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Creamy Cottage Cheese Strawberry Parfait

May 25, 2023 by Gina + 2 Comments

High protein creamy, blended cottage cheese that’s lightly sweetened and nestled in between layers of strawberry jam and crushed graham cracker. It’s an easy dessert that’s healthy too.

This combination of simple ingredients creates a treat that’s perfect for after dinner or as a snack. The combination of creamy cottage cheese, sweet strawberry jam, and crunchy graham cracker can be the ideal way to satisfy a sweet tooth. Not only is this cottage cheese parfait dessert tasty, but it also has the added benefit of protein, which can leave you feeling full and satisfied for hours.

Jump to Recipe

A clear glass cup with a strawberry cheesecake parfait filed inside.  Another serving is to the right

For an extra sweet treat, you can top the cottage cheese parfait with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon. Adding these extra layers of flavor will make for a truly delicious, nutritious, and satisfying snack. Even better, you can easily tweak the recipe to fit your mood – swap out the strawberry jam for blueberry, or use shortbread cookies instead of graham crackers, and you have a totally new and unique treat. With just a few simple ingredients you can create a wide variety of sweet and satisfying treats.

A board with two glass cups and strawberry cheesecake parfaits inside.  Decorative strawberries placed around on glass dishes.  Graham cracker crumbs also placed around.

For this recipe, and all my cottage cheese recipes, I love using Good Culture cottage cheese. It’s thick, creamy, and has the best flavor. If you choose to use another one, aim to pick one that is small curd, and not runny. That will help create the thickest and fluffiest filling. For the graham crackers, I like these or these because they don’t have a ton of sugar, but use what you like. For the strawberry jam, I made one with strawberries, a little maple syrup, lemon, and chia seeds. Of course, you can use a jarred one, but those often have a lot more sugar. All in all, this can be super simple, or with a few extra steps, a super healthy treat.

A board with two glass cups and strawberry cheesecake parfaits inside.  Decorative strawberries placed around on glass dishes.  Graham cracker crumbs also placed around.

INGREDIENTS FOR THE PARFAIT


  • Graham crackers
  • Cottage cheese
  • Maple syrup or honey
  • Strawberry jam (or strawberries, lemon, and chia seed for homemade jam)
  • Lemon
  • Lemon zest

HOW TO MAKE COTTAGE CHEESE PARFAITS


  • If you want to make the strawberry jam, start by cooking the strawberries in a small pan on medium heat. Cook until they start to break down.
  • Stir in the chia seed, maple syrup, and a little lemon with a pinch of salt. Turn off the heat and allow the chia seeds to thicken the jam. Once cooled, store in fridge before serving.
  • For the cottage cheese, place all the ingredients, the cottage cheese, maple syrup, lemon, and lemon zest in a food processor and blend until thick and creamy. Don’t over blend. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.
  • To serve, take 5-6 graham cracker sheets and place them in a plastic bag. Gently tap with something heavy to break them into crumbles.
  • Take 4 small dishes, layer in graham crackers, then the cottage cheese, jam, more cottage cheese, then top with some more graham crackers. Serve cooled. You can even add some whipped cream and fresh berries if you want.

TIPS AND COMMON QUESTIONS FOR PARFAITS


  • Do I have to include the cottage cheese? This isn’t totally necessary, but it is a great protein addition.
  • Keep an eye on the pasta towards the end. You do not want to overcook it.
  • Vegetarian options? I would suggest using a plant-based meat substitute or skipping the meat altogether. Mushrooms would be a nice addition too.
  • Can I sneak in some more vegetables? Absolutely, at the end, stirring through some spinach is a good way to get some greens. Give it a chop and the hot pasta will wilt the greens.
A clear glass cup sits on a wood board with a strawberry cheesecake parfait filed inside.  Another serving is to the right

MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS


  • Protein Peanut Butter Cups
  • Apple Crumb Bars
  • Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Cottage Cheese Strawberry Parfait

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cool Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Servings 4 parfaits

Ingredients
  

Cheese layer

  • 1 16oz container cottage cheese small curd, not runny
  • juice from half a lemon & zest
  • 3-4 tbsp maple syrup

