This easy, 4-ingredient Cottage Cheese Fudge is a high-protein, healthy, and delicious snack or dessert that’s perfect for meal prep.
Cottage cheese has been trending on social media for over a year now, with recipes ranging from cottage cheese ice cream to cottage cheese flatbread. I keep wondering, What can’t cottage cheese do? Without even realizing it, I’ve started using cottage cheese in so many of my recipes—my Cottage Cheese Hummus and Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse are two of my favorites!
Cottage cheese has proven to be an incredibly versatile ingredient, adding both protein and healthy fats to a variety of dishes. I have to admit, I’m a little obsessed.
I honestly can’t remember how I came up with the idea to make fudge using cottage cheese, but I’m SO glad I did! This fudge is not only delicious, it’s also super easy to make. You only need four ingredients, and it’s healthy too!
I’m confident you’ll love this recipe and that you’ll be making it on repeat. It’s a great snack or dessert to meal prep and keep in the fridge, making it easier to stick to your nutrition goals in a delicious way.
Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Fudge:
- You only need 4 ingredients.
- It’s quick and easy to make.
- It’s high in protein and healthy fats.
- It’s incredibly delicious.
- It’s a great meal-prep dessert or snack.
- Perfect as a pre- or post-workout treat.
- It’s good for both your soul and your body!
How is this recipe “healthy”?
High in Protein – Cottage cheese is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body maintenance. Protein also promotes satiety, helping you stay fuller for longer and reducing the likelihood of unhealthy snacking.
Bone Health – Cottage cheese is rich in calcium, a key mineral that supports strong bones and teeth. Consuming adequate calcium can help prevent bone-related issues like osteoporosis and ensure overall bone health.
Rich in Antioxidants – Dark chocolate and cocoa powder are packed with antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which help protect your cells from oxidative stress. These antioxidants contribute to heart health by improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
Refined Sugar-Free – By using natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave, this fudge is free from refined sugars, which can cause spikes in blood sugar levels. Natural sweeteners offer a more gradual release of energy and are a healthier option for those mindful of sugar intake.
Healthy Fats – Depending on the type of cottage cheese you choose, this recipe includes healthy fats, which are essential for brain function and energy. These fats, especially in full-fat versions, provide sustained energy and support overall health.
Ingredients Needed:
These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this Cottage Cheese Fudge. You can find the exact measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Cottage Cheese: The star of this recipe, adding creaminess and nutrition. You can use chunky or smooth cottage cheese and choose the fat content that fits your macros—from fat-free to full-fat, it’s up to you!
- Dark Chocolate: Helps to thicken the fudge and, of course, adds a delicious chocolate flavor. I recommend using refined sugar-free dark chocolate like this one. You can also substitute milk chocolate if you prefer.
- Cocoa Powder: Enhances the chocolatey flavor and helps thicken the fudge. You can use cacao powder as well.
- Liquid Sweetener: To keep this fudge refined sugar-free, I suggest using a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, agave, or date syrup.
Dietary Adjustments:
This Cottage Cheese Fudge is naturally versatile and can be easily adjusted to suit various dietary needs:
- Vegan: To make the recipe vegan, simply swap regular cottage cheese for a plant-based alternative, like almond or cashew-based cream cheese, and use dairy-free dark chocolate.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your dark chocolate and liquid sweetener to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients are added.
- Low-Fat: For a lower fat version, opt for fat-free or low-fat cottage cheese and use a lower-fat variety of dark chocolate.
- Keto-Friendly: Substitute the liquid sweetener with a keto-approved option like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol, and use high-quality dark chocolate with minimal carbs.
- Nut-Free: This fudge is naturally nut-free, but be sure to check your chocolate and sweetener to avoid cross-contamination with nuts if you have an allergy.
Equipment Needed:
- Digital Food Scale: For accurate measurements and perfect results.
- Blender or Food Processor: To blend the cottage cheese into a smooth mousse.
- Parchment Paper: For easy removal from your dish.
- Spatula: Handy for scraping down the sides of the blender.
- Small Dish: I prefer a loaf pan as it’s the ideal size, but you can use any size. A smaller dish will result in thicker fudge and a larger dish will result in thinner fudge. You could also use a silicone muffin tray to make fudge cups.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Fudge:
Here is a detailed summary of how to make this recipe. I’ve also included some photos, and you can find the recipe video in the recipe card. At the bottom of this page is a summarized version that can be printed.
