
Why cottage cheese is perfect for tiramisu
Using cottage cheese in tiramisu might sound unconventional, but it’s actually genius. It’s lower in fat, higher in protein, and provides a rich tang that mirrors mascarpone. Once blended, it turns into a smooth cream that works beautifully in no-bake desserts.
This cottage cheese tiramisu is also a great make-ahead option. The layers firm up beautifully in the fridge, allowing the coffee and cream components to fully meld for a richer flavor over time. It’s ideal for dinner parties, meal prep, or when you need a comforting treat without the crash of heavy sugar or cream.
Tips, Flavor Variations & Common Mistakes About Cottage Cheese Tiramisu
Make it your own: Flavors and smart swaps
One of the best things about cottage cheese tiramisu is how flexible it is. Want a more classic flavor? Add mascarpone to the cottage cheese base for a creamier texture and more indulgent flavor profile. Want a dairy-free option? Swap in plant-based cottage cheese and almond milk. To give it a cheesecake-style twist, try blending in a bit of Greek yogurt or swirling in almond butter—both add extra richness and improve the texture.
The tiramisu cream base can be enhanced with cocoa, cinnamon, or a touch of coffee liqueur for extra depth for grown-up gatherings. And if you love serving your desserts in jars, this recipe layers beautifully into single-serve containers—just like our cheesecake jars or strawberry cottage cheese ice cream.
Common mistakes to avoid
Even in a simplified version, cottage cheese tiramisu can go wrong if you’re not careful. One common issue is under-blending the cottage cheese, which can result in a grainy, uneven texture. Always blend until completely smooth. Second, over-soaking the ladyfingers will make your layers mushy and unappetizing—quick dips only.
Not chilling the tiramisu long enough is another mistake. It needs at least 4 hours to set properly so the layers hold their shape. Also, using low-quality coffee or skipping the dusting of cacao powder can lead to a lackluster final flavor. Choose bold brews and always finish with that classic cocoa touch.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cottage Cheese Tiramisu
Can I use cottage cheese in tiramisu?
Yes! When blended, cottage cheese creates a creamy, tangy base that mimics mascarpone without the added fat.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of mascarpone?
Absolutely. Cottage cheese is a high-protein, lower-fat alternative that works especially well in no-bake desserts like tiramisu.
What are the best alternatives to mascarpone cheese in tiramisu?
In addition to cottage cheese, ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt can be used. For the best result, blend them until smooth and adjust sweetness with maple syrup or honey.
Can I make tiramisu without mascarpone?
Yes—this recipe is proof. Cottage cheese tiramisu delivers the same creamy layers with added health benefits.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely. It gets even better with time and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—this recipe scales up easily and makes a perfect crowd-pleasing dessert for gatherings. Use a larger baking dish and increase chilling time slightly.
Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Tiramisu
If you’re searching for a high-protein dessert that delivers comfort and creaminess without refined sugar or heavy dairy, this cottage cheese tiramisu is your go-to recipe. This smart no-bake spin on the Italian classic combines espresso-drenched ladyfingers with a rich, creamy cottage cheese layer. It’s fast to assemble, easy to adapt with vanilla or almond twists, and perfect for prepping ahead, proving that indulgence and nutrition can go hand in hand.
This recipe is incredibly versatile—perfect for layering in jars, a loaf pan, or scaling up to serve a crowd. And with ingredients like almond milk, maple syrup, and cacao powder, it’s as wholesome as it is decadent. The next time you’re craving something sweet but satisfying, skip the store-bought snacks and dive into this cottage cheese tiramisu instead.
For more comforting and protein-packed desserts, check out our cottage cheese chocolate mousse or creamy cottage cheese pudding.