Graham Cracker Layer

  • 5-6 graham cracker sheets

Strawberry Jam Layer

  • 2 cups stawberries
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • juice from 1/2 lemon
  • 1 tbsp chia seed
  • pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • For the strawberry layer, add the strawberries to a small pot over medium heat.  Simmer with maple syrup until the strawberries break down, about 5 minutes.  Add the chia seed and lemon juice.  Mash then turn off the heat until it thickens.
  • For the cheese layer, blend everything in a food processor, until thick and smooth.
  • Place the jam and cheese layer separately in the fridge to cool. This is best served chilled
  • To assemble, grab 4 small jarsLayer a spoonful of graham crackers, then some of the cheese filling, some strawberry, and more of the cheese filling, then top with more graham crackers.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
A clear glass cup with a strawberry cheesecake parfait filed inside.  Another serving is to the right

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Filed Under: Breakfast, Desserts, Recipes Tagged With: cottage cheese, dessert, healthy dessert, high protein, parfait, refined sugar free, strawberry

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  1. Chicken Flautas - Gina Gibson says:
    June 7, 2023 at 9:21 am

    […] High Protein Strawberry Parfaits […]

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  2. Our Best Cottage Cheese Desserts – thehappy-chef.com says:
    January 29, 2025 at 4:18 am

    […] 8. Strawberry Cottage Cheese Parfait […]

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Recipe Rating




gina_gibson_

🎄 This Cranberry Bliss Loaf is a winter perfect 🎄 This Cranberry Bliss Loaf is a winter perfection! 

If you love the flavors of Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars, you HAVE to try this easy homemade version in loaf form. 🍞✨ It’s packed with dried cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! 😍

Comment CRANBERRY for the recipe link
Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy mornings with coffee ☕️.

💌 SAVE this for your next holiday bake, SHARE it with your favorite foodie friend, and COMMENT “cranberry” for the recipe sent to your DMs!
Stop and SAVE—this might be your NEW favorite EA Stop and SAVE—this might be your NEW favorite EASY dinner! 🤩 Bold, cheesy flavors of taco night… combined with pasta… and it’s all made in ONE pot. Yep, it’s as good as it sounds! 🌮🧀🍝

This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is packed with protein, loaded with flavor, and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something easy AND delicious.

Want the recipe? Comment “TACO” below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! 🙌 Save this post for later, and tag a friend who NEEDS this in their life!
Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring 🍳🥐 🌞 Lookin Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring 🍳🥐

🌞 Looking for a delicious breakfast idea that’s easy, cheesy, and packed with protein? This Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring has it all! 🧀🥓🍳 Don’t forget to save and share this post. 

A great breakfast for weekends, meal prep, or the holidays. This will be part of our Christmas morning spread! 🎄

✨ Ingredients:
	•	2 cans crescent roll dough
	•	1 ½ cups shredded cheese
	•	½ lb mild Italian sausage, cooked
	•	8 scrambled eggs mixed (with 1/2 cup cottage cheese, optional. Adds protein and makes them creamy
	•	1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)

🔪 Instructions:
1️⃣ Arrange crescent rolls in a ring on a baking sheet.
2️⃣ cook the eggs and add cottage cheese if you want. Fill with 3/4 of the cheese, cooked sausage, scrambled eggs, and the rest of the cheese.
3️⃣ Fold over the crescent dough to seal the ring.
4️⃣ Brush with melted butter and bake at 375°F for 20-25 mins until golden brown.

Serve with your favorite hot sauce or salsa! 🌶️😋
🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 🎄🎄Perfect for t 🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 

🎄🎄Perfect for the holidays and parties 🎄🎄

SAVE for your next gathering and send to a friend you’d like to cheers 🥂 with 🥂

2 oz Aperol 1 oz orange juice in the ornament
Pour into glass and add 3 oz Prosecco 1 oz club soda
.
@aperolusa @aperolspritzofficial
Puff pastry stuffed with melty brie, cranberry sau Puff pastry stuffed with melty brie, cranberry sauce and nuts. A simple but crowd pleasing appetizer that will be part of our Thanksgiving spread 

Here’s all you need:
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 round (8 oz) Brie cheese
1/3 cup cranberry sauce 
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/2 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving

