Craving a sweet treat that’s both satisfying and simple to make? This easy two-ingredient cottage cheese chocolate fudge recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
This recipe delivers on its promise of a high-protein, delightful fudge with minimal effort. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these two humble ingredients transform into a rich, creamy confection that everyone will love. Get ready to discover your new favorite dessert!
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
- Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
- Time Needed From Start To Finish
- How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
- Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
- Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
- How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
Two-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Chocolate Fudge
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes to 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
This easy two-ingredient cottage cheese chocolate fudge recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious, high-protein dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings, transforming humble ingredients into a rich, creamy confection.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. 1. Prepare Your Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch or 9×5-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it much easier to lift the fudge out once it’s set. A light spray of cooking oil under the parchment paper can help it stay in place.
2. 2. Blend the Cottage Cheese: Place the cottage cheese into a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until it is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. This step is critical for achieving a silky fudge texture, so blend for at least 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed.
3. 3. Melt the Chocolate Chips: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips. Heat them in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler on the stovetop for a more controlled melting process. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize.
4. 4. Combine the Ingredients: Pour the melted chocolate directly into the blender with the smooth cottage cheese. Blend again for another 30-60 seconds, or until the mixture is thoroughly combined and uniform in color. The fudge should be thick and glossy.
5. 5. Pour into Prepared Dish: Scrape the fudge mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly into a smooth layer. Tap the dish gently on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles and ensure an even surface.
6. 6. Chill Until Firm: Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 to 2 hours, or until the fudge is completely firm to the touch. For a quicker set, you can place it in the freezer for about 30-45 minutes.
7. 7. Cut and Serve: Once the fudge is firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out of the dish. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into desired squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.
8. 8. Enjoy Your Treat: Serve immediately, or keep chilled until ready to enjoy. The fudge will soften at room temperature, so it’s best kept cool.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: no-bake
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
Keywords: fudge, cottage cheese, chocolate, easy dessert, high protein, no bake, quick treat, healthyish, simple recipe, sweet snack
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This cottage cheese chocolate fudge recipe is a true game-changer for anyone looking for a quick, healthy-ish, and incredibly satisfying dessert. It works because it leverages the creamy texture of cottage cheese to create a smooth, rich base that perfectly complements the chocolate. It’s ideal for busy parents, health-conscious individuals, or anyone who wants a sweet fix without the guilt or the fuss of complicated baking. You can serve it as an after-dinner treat, a protein-packed snack, or even a delightful addition to a brunch spread. It’s also fantastic for potlucks or when you need a last-minute dessert that looks and tastes impressive but requires minimal effort. The high protein content from the cottage cheese also means it will keep you feeling full and satisfied longer than traditional fudge.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is incredibly straightforward, as you only need two main items! This simplicity is part of its charm and makes it a perfect choice for beginner cooks or those who prefer minimalist recipes.
INGREDIENTS:
- 16 ounces (about 2 cups) cottage cheese, full-fat or low-fat
- 1 cup chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark)
When selecting your cottage cheese, full-fat varieties will yield a richer, creamier fudge, but low-fat options work perfectly well if you’re aiming for a lighter treat. For the chocolate chips, feel free to choose your favorite. Semi-sweet is a classic choice that offers a balanced sweetness, while dark chocolate will give you a more intense cocoa flavor. Milk chocolate chips will result in a sweeter, milder fudge that’s often a hit with kids. You can also experiment with different brands of chocolate chips; quality chocolate will always enhance the overall flavor of your fudge. If you only have chocolate bars on hand, you can chop them into small pieces to melt more easily.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
This recipe is designed for speed and convenience, making it an excellent option when you’re short on time but still want a homemade treat.
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1-2 hours (minimum)
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes to 2 hours 5 minutes
The actual hands-on time is incredibly minimal, mostly involving blending and melting. The majority of the time is spent chilling the fudge to allow it to set properly, which is crucial for achieving that classic fudge texture.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Creating this two-ingredient cottage cheese chocolate fudge is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for a perfectly smooth and delicious result.
