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Creamy Cottage Cheese Strawberry Parfait

May 25, 2023 by Gina +

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
Servings: 4 parfaits
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Ingredients Method

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

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. For the cheese layer, blend everything in a food processor, until thick and smooth.
  3. Place the jam and cheese layer separately in the fridge to cool. This is best served chilled
  4. 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

Trackbacks

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

    […] High Protein Strawberry Parfaits […]

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

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

The first recipe in my Summer Side Dish Series is The first recipe in my Summer Side Dish Series is this creamy herby potato salad, and it’s going to be on repeat all season long.

It’s everything I want in a potato salad—tender potatoes, crispy bacon, fresh herbs, a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, and just enough mayo to keep it tasting like the classic version we all grew up with.

2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved if large
1 tablespoon pickle brine or white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, grated
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 celery rib, finely diced

Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Season generously with salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, about 12-15 minutes.

Drain well and spread onto a baking sheet.

While still warm, toss potatoes with the pickle brine and Dijon mustard. Let cool for about 10 minutes.

In a large bowl whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Add potatoes, bacon, celery, green onions, chives, parsley, and dill. Toss gently until coated.

Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

Finish with extra herbs and bacon right before serving.

Save this one for your next BBQ, picnic, or weeknight dinner. ☀️🥔
A good way to start the morning. Picked up our ord A good way to start the morning. Picked up our order from @supergoodbagel (order ahead so you can walk in and pickup). Also snagged some darn tasty cookies from @tropbonbakery
Sandwich season, my favorite season. We all need s Sandwich season, my favorite season. We all need some good sandwich combos for the beach days, the pool days, the park days, just the warm summer weather. 

For this combination, here’s what I did:
Butter sourdough then grill on skillet. Add a layer of spread, I used mayo. Top with prosciutto then salami and turkey if you want. Arugula, balsamic glaze, and hot honey. Top with a ball of prosciutto.
If you’re tired of hearing “I’m hungry!” every 15 If you’re tired of hearing “I’m hungry!” every 15 minutes this summer, make a batch of these Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins.

They’re soft, fluffy, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and maple syrup, and loaded with mini chocolate chips. I love having these on hand for those endless summer snack requests.

Made with ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, egg, vanilla, oil, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and mini chocolate chips.

Comment BANANA and I’ll send you the recipe!
You’ve seen the viral pizza wrap, but let me show You’ve seen the viral pizza wrap, but let me show you my protein-packed version.

I blended 1/2 cup cottage cheese with 1 egg, a little Italian seasoning and garlic powder, then spread it onto parchment paper. I topped it with turkey pepperoni and baked it until golden and set.

Once it cooled slightly, I stuffed it with a chopped Caesar salad and folded it up like a wrap. The result is crispy, cheesy, packed with protein, and one of my favorite lunches lately.

1/2 cup @good_culture cottage cheese
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pinch garlic powder
Turkey pepperoni
Chopped romaine
Caesar dressing
Fresh Parmesan

Instructions:
Blend the cottage cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until smooth. Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and top with turkey pepperoni. Bake at 400°F for 18-22 minutes or until set and lightly golden. Let cool for a few minutes. Toss chopped romaine with Caesar dressing and Parmesan. Fill the wrap with the salad, fold, and enjoy. *make sure you spread it evenly to avoid burning patches.
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These might be one of my favorite taco recipes I’ve made lately. Tacos de papa filling mixed with taco-seasoned beef, stuffed into soft flour tortillas and air fried until golden and crispy.

My boys gobble these up!

Comment TACO and I’ll send you the full recipe 🌮

Save this one for your next taco night and follow @gina_gibson_cooks for more easy family dinners.
The first recipe in my Summer Side Dish Series is The first recipe in my Summer Side Dish Series is this creamy herby potato salad, and it’s going to be on repeat all season long.

It’s everything I want in a potato salad—tender potatoes, crispy bacon, fresh herbs, a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, and just enough mayo to keep it tasting like the classic version we all grew up with.

2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved if large
1 tablespoon pickle brine or white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, grated
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 celery rib, finely diced

Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Season generously with salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, about 12-15 minutes.

Drain well and spread onto a baking sheet.

While still warm, toss potatoes with the pickle brine and Dijon mustard. Let cool for about 10 minutes.

In a large bowl whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Add potatoes, bacon, celery, green onions, chives, parsley, and dill. Toss gently until coated.

Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

Finish with extra herbs and bacon right before serving.

Save this one for your next BBQ, picnic, or weeknight dinner. ☀️🥔
A good way to start the morning. Picked up our ord A good way to start the morning. Picked up our order from @supergoodbagel (order ahead so you can walk in and pickup). Also snagged some darn tasty cookies from @tropbonbakery
Sandwich season, my favorite season. We all need s Sandwich season, my favorite season. We all need some good sandwich combos for the beach days, the pool days, the park days, just the warm summer weather. 

For this combination, here’s what I did:
Butter sourdough then grill on skillet. Add a layer of spread, I used mayo. Top with prosciutto then salami and turkey if you want. Arugula, balsamic glaze, and hot honey. Top with a ball of prosciutto.
If you’re tired of hearing “I’m hungry!” every 15 If you’re tired of hearing “I’m hungry!” every 15 minutes this summer, make a batch of these Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins.