Instructions:
1️⃣ Place Brie on puff pastry, top with cranberry sauce, and wrap it up!  Make sure to not overlap too much of the pastry won’t cook. Cut or tear off any excess. You can bake it on the side to eat with the cheese. 
2️⃣ Brush with egg wash and bake at 400°F for 25-35 minutes.
3️⃣ Let cool, slice, and serve with crackers or bread. 🙌

Save this post for your next holiday gathering, and share it with a friend who needs this on their party menu! 💫
Easiest Healthy Enchilada Casserole Busy nights Easiest Healthy Enchilada Casserole 

Busy nights call for simple, healthy meals, and this low-carb enchilada casserole is a total WIN! 🥳 Packed with lean ground beef, spinach, beans, and melty cheese, it’s full of flavor and perfect for the whole family. 🙌

🌟 Why you’ll love it:
•	Protein-packed and filling 💪
•	Loaded with veggies (hello, spinach!) 🥬
•	Low-carb tortillas for a lighter twist 🌯
•	Easy to prep and perfect for leftovers 🍴

What you’ll need 
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cups chopped spinach
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can enchilada sauce (love @eatsomos )
8 low-carb tortillas, quartered (@missionfoodsus )
2 cups shredded cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
2 spoonfuls Greek yogurt (optional for creamier filling)
Optional toppings: Greek yogurt, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños

Instructions: 
1.Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook 1 lb ground beef, and season with salt and pepper.
2.	Add diced onion, chopped spinach, drained black beans, a little greek yogurt, and a handful of shredded cheese. The yogurt and cheese are optional but make the filling nice and creamy.  Cook until softened.
3.	Stir in ½ cup of enchilada sauce and remove from heat.
4.	In a greased 9x13 pan, layer tortillas, beef mixture, shredded cheese, and enchilada sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with tortillas, sauce, and cheese.
5.	Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes (covered for 20, uncovered for 10).
6.	Top with your favorites: Greek yogurt, guacamole, and salsa. Slice and enjoy!

This recipe is a lifesaver for weeknights, and the toppings make it SO fun to customize! Try Greek yogurt, guacamole, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a little kick. 🌶️

💬 Do you love easy casseroles? Let me know your favorite toppings below!
📌 Don’t forget to SAVE this post for your next family dinner and SHARE it with a friend who loves healthy eats!

gina_gibson_

🎄 This Cranberry Bliss Loaf is a winter perfect 🎄 This Cranberry Bliss Loaf is a winter perfection! 

If you love the flavors of Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars, you HAVE to try this easy homemade version in loaf form. 🍞✨ It’s packed with dried cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! 😍

Comment CRANBERRY for the recipe link
Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy mornings with coffee ☕️.

💌 SAVE this for your next holiday bake, SHARE it with your favorite foodie friend, and COMMENT “cranberry” for the recipe sent to your DMs!
Stop and SAVE—this might be your NEW favorite EA Stop and SAVE—this might be your NEW favorite EASY dinner! 🤩 Bold, cheesy flavors of taco night… combined with pasta… and it’s all made in ONE pot. Yep, it’s as good as it sounds! 🌮🧀🍝

This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is packed with protein, loaded with flavor, and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something easy AND delicious.

Want the recipe? Comment “TACO” below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! 🙌 Save this post for later, and tag a friend who NEEDS this in their life!
Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring 🍳🥐 🌞 Lookin Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring 🍳🥐

🌞 Looking for a delicious breakfast idea that’s easy, cheesy, and packed with protein? This Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring has it all! 🧀🥓🍳 Don’t forget to save and share this post. 

A great breakfast for weekends, meal prep, or the holidays. This will be part of our Christmas morning spread! 🎄

✨ Ingredients:
	•	2 cans crescent roll dough
	•	1 ½ cups shredded cheese
	•	½ lb mild Italian sausage, cooked
	•	8 scrambled eggs mixed (with 1/2 cup cottage cheese, optional. Adds protein and makes them creamy
	•	1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)

🔪 Instructions:
1️⃣ Arrange crescent rolls in a ring on a baking sheet.
2️⃣ cook the eggs and add cottage cheese if you want. Fill with 3/4 of the cheese, cooked sausage, scrambled eggs, and the rest of the cheese.
3️⃣ Fold over the crescent dough to seal the ring.
4️⃣ Brush with melted butter and bake at 375°F for 20-25 mins until golden brown.

