I have always loved cheesecake, but the traditional version is usually loaded with sugar and carbohydrates—not exactly the healthiest option. Worry not, for I will show you how to make this cottage cheese cake that offers a healthier twist without sacrificing flavor.
By using cottage cheese and coconut flakes, you’ll be able to create a dessert that’s high in protein and low in carbs. The natural sweetness from coconut and a touch of sweetener ( I used stevia) make this cake just as delicious as the classic version, but much better for you.
Trust me, once you try this baked cottage cheese cake recipe, you won’t miss the old version at all!
Curious to see how easy it is to whip up this delicious and healthy cottage cheese cake? Watch the video below and follow along step by step—it is super easy.
Why Cottage Cheese Is a Game-Changer in Baking
Cottage cheese isn’t just for savory dishes—it’s a secret weapon in the kitchen, especially when it comes to baking. Here’s why:
Creamy Texture Without the Guilt: Cottage cheese adds a creamy texture to baked goods without the heaviness of cream cheese or butter, making cakes moist and tender while keeping calories low.
High in Protein: Using cottage cheese in baking adds a high protein boost, making it an excellent choice for those looking to increase protein intake without supplements.
Low in Fat and Carbs: Unlike other creamy ingredients that are often high in fat, cottage cheese is naturally low in fat and carbs, making it a great choice for healthier baking. It’s especially beneficial for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets, as it allows you to enjoy creamy desserts without the extra carbs.
Versatility in Flavor: Cottage cheese has a mild flavor that pairs well with both sweet and savory ingredients. This makes it incredibly versatile—you can use it in everything from cheesecakes and pancakes to muffins and bread.
In this recipe, its subtle tanginess complements the sweetness of coconut, creating a balanced flavor profile that’s both unique and delicious.
Nutrient-Rich: Cottage cheese is packed with essential nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and B vitamins, which are crucial for bone health, energy production, and overall well-being.
By incorporating cottage cheese into your baking, you’re not just making your treats healthier, but you’re also adding a nutrient boost that’s good for your body.
Natural Moisture: Cottage cheese has a high water content, which adds moisture to your baked goods. This means your cakes and muffins will stay soft and fresh longer, reducing the risk of them drying out after baking.
Taste and Texture of Cottage Cheese Cake
This low-carb cottage cheese cake is something special. It has a subtle tang from the cottage cheese and just the right amount of sweetness so it doesn’t hit you over the head.
The texture of this cake is a nice mix of dense and creamy but still light and moist. It’s a great treat if you’re keeping an eye on carbs—rich, but not too heavy, and definitely satisfying.
How to Customize Your Cottage Cheese Cake
This recipe is delicious on its own, but you can easily make it your own with a few tweaks. You can easily customize this cottage cheese cake to suit your taste.
Add fresh berries for natural sweetness and a pop of color, or incorporate spices like vanilla, cinnamon, or cardamom for an extra flavor boost.
For a richer twist, stir in some dark chocolate chips, or top the cake with chopped nuts for a satisfying crunch. If you love citrus, try adding lemon or orange zest for a refreshing kick.
For a tropical variation, mix in crushed pineapple or shredded coconut. These tweaks make the cake versatile and tailored to your preferences.
Keeping Your Cottage Cheese Cake Fresh
Made too much? No problem! This cake stores well in the fridge for a few days. To keep your cottage cheese cake fresh, let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you need longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 2 months, thawing it in the fridge overnight. For best results, freeze the cake before adding any glaze, and always keep it covered to prevent drying out or absorbing odors.
Top Tip: I suggest adding fresh berries or peaches and a drizzle of honey or fruit compote for extra sweetness and color.
Healthy Cottage Cheese Cake Recipe
4
servings15
minutes35
minutes267
kcal50
minutesThis healthy cottage cheese cake is easy to make with no flour or sugar—just cottage cheese, coconut flakes, eggs, and a few other simple ingredients. It’s light, moist, and packed with protein, offering a tasty, low-carb treat.
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Ingredients
1 ½cups (300 grams) cottage cheese
1 cup (80 grams) coconut flakes
⅓cup (40 grams) milk powder
1 tsp Baking powder
3 Eggs
Pinch salt
½cup (100 milliliters) milk
7 tbsp (100 grams) unsalted butter
1 Egg (for glaze)
Almond flakes (for decoration)
Sweetener (equivalent to 1 teaspoon of stevia powder)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line the bottom of a round baking dish with parchment paper and grease the sides with butter.
- Whisk the Eggs: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3 eggs with a pinch of salt until light and frothy, about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium-high speed.
- Mix the Cottage Cheese: Add 1 ½ cups (300 grams) of cottage cheese to the egg mixture. Blend until smooth and well combined using a regular blender or immersion blender.
- Mix in Dry Ingredients: Stir in 1 cup (80 grams) of coconut flakes, ⅓ cup (40 grams) of milk powder, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Mix until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Pour and Spread the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spoon or spatula to ensure it’s level.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is firm in the center.
- Cool the Cake: Once baked, carefully remove the cake from the oven. Allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes before releasing the sides and flipping the cake onto a plate. Remove the parchment paper and let the cake cool completely.
- Glaze on the Cottage Cheese Cake
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg with 1 teaspoon of sweetener.
- Heat the Milk: In a small saucepan, heat ½ cup (100 milliliters) of milk on low heat. Slowly add the whisked egg mixture, stirring constantly.
- Add the Butter: Add 7 tablespoons (100 grams) of unsalted butter to the mixture. Continue stirring over low heat for about 5 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
- Cool the Glaze: Once thickened, remove the glaze from heat and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Allow it to cool completely.
- Slice the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, carefully slice it horizontally into two even layers using a serrated knife.
- Apply the Glaze: Spread a generous amount of the cooled glaze on the bottom layer of the cake. Place the top layer back on, and cover the entire cake, including the sides, with the remaining glaze.
- Decorate and Set: Sprinkle almond flakes on top for decoration. Let the cake sit for about 10 minutes to allow the glaze to set before serving.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use Full-Fat Cottage Cheese: For the best texture and flavor, opt for full-fat cottage cheese. It provides a richer, creamier consistency to the cake.
- Blending the Batter: Ensure the cottage cheese is thoroughly blended with the eggs to avoid lumps. A smooth batter results in a more even texture in the final cake.
- Parchment Paper Tip: Lining the baking dish with parchment paper helps prevent the cake from sticking, making it easier to remove from the pan once baked.
- Glaze Consistency: Be patient when thickening the glaze. Stir constantly over low heat to avoid curdling the eggs or causing the mixture to boil. This ensures a smooth, silky finish.
- Cooling Before Slicing: Let the cake cool completely before slicing it into layers. This helps maintain the cake’s structure and prevents it from crumbling or falling apart.
Nutrition Facts
- Total number of serves: 8
- Calories: 267kcal
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 22g
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I would love to hear what you think about this healthy cottage cheesecake recipe! Did you try it out, or do you have any questions before you dive in? Drop a comment below—I am all ears and excited to chat!
Jen.