Save This budget-friendly cottage cheese chocolate mousse trifle is my go-to dessert for when I want something indulgent and impressive, but without breaking the bank. Creamy cottage cheese is transformed into a rich chocolate mousse layered with crushed cookies and a touch of cream. It is light, velvety, and comes together in just a few simple steps. Perfect for a family treat, holiday table, or any time you crave chocolate in a hurry.
When I first whipped this up with leftover cottage cheese, I was shocked how smooth and chocolatey it turned out. Ever since, it has become a celebratory dessert that brings everyone to the table—even the kids who claim to not like cottage cheese.
Ingredients
- Cottage cheese: Offers a creamy body and rich texture without much fat Use whole milk or low-fat for best smoothness and check the date for freshness
- Dark chocolate: Minimum 60 percent cocoa for depth Choose a bar with simple ingredients for the best melt
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Boosts chocolate flavor Dutch process cocoa yields silky results
- Honey or maple syrup: Brings natural sweetness Taste and adjust before chilling
- Vanilla extract: Lifts the chocolate notes Always choose real vanilla if you can
- Milk: Helps the mousse blend Dairy or plant-based are both great Just avoid anything with added flavors or sweeteners
- Digestive biscuits or graham crackers: Gives light crunch and structure Opt for crisp and fresh cookies that snap
- Whipped cream (optional): Optional for a soft finish Choose a stabilized style if making ahead
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (optional): Optional touch for a fancy look Use a sharp knife for shavings
- Fresh berries or mint leaves (optional): Optional Adds color and a burst of freshness Use in-season berries for best taste
Instructions
- Prep and Melt the Chocolate:
- Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces Place in a heatproof bowl over gently simmering water and stir constantly until just melted You can use the microwave in short bursts if you prefer Let it cool so it blends easily
- Blend the Mousse:
- Add cottage cheese cooled melted chocolate cocoa powder honey vanilla and milk to your food processor or blender Process until entirely smooth The mixture should be silky with no visible cottage cheese bits Taste and if you want it sweeter blend in more honey Chill in the fridge while you prep the cookies
- Layer the Trifle:
- Crush the digestive biscuits or graham crackers by sealing them in a bag and lightly pressing with a rolling pin Sprinkle enough crumbs to cover the bottom of each serving glass
- Add the First Mousse Layer:
- Spoon or pipe a thick layer of chocolate cottage cheese mousse over the crumbs Use a spatula to gently even out the surface
- Repeat the Layers:
- Alternate crushed cookies and mousse layers until all the ingredients are used up Finish with a mousse layer on top for the best presentation
- Chill Thoroughly:
- Cover each dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour More chilling time helps the mousse firm up and allows the flavors to meld
- Garnish and Serve:
- Right before serving top with a swirl of whipped cream a dusting of chocolate shavings or cocoa powder plus a few berries or fresh mint for color
Save Cottage cheese is my secret weapon for a creamy mousse with less fat and more nutrition When we first served this at a potluck my little nephew could not believe it had cottage cheese inside and kept asking for seconds Now it is a must for family celebrations
Storage Tips
This trifle holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to three days Simply cover each cup or dish with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing other flavors If you like to prep ahead hold off on garnishing until just before serving so the toppings stay fresh and vibrant For freezing portion out the mousse into single-serve containers and thaw in the fridge overnight before assembling with fresh toppings
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap the digestive biscuits for any crisp cookie you love like shortbread or even gluten-free options If you are avoiding honey try a plant-based syrup or no-calorie sweetener Just use less liquid sweetener at first and taste as you blend If you are dairy-free use a firm non-dairy cottage cheese and a dairy-free whipped topping to keep the mousse creamy
Serving Suggestions
Serve this mousse in elegant glasses for a dinner party or scoop into mason jars for a picnic I love adding a shot of espresso to the cookie crumbs for a mocha twist For a more decadent spin sneak in a layer of chopped roasted nuts or a sliver of caramel sauce between the mousse layers during assembly
Save This simple dessert is sure to impress at any gathering and makes a delicious treat for both chocolate lovers and skeptics alike. Enjoy every creamy, chocolatey spoonful.