Serve with your favorite hot sauce or salsa! 🌶️😋
🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 🎄🎄Perfect for t 🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 

🎄🎄Perfect for the holidays and parties 🎄🎄

SAVE for your next gathering and send to a friend you’d like to cheers 🥂 with 🥂

2 oz Aperol 1 oz orange juice in the ornament
Pour into glass and add 3 oz Prosecco 1 oz club soda
.
@aperolusa @aperolspritzofficial
Puff pastry stuffed with melty brie, cranberry sau Puff pastry stuffed with melty brie, cranberry sauce and nuts. A simple but crowd pleasing appetizer that will be part of our Thanksgiving spread 

Here’s all you need:
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 round (8 oz) Brie cheese
1/3 cup cranberry sauce 
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/2 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving

Instructions:
1️⃣ Place Brie on puff pastry, top with cranberry sauce, and wrap it up!  Make sure to not overlap too much of the pastry won’t cook. Cut or tear off any excess. You can bake it on the side to eat with the cheese. 
2️⃣ Brush with egg wash and bake at 400°F for 25-35 minutes.
3️⃣ Let cool, slice, and serve with crackers or bread. 🙌

Save this post for your next holiday gathering, and share it with a friend who needs this on their party menu! 💫
Easiest Healthy Enchilada Casserole Busy nights Easiest Healthy Enchilada Casserole 

Busy nights call for simple, healthy meals, and this low-carb enchilada casserole is a total WIN! 🥳 Packed with lean ground beef, spinach, beans, and melty cheese, it’s full of flavor and perfect for the whole family. 🙌

🌟 Why you’ll love it:
•	Protein-packed and filling 💪
•	Loaded with veggies (hello, spinach!) 🥬
•	Low-carb tortillas for a lighter twist 🌯
•	Easy to prep and perfect for leftovers 🍴

What you’ll need 
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cups chopped spinach
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can enchilada sauce (love @eatsomos )
8 low-carb tortillas, quartered (@missionfoodsus )
2 cups shredded cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
2 spoonfuls Greek yogurt (optional for creamier filling)
Optional toppings: Greek yogurt, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños

Instructions: 
1.Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook 1 lb ground beef, and season with salt and pepper.
2.	Add diced onion, chopped spinach, drained black beans, a little greek yogurt, and a handful of shredded cheese. The yogurt and cheese are optional but make the filling nice and creamy.  Cook until softened.
3.	Stir in ½ cup of enchilada sauce and remove from heat.
4.	In a greased 9x13 pan, layer tortillas, beef mixture, shredded cheese, and enchilada sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with tortillas, sauce, and cheese.
5.	Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes (covered for 20, uncovered for 10).
6.	Top with your favorites: Greek yogurt, guacamole, and salsa. Slice and enjoy!

This recipe is a lifesaver for weeknights, and the toppings make it SO fun to customize! Try Greek yogurt, guacamole, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a little kick. 🌶️

💬 Do you love easy casseroles? Let me know your favorite toppings below!
📌 Don’t forget to SAVE this post for your next family dinner and SHARE it with a friend who loves healthy eats!

gina_gibson_

🎄 This Cranberry Bliss Loaf is a winter perfect 🎄 This Cranberry Bliss Loaf is a winter perfection! 

If you love the flavors of Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars, you HAVE to try this easy homemade version in loaf form. 🍞✨ It’s packed with dried cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! 😍

Comment CRANBERRY for the recipe link
Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy mornings with coffee ☕️.

💌 SAVE this for your next holiday bake, SHARE it with your favorite foodie friend, and COMMENT “cranberry” for the recipe sent to your DMs!
Stop and SAVE—this might be your NEW favorite EA Stop and SAVE—this might be your NEW favorite EASY dinner! 🤩 Bold, cheesy flavors of taco night… combined with pasta… and it’s all made in ONE pot. Yep, it’s as good as it sounds! 🌮🧀🍝

This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is packed with protein, loaded with flavor, and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something easy AND delicious.