They’re soft, fluffy, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and maple syrup, and loaded with mini chocolate chips. I love having these on hand for those endless summer snack requests.

Made with ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, egg, vanilla, oil, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and mini chocolate chips.

Comment BANANA and I’ll send you the recipe!
You’ve seen the viral pizza wrap, but let me show You’ve seen the viral pizza wrap, but let me show you my protein-packed version.

I blended 1/2 cup cottage cheese with 1 egg, a little Italian seasoning and garlic powder, then spread it onto parchment paper. I topped it with turkey pepperoni and baked it until golden and set.

Once it cooled slightly, I stuffed it with a chopped Caesar salad and folded it up like a wrap. The result is crispy, cheesy, packed with protein, and one of my favorite lunches lately.

1/2 cup @good_culture cottage cheese
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pinch garlic powder
Turkey pepperoni
Chopped romaine
Caesar dressing
Fresh Parmesan

Instructions:
Blend the cottage cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until smooth. Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and top with turkey pepperoni. Bake at 400°F for 18-22 minutes or until set and lightly golden. Let cool for a few minutes. Toss chopped romaine with Caesar dressing and Parmesan. Fill the wrap with the salad, fold, and enjoy. *make sure you spread it evenly to avoid burning patches.
CRISPY POTATO TACOS WITH BEEF 🌮 These might be on CRISPY POTATO TACOS WITH BEEF 🌮

These might be one of my favorite taco recipes I’ve made lately. Tacos de papa filling mixed with taco-seasoned beef, stuffed into soft flour tortillas and air fried until golden and crispy.

My boys gobble these up!

Comment TACO and I’ll send you the full recipe 🌮

Save this one for your next taco night and follow @gina_gibson_cooks for more easy family dinners.
The first recipe in my Summer Side Dish Series is The first recipe in my Summer Side Dish Series is this creamy herby potato salad, and it’s going to be on repeat all season long.

It’s everything I want in a potato salad—tender potatoes, crispy bacon, fresh herbs, a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, and just enough mayo to keep it tasting like the classic version we all grew up with.

2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved if large
1 tablespoon pickle brine or white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, grated
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 celery rib, finely diced

Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Season generously with salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, about 12-15 minutes.

Drain well and spread onto a baking sheet.

While still warm, toss potatoes with the pickle brine and Dijon mustard. Let cool for about 10 minutes.

In a large bowl whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Add potatoes, bacon, celery, green onions, chives, parsley, and dill. Toss gently until coated.

Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

Finish with extra herbs and bacon right before serving.

Save this one for your next BBQ, picnic, or weeknight dinner. ☀️🥔
A good way to start the morning. Picked up our ord A good way to start the morning. Picked up our order from @supergoodbagel (order ahead so you can walk in and pickup). Also snagged some darn tasty cookies from @tropbonbakery
Sandwich season, my favorite season. We all need s Sandwich season, my favorite season. We all need some good sandwich combos for the beach days, the pool days, the park days, just the warm summer weather. 

For this combination, here’s what I did:
Butter sourdough then grill on skillet. Add a layer of spread, I used mayo. Top with prosciutto then salami and turkey if you want. Arugula, balsamic glaze, and hot honey. Top with a ball of prosciutto.
If you’re tired of hearing “I’m hungry!” every 15 If you’re tired of hearing “I’m hungry!” every 15 minutes this summer, make a batch of these Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins.

They’re soft, fluffy, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and maple syrup, and loaded with mini chocolate chips. I love having these on hand for those endless summer snack requests.

Made with ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, egg, vanilla, oil, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and mini chocolate chips.

Comment BANANA and I’ll send you the recipe!
You’ve seen the viral pizza wrap, but let me show You’ve seen the viral pizza wrap, but let me show you my protein-packed version.

I blended 1/2 cup cottage cheese with 1 egg, a little Italian seasoning and garlic powder, then spread it onto parchment paper. I topped it with turkey pepperoni and baked it until golden and set.

Once it cooled slightly, I stuffed it with a chopped Caesar salad and folded it up like a wrap. The result is crispy, cheesy, packed with protein, and one of my favorite lunches lately.

1/2 cup @good_culture cottage cheese
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pinch garlic powder
Turkey pepperoni
Chopped romaine
Caesar dressing
Fresh Parmesan

Instructions:
Blend the cottage cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until smooth. Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and top with turkey pepperoni. Bake at 400°F for 18-22 minutes or until set and lightly golden. Let cool for a few minutes. Toss chopped romaine with Caesar dressing and Parmesan. Fill the wrap with the salad, fold, and enjoy. *make sure you spread it evenly to avoid burning patches.
CRISPY POTATO TACOS WITH BEEF 🌮 These might be on CRISPY POTATO TACOS WITH BEEF 🌮

These might be one of my favorite taco recipes I’ve made lately. Tacos de papa filling mixed with taco-seasoned beef, stuffed into soft flour tortillas and air fried until golden and crispy.

My boys gobble these up!

Comment TACO and I’ll send you the full recipe 🌮

Save this one for your next taco night and follow @gina_gibson_cooks for more easy family dinners.

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