Alright…. the time has finally come for me to share a simple dessert recipe with you. And by simple, I mean REALLY SIMPLE.
Most of my desserts are a little more on the elaborate side. I post mostly cakes, cupcakes, sweet breads… you get the point. I like to bake. I will admit, though, it’s nice to have some healthier desserts that I can whip up quickly and not feel too guilty about.
This Healthier Fruit Dip is a perfect example.
My favorite kind of dips are definitely the sweeter ones. I do have a sweet tooth, after all. Which is why this dip is even better. I can have my dessert AND feel good about it too. Why? It’s full of protein and uses natural sweeter, and you would never guess the main ingredient is cottage cheese.
Now, I’m normally not a fan of cottage cheese. I don’t like the texture of it, and I’m sure many of you can relate, too… or at least your kiddos can. I’m telling you, though, something magical happens when you blend it – I’m talking about a smooth, thick, and creamy base perfect for adding all the flavor combinations you can think of!
This stuff is seriously addicting. It tastes somewhat like a cinnamon cheesecake dip, but one that I don’t feel guilty eating whatsoever. The recipe makes a few servings and is perfect for dipping apples, strawberries, or even pretzels. It also makes a perfect snack for kids.
This dip is high protein, refined sugar free, and lower fat than a normal fruit dip. The best part about this healthier fruit dip – it takes just a few minutes to make in a blender!
Just a quick note: I’m really picky when it comes to cottage cheese, especially since I’m normally not a fan. The only brand I have come to like is called Good Culture. They sell a small curd cottage cheese that is really thick and doesn’t contain a lot of water. When you blend this one, your dip will be pretty thick. If you use a different brand, depending on the water content, your dip may be thinner. It’s all personal preference! If you find your dip is too thin, just place it in the refrigerator for a few hours and let it firm up a bit. If it’s still too thin, just add a little extra cottage cheese and blend again.
Healthier Fruit Dip
Ingredients
- 1 cup low-fat small curd cottage cheese (I really like Good Culture brand)
- 5 Medjool dates, pitted and soaked in hot water for 5 minutes
- 2 Tbsp applesauce, more if desired
- ½ tsp gluten free vanilla extract
- ½ tsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Drain the dates and lightly pat dry. Add the soaked dates, ½ cup of cottage cheese, and applesauce in a high-power blender. Blend on low speed until creamy and combined, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
- Stop the blender and add it the remaining cottage cheese, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth and totally combined. Thickness will depend on the brand of cottage cheese used. If your dip is too thick, you can add another 1 tsp of applesauce at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Spoon the dip into a bowl and place into the refrigerator for at least a few hours before serving. You won’t taste the flavors as much if it’s at room temperature. This dip is best after chilling overnight.
- Serve with your favorite apples, fruit, or even gluten free pretzels
Notes
- Soaking the dates before blending allows them to blend smoothly. For a creamier texture, you can peal the skin off of the dates.
- Depending on the brand of cottage cheese you use, the water content may vary and your dip may be thinner. It’s all personal preference! If you find your dip is too thin, just place it in the refrigerator for a few hours and let it firm up a bit. If it’s still too thin, just add a little extra cottage cheese and blend again. If it’s too thick, add an additional 1 tsp of applesauce at a time until it reaches the desired consistency - don’t add too much at once as it can quickly turn too thin.
- Store leftover dip in an airtight container and in the refrigerator.
Author: Zest and Lemons
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