Step One
Start by melting your chocolate. You can do this in the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring to prevent burning, or use a double boiler for more control.
Step Two
Add the cottage cheese, melted chocolate, cocoa powder, and liquid sweetener to a blender or food processor.
Step Three
Blend until smooth. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides a few times. If the mixture is too thick, add a small splash of milk or yogurt to loosen it up.
Step Four
Line your small dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step Five
Transfer the fudge mixture to the dish, pressing it down evenly and tightly.
Step Six
Place the dish in the fridge or freezer until the fudge is set. Once firm, slice it with a sharp, clean knife. You can cut the fudge into any size you like.
Tips & Notes
- Blending Consistency: If your fudge mixture is too thick to blend smoothly, add a small splash of milk or yogurt to help loosen it up. Start with a little and add more if needed to avoid making the mixture too runny.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sweetener to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter fudge, simply add a bit more of your chosen liquid sweetener.
- Chocolate Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate. While dark chocolate provides a rich flavor and is healthier, you can use milk chocolate for a creamier, sweeter fudge.
- Serving Size: Slice the fudge into portions that work for you—whether you prefer bite-sized pieces for snacking or larger squares for a more indulgent treat.
- Customization: Add mix-ins like chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor, or sprinkle a little sea salt on top for a sweet-and-salty twist.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store your Cottage Cheese Fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Keep it chilled to maintain its firm texture and freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the fudge in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours or at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
FAQ (frequently asked questions)
Can I use any type of cottage cheese for this recipe?
Yes! You can use either chunky or smooth cottage cheese, depending on your preference. You can also choose the fat content (fat-free, low-fat, or full-fat) based on your dietary needs and desired creaminess.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply use a plant-based cottage or cream cheese alternative, such as almond or cashew-based versions, and opt for dairy-free dark chocolate to make the fudge vegan-friendly.
Can I substitute the dark chocolate with another type of chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate or even white chocolate if you prefer a sweeter and creamier fudge. However, dark chocolate is recommended for a healthier option, as it contains antioxidants and less sugar.
What can I use if I don’t have a blender or food processor?
If you don’t have a blender or food processor, you can try using a hand mixer or immersion blender. You’ll need to ensure the cottage cheese is blended thoroughly to achieve a smooth consistency.
Can I add any extras to the fudge?
Yes! You can customize your fudge by adding ingredients like chopped nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for added texture and flavor.
How do I adjust the sweetness level?
You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less of your chosen liquid sweetener. Start with the recommended amount, then taste and adjust according to your preference.
more easy and healthy no-bake treats
- No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
- Healthy No-bake Snickers Brownie Cups
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats (Only 4 Ingredients!)
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Fudge (made with just 4 ingredients!)
Hey! If you make this recipe, I would love it if you could leave me some feedback and a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in the comment section at the bottom of the page! Also let me know on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and see your photos!
Cottage Cheese Fudge
Equipment
- Small Dish or Loaf Pan
Ingredients
- 250 g Cottage Cheese (1 cup)
- 100 g Dark Chocolate (½ cup / 3.5oz)
- 30 g Cocoa Powder (¼ cup)
- 40 g Liquid Sweetener (2 tbsp)
Instructions
- Melt dark chocolate in the microwave or using a double boiler.
- Add cottage cheese, melted chocolate, cocoa powder and liquid sweetener to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth, adding a splash of milk or yogurt if needed.
- Line a small dish with parchment paper and transfer the mixture into it, pressing it down evenly.
- Refrigerate or freeze until set, then cut into desired pieces.
Video
Notes
- Consistency: If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk or yogurt to achieve a smooth blend.
- Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less liquid sweetener to taste.
- Chocolate Choice: Dark chocolate is recommended for health benefits, but milk chocolate can be used for a sweeter fudge.
- Add-Ins: Enhance the fudge with mix-ins like chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor and texture.
- Storage: Keep the fudge in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing odors.
Nutrition
Let me know in the comments below if you make this Cottage Cheese Fudge!
Can you make it with ricotta cheese
Hey Myrna, I’ve not tested this recipe with ricotta, but you could try and let me know how it turns out!