Cottage Cheese Lemon Mousse: Easy, Creamy, High-Protein Dessert

June 13, 2025

Written By Emily Carter

Microwave mug recipe lover from Asheville, turning quick bites into cozy comfort—one mug at a time.

If you’re hunting for a quick, creamy dessert with a citrusy punch, this cottage cheese lemon mousse is about to be your new favorite. It’s silky yet light, indulgent yet protein-packed, and—best of all—takes just minutes to make. Whether you’re craving a midday treat or planning a sunny weekend dinner, this mousse delivers tang, texture, and total satisfaction. Now let’s start with the story behind this lemony wonder.

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Printable cottage cheese lemon mousse recipe card

Cottage Cheese Lemon Mousse: High-Protein Dessert

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A creamy, citrusy mousse made with whipped cottage cheese and fresh lemon—light, protein-packed, and perfect for quick desserts.

  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup full-fat cottage cheese

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp lemon zest

12 tbsp honey or maple syrup

½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender.

2. Blend until smooth and creamy, 30–60 seconds.

3. Taste and adjust sweetness or lemon.

4. Spoon into ramekins or cups.

5. Chill for 30–60 minutes before serving.

Notes

Optional toppings: fresh berries, graham crumbs, extra lemon zest.

Best served chilled. Can be frozen in popsicle molds.

  • Author: Emily Carter
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 jar
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
Table of Contents

Cottage Cheese Lemon Mousse Origins & Flavor

How This Recipe Became My Favorite Summer Dessert

Back in college, I stumbled across what would become a lifelong obsession. I had been experimenting with healthier desserts, and someone mentioned a whipped version of cottage cheese lemon mousse. I was skeptical. Mousse without eggs or cream? That first try was grainy and sour. But with a little blending finesse and fresh lemon juice, it transformed into something smooth, tangy, and incredibly refreshing.

Years later, it’s still the dessert I go back to whenever I want something quick and cool. This cottage cheese lemon mousse is rich in protein, bright with citrus, and requires zero baking. It’s perfect for hot days or any time you’re craving something sweet and not too heavy. If you love citrus as much as I do, you’ll probably enjoy these Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars too—they have a similar lemony charm with a different texture.

What Makes Cottage Cheese a Creamy Dessert Base

There’s something magical that happens when you blend cottage cheese long enough. It stops being chunky and turns into a smooth, silky base—ideal for a mousse. This is what makes cottage cheese lemon mousse both satisfying and unexpectedly elegant. You get a mousse-like feel without the fuss of gelatin or whipped egg whites. Just cottage cheese, lemon, a touch of honey, and a blender.

For anyone watching their sugar or macros, it’s a win-win. It delivers flavor without overload. If you’re into balanced, high-protein desserts, this Protein Cheesecake (No Bake) is another great one to bookmark.

Cottage Cheese Lemon Mousse Ingredients & Instructions

Simple Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Lemon Mousse

Cottage cheese lemon mousse ingredients
Gather your five simple ingredients

One of the best things about this cottage cheese lemon mousse is how simple the ingredient list is. No whipping cream. No egg yolks. Just fresh, light ingredients that come together in a flash. Here’s what you’ll need for two servings:

Ingredient Quantity
Full-fat cottage cheese 1 cup (240g)
Fresh lemon juice 2 tbsp
Lemon zest 1 tsp
Honey or maple syrup 1–2 tbsp, to taste
Vanilla extract (optional) ½ tsp

Want to experiment with texture? Try adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the mix for a denser result. If you’re already a fan of healthy microwave options, you might also love the sweet-savory blend in this Mac and Cheese in a Mug—a cozy cousin in convenience.

Instructions: How to Make This No-Cook Mousse

This is the fun part. No stove. No oven. Just your blender or food processor doing all the work. Follow these easy steps:

  1. Add the cottage cheese, lemon juice, zest, honey (or syrup), and vanilla (if using) into a high-speed blender.
  2. Blend on high for 30–60 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed.
  3. Taste and adjust the sweetness or lemon to your liking.
  4. Spoon the mousse into cups or ramekins. For best texture, chill in the fridge for 30–60 minutes.
  5. Top with extra zest, crushed graham crackers, or berries before serving.
Blending cottage cheese lemon mousse
Blend until smooth and airy

Pro tip: If your honey is cold and thick, microwave it for 5 seconds before blending to keep the texture smooth. That’s in the spirit of time-saving, just like this quick Microwave Mug Quiche—a savory staple in my recipe list.

Cottage Cheese Lemon Mousse Variations

Creative Twists on Cottage Cheese Lemon Mouss

Once you’ve nailed the basic cottage cheese lemon mousse, it’s easy to change things up depending on your mood or what’s in your kitchen. A few small swaps can give the mousse a totally new vibe without changing its creamy character.

For a richer, cheesecake-like variation, mix in 1–2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese before blending. You can also try using flavored honey, like lavender or orange blossom, for an extra layer of aroma. Want a bit of crunch? Add crushed graham crackers or nuts on top before serving. It brings a nice texture contrast, especially when chilled.

If you love the nutty base of desserts, try pairing this mousse with a side of Almond Flour Mug Cake. The buttery flavor makes a great match for the tangy lemon.

Seasonal and Flavor-Packed Add-Ins

Want to make it more seasonal? Add fruit! Blueberries and strawberries work especially well in this cottage cheese lemon mousse, either blended in or as a fresh topping. During fall, you can blend in a little cinnamon or even a spoonful of pumpkin purée for a spiced version.

For a tropical take, try a swirl of pineapple juice or mango purée. This ties beautifully with recipes like Pineapple Juice Cake, which also plays on fruit-forward flavors.

You can even freeze the blended mousse in silicone molds or popsicle trays for a protein-rich frozen treat that’s light but satisfying. It’s proof that this base recipe is as versatile as it is easy.

Printable cottage cheese lemon mousse recipe card
Quick recipe card for your fridge or pinboard

FAQ About Cottage Cheese Lemon Mousse

How do you make whipped lemon cottage cheese?

It’s simple. Blend full-fat cottage cheese with fresh lemon juice, zest, and a sweetener of choice until it becomes smooth and airy. The texture turns mousse-like in under a minute with a high-speed blender

Can you make mousse from cottage cheese?

Yes, you absolutely can. Cottage cheese makes a surprisingly smooth mousse when blended well. It’s a protein-rich base that holds flavor beautifully, especially with citrus or vanilla

How to make easy lemon mousse?

Use just a few ingredients: cottage cheese, lemon juice, zest, honey, and optional vanilla. Blend until smooth, chill for 30 minutes, and it’s ready. No whipping or baking required

Will lemon juice curdle cottage cheese?

Not when blended. Lemon juice thickens and brightens the mousse but doesn’t curdle it. In fact, the acid helps smooth the texture, especially when blended immediately with the other ingredients.

Conclusion: A Fresh Spin on Dessert

This cottage cheese lemon mousse proves that dessert doesn’t need to be complicated or overly rich to be satisfying. With just five ingredients and a blender, you get a cool, creamy treat that hits the sweet spot between healthy and indulgent. Whether you’re making it for guests, your family, or a solo snack moment, this is one of those recipes that checks every box.

For even more creative single-serve recipes and quick dessert ideas, follow along on Pinterest and join the fun on Facebook. You’ll find fresh inspiration, seasonal twists, and plenty of microwave magic to keep your sweet tooth happy all year round.

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