- Prepare Your Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch or 9×5-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it much easier to lift the fudge out once it’s set. A light spray of cooking oil under the parchment paper can help it stay in place.
- Blend the Cottage Cheese: Place the cottage cheese into a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until it is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. This step is critical for achieving a silky fudge texture, so blend for at least 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Melt the Chocolate Chips: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips. Heat them in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler on the stovetop for a more controlled melting process. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize.
- Combine the Ingredients: Pour the melted chocolate directly into the blender with the smooth cottage cheese. Blend again for another 30-60 seconds, or until the mixture is thoroughly combined and uniform in color. The fudge should be thick and glossy.
- Pour into Prepared Dish: Scrape the fudge mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly into a smooth layer. Tap the dish gently on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles and ensure an even surface.
- Chill Until Firm: Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 to 2 hours, or until the fudge is completely firm to the touch. For a quicker set, you can place it in the freezer for about 30-45 minutes.
- Cut and Serve: Once the fudge is firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out of the dish. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into desired squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.
- Enjoy Your Treat: Serve immediately, or keep chilled until ready to enjoy. The fudge will soften at room temperature, so it’s best kept cool.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
This simple cottage cheese fudge is a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious additions and serving styles. For a fun twist, try stirring in a handful of mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), or even a sprinkle of sea salt before chilling for a salted caramel-like flavor. A teaspoon of vanilla extract added with the chocolate can also enhance the overall flavor profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of cayenne pepper can give it a subtle, spicy kick, or a swirl of peanut butter can create a delightful peanut butter chocolate fudge.
When it comes to serving, these fudge squares are perfect on their own. For a more elaborate dessert, arrange them on a platter with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries, which pair beautifully with chocolate. They also make a lovely addition to a dessert board alongside cookies, small pastries, and other bite-sized treats. For kids, you can cut them into fun shapes using small cookie cutters (after chilling but before they get too hard) or drizzle them with a contrasting white chocolate for a decorative touch. They’re also a great option for lunchbox treats or a quick after-school snack that offers a boost of protein.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even with a simple two-ingredient recipe, a few common mistakes can impact the final outcome. Knowing these ahead of time can help you achieve perfect fudge every time.
One frequent issue is not blending the cottage cheese enough. If your cottage cheese isn’t completely smooth, you’ll end up with a grainy or lumpy fudge, which isn’t the desired texture. To avoid this, blend the cottage cheese in a high-speed blender or food processor for at least 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides multiple times, until it’s absolutely silky. Don’t rush this step!
Another common pitfall is overheating the chocolate. When melting chocolate chips, whether in the microwave or a double boiler, it’s easy to scorch them, which can make the chocolate seize or become grainy and bitter. To prevent this, melt in short intervals (30 seconds in the microwave) and stir thoroughly after each. If using a double boiler, ensure the water in the bottom pot isn’t boiling too vigorously and doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl with the chocolate.
Finally, not chilling the fudge long enough is a mistake that leads to soft, unformed squares. The fudge needs sufficient time in the refrigerator to firm up properly. While it might look set after an hour, giving it the full 2 hours (or even longer) ensures it’s firm enough to cut cleanly and hold its shape. If you’re in a hurry, the freezer can speed up the process, but keep an eye on it to prevent it from freezing solid.
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
Proper storage is key to keeping your cottage cheese chocolate fudge fresh and delicious. Once the fudge is cut into squares, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will prevent them from drying out and absorbing other odors from your fridge. Stored this way, the fudge will maintain its best texture and flavor for up to 5-7 days.
If you want to make this fudge ahead of time, it’s an excellent candidate. You can prepare the entire batch, chill it, cut it, and then store the pieces in the refrigerator. If you need to stack the fudge pieces, place a small piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
For longer storage, this fudge can also be frozen. Place the cut fudge squares in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer the pieces to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, again placing parchment paper between layers if stacking. Frozen fudge will keep well for up to 1-2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply transfer the desired
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
