Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Completely sugar-free – Naturally sweetened with dried fruits, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Packed with nutrients – Nuts, seeds, and cottage cheese provide protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Quick and easy to prepare – No baking required, just mix and set!
- Great for energy – Ideal for a pre-workout snack or a mid-day pick-me-up.
Ingredients
- Assorted dried fruits (approximately 130g) – Dried cranberries, apricots, plums, and raisins
- 20g of fast-dissolving gelatin
- 50g of walnuts
- 50g of peanuts
- 50g of pumpkin seeds
- 350g of cottage cheese
- 80g of yogurt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Dried Fruits
- Chop the dried fruits into small pieces. If they are too dry, soak them in warm water for 5-10 minutes to soften, then drain well.
- Crush the Nuts and Seeds
- Roughly chop the walnuts and peanuts.
- Lightly toast the pumpkin seeds in a dry pan for extra crunch and flavor (optional).
- Blend the Base
- In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese and yogurt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Dissolve the Gelatin
- In a small bowl, dissolve the gelatin in a few tablespoons of warm water. Stir well until fully dissolved. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes.
- Combine All Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese mixture with the dried fruits, nuts, and pumpkin seeds.
- Pour in the dissolved gelatin and mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
- Set the Dessert
- Transfer the mixture into a lined dish or silicone mold.
- Smooth the top with a spatula and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or until firm.
- Serve
- Once set, cut into slices or bars and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8 portions
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 3-4 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free Version – Replace nuts with sunflower seeds or more dried fruits for a nut-free alternative.
- Chocolate Twist – Add unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao nibs for a chocolatey flavor without added sugar.
- Extra Protein – Mix in a scoop of unsweetened protein powder to make it a high-protein snack.
- Coconut Flavor – Add shredded unsweetened coconut for extra texture and a tropical taste.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing – Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Let thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Serving Tip – Enjoy chilled straight from the fridge for the best texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use different dried fruits?
Yes! Feel free to swap in dates, figs, or any other dried fruit you like.
2. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt will make the dessert even creamier.
3. What if I don’t have fast-dissolving gelatin?
You can use regular gelatin, but dissolve it in warm water first and let it bloom properly.
4. Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Replace cottage cheese with blended silken tofu and use agar-agar instead of gelatin.
5. Is this dessert keto-friendly?
No, due to the dried fruits, but you can modify it by using fewer fruits and adding more nuts.
6. Can I add spices for extra flavor?
Yes, a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract would enhance the taste.
7. How do I prevent the gelatin from clumping?
Make sure to dissolve it fully in warm water before adding it to the mixture.
8. Can I use flavored yogurt?
As long as it’s sugar-free, flavored yogurt like vanilla or coconut would work great.
9. Can I turn this into bite-sized snacks?
Yes, pour the mixture into silicone molds or an ice cube tray for easy grab-and-go treats.
10. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Ricotta or mascarpone could work, but they may change the texture slightly.
Conclusion
This Sugar-Free Energy Dessert is the perfect combination of natural sweetness, creamy texture, and crunchy goodness. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and free from added sugar—making it a healthy and delicious treat for any time of day. Whether you enjoy it as a snack, dessert, or post-workout boost, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and indulge without the guilt!
Sugar-Free Energy Dessert
These sugar-free energy bars are a nutritious and naturally sweet treat made with dried fruits, nuts, seeds, cottage cheese, and yogurt. Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, they make the perfect guilt-free dessert or energy snack!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 bars
- Category: Healthy Snacks, Sugar-Free Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Healthy, Sugar-Free
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 130g assorted dried fruits (cranberries, apricots, plums, raisins)
- 20g fast-dissolving gelatin
- 50g walnuts
- 50g peanuts
- 50g pumpkin seeds
- 350g cottage cheese
- 80g yogurt (unsweetened)
Instructions
- Prepare the Gelatin:
- Dissolve gelatin in warm water according to package instructions. Let it bloom for a few minutes.
- Blend the Base:
- In a food processor, blend cottage cheese and yogurt until smooth.
- Chop & Mix:
- Finely chop the dried fruits, walnuts, peanuts, and pumpkin seeds.
- Combine with the cottage cheese mixture.
- Combine with Gelatin:
- Slowly add the dissolved gelatin into the mixture, stirring well.
- Set & Chill:
- Pour the mixture into a lined baking dish or silicone mold.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until firm.
- Slice & Serve:
- Once set, cut into bars or squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Nut-Free Version: Replace nuts with more seeds (chia, sunflower, or hemp seeds).
- Extra Creamy Texture: Use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt.
- Make It Vegan: Swap cottage cheese for blended silken tofu and use agar-agar instead of gelatin.
- Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
