Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (225g) low-fat cottage cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar substitute (or 1/4 cup maple syrup)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the cottage cheese, cocoa powder, sugar substitute, almond milk, alcohol-free vanilla extract, instant espresso powder, and sea salt in a high-powered blender or food processor.
- Step 2: Blend the mixture starting on low speed, gradually increasing to high, scraping down the sides of the container periodically. Blend continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, ensuring no trace of cottage cheese curds remain.
- Step 3: Taste the pudding and adjust the sweetness or chocolate intensity as desired. If the pudding seems too thick, add one additional tablespoon of almond milk and blend again until incorporated.
- Step 4: Pour the blended pudding mixture into small ramekins or individual serving dishes. Cover the dishes tightly with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming.
- Step 5: Refrigerate the chocolate pudding for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to fully set and achieve a dense, chilled pudding texture.
- Step 6: Serve the high-protein chocolate pudding cold, optionally topped with berries or whipped cream.
Notes
- Store covered pudding in the fridge for up to 4 days; pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface stops a skin from forming and keeps the texture smooth.
- For the thickest, most satisfying pudding consistency, plan to make this dessert a day ahead, as it truly needs the full overnight rest to fully set up.
- For an intense flavor contrast, serve the cold pudding topped with fresh raspberries or a drizzle of melted peanut butter instead of traditional whipped cream.
- If you are concerned about any grainy texture, feel the mixture between two fingers after blending; if you detect any curds, blend for another 30 seconds before chilling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American