Want the recipe? Comment “TACO” below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! 🙌 Save this post for later, and tag a friend who NEEDS this in their life!
Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring 🍳🥐 🌞 Lookin Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring 🍳🥐

🌞 Looking for a delicious breakfast idea that’s easy, cheesy, and packed with protein? This Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring has it all! 🧀🥓🍳 Don’t forget to save and share this post. 

A great breakfast for weekends, meal prep, or the holidays. This will be part of our Christmas morning spread! 🎄

✨ Ingredients:
	•	2 cans crescent roll dough
	•	1 ½ cups shredded cheese
	•	½ lb mild Italian sausage, cooked
	•	8 scrambled eggs mixed (with 1/2 cup cottage cheese, optional. Adds protein and makes them creamy
	•	1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)

🔪 Instructions:
1️⃣ Arrange crescent rolls in a ring on a baking sheet.
2️⃣ cook the eggs and add cottage cheese if you want. Fill with 3/4 of the cheese, cooked sausage, scrambled eggs, and the rest of the cheese.
3️⃣ Fold over the crescent dough to seal the ring.
4️⃣ Brush with melted butter and bake at 375°F for 20-25 mins until golden brown.

Serve with your favorite hot sauce or salsa! 🌶️😋
🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 🎄🎄Perfect for t 🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 

🎄🎄Perfect for the holidays and parties 🎄🎄

SAVE for your next gathering and send to a friend you’d like to cheers 🥂 with 🥂

2 oz Aperol 1 oz orange juice in the ornament
Pour into glass and add 3 oz Prosecco 1 oz club soda
.
@aperolusa @aperolspritzofficial
Puff pastry stuffed with melty brie, cranberry sau Puff pastry stuffed with melty brie, cranberry sauce and nuts. A simple but crowd pleasing appetizer that will be part of our Thanksgiving spread 

Here’s all you need:
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 round (8 oz) Brie cheese
1/3 cup cranberry sauce 
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/2 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving

Instructions:
1️⃣ Place Brie on puff pastry, top with cranberry sauce, and wrap it up!  Make sure to not overlap too much of the pastry won’t cook. Cut or tear off any excess. You can bake it on the side to eat with the cheese. 
2️⃣ Brush with egg wash and bake at 400°F for 25-35 minutes.
3️⃣ Let cool, slice, and serve with crackers or bread. 🙌

Save this post for your next holiday gathering, and share it with a friend who needs this on their party menu! 💫
Easiest Healthy Enchilada Casserole Busy nights Easiest Healthy Enchilada Casserole 

Busy nights call for simple, healthy meals, and this low-carb enchilada casserole is a total WIN! 🥳 Packed with lean ground beef, spinach, beans, and melty cheese, it’s full of flavor and perfect for the whole family. 🙌

🌟 Why you’ll love it:
•	Protein-packed and filling 💪
•	Loaded with veggies (hello, spinach!) 🥬
•	Low-carb tortillas for a lighter twist 🌯
•	Easy to prep and perfect for leftovers 🍴

What you’ll need 
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cups chopped spinach
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can enchilada sauce (love @eatsomos )
8 low-carb tortillas, quartered (@missionfoodsus )
2 cups shredded cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
2 spoonfuls Greek yogurt (optional for creamier filling)
Optional toppings: Greek yogurt, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños

Instructions: 
1.Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook 1 lb ground beef, and season with salt and pepper.
2.	Add diced onion, chopped spinach, drained black beans, a little greek yogurt, and a handful of shredded cheese. The yogurt and cheese are optional but make the filling nice and creamy.  Cook until softened.
3.	Stir in ½ cup of enchilada sauce and remove from heat.
4.	In a greased 9x13 pan, layer tortillas, beef mixture, shredded cheese, and enchilada sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with tortillas, sauce, and cheese.
5.	Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes (covered for 20, uncovered for 10).
6.	Top with your favorites: Greek yogurt, guacamole, and salsa. Slice and enjoy!

This recipe is a lifesaver for weeknights, and the toppings make it SO fun to customize! Try Greek yogurt, guacamole, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a little kick. 🌶️

💬 Do you love easy casseroles? Let me know your favorite toppings below!
📌 Don’t forget to SAVE this post for your next family dinner and SHARE it with a friend who loves healthy eats!

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