By Karyl Laeving. Updated January 1, 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from 101 votes
Creamy, rich, and secretly nourishing, these High Protein Chocolate Ricotta Cups taste like an elegant chocolate mousse but fuel your day like a smart snack. This is the kind of dessert that feels indulgent yet fits beautifully into a high protein lifestyle. No baking, no complicated steps, just pure chocolate bliss with real nutritional value.
Table of Contents
High Protein Chocolate Ricotta Cups
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy, no-bake High Protein Chocolate Ricotta Cups that taste like chocolate mousse but fuel you like a smart snack. Whipped ricotta, cocoa, and a touch of sweetness come together in minutes. Chill, top, and enjoy a rich, spoonable dessert that is meal-prep friendly and naturally gluten free.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups whole-milk ricotta cheese (360 g)
3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (15 g)
3 tbsp maple syrup or honey (60 ml)
1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)
1/8 tsp fine salt (0.5 g)
Optional toppings:
2 tbsp mini dark chocolate chips (30 g)
1/2 cup fresh berries (75 g)
2 tbsp Greek yogurt for swirl (30 g)
Instructions
1. Add the ricotta to a food processor or high-speed blender and blend 30 to 45 seconds until completely smooth and creamy.
2. Add cocoa powder, maple syrup or honey, vanilla, and salt. Blend 20 to 30 seconds until glossy and fully combined. Scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired, then blend 5 seconds to combine.
4. Divide the mixture evenly into 4 small cups or jars (about 1/2 cup each).
5. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour (or overnight) until chilled and slightly set.
6. Top with berries, chocolate chips, or a yogurt swirl just before serving and enjoy cold.
Notes
Texture tip: If your ricotta is watery, drain it in a fine mesh sieve for 10 minutes before blending for the thickest cups.
Sweetness tip: Cocoa intensity varies. Start with 3 tbsp sweetener, then adjust to taste before chilling.
Extra protein: Blend in 1 scoop (about 25 g) unflavored or chocolate protein powder with 1 to 2 tbsp milk if needed to keep it creamy.
Make ahead: Store covered in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Freeze up to 1 month for a frozen mousse style treat.
Serving tip: Let cups sit at room temperature 5 minutes for the creamiest spoonable texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
About This Recipe
What It Is
High Protein Chocolate Ricotta Cups are chilled, no bake dessert cups made from whipped ricotta cheese, cocoa powder, and gentle natural sweetness. The texture is smooth and spoonable, similar to chocolate pudding or mousse, but sturdier and more satisfying.
Why It Works
Ricotta cheese is naturally high in protein and casein, which digests slowly and keeps you full longer. When whipped and combined with cocoa, it transforms into a luxuriously creamy base that holds flavor beautifully without needing heavy cream or butter.
When to Make It
This recipe shines as a weeknight dessert, post workout snack, meal prep treat, or even a brunch friendly sweet option. It is also perfect when you want something chocolatey without turning on the oven.
Why You’ll Love It
- High protein with dessert level indulgence
- No bake and ready in minutes
- Naturally gluten free
- Easy to customize with toppings and flavors
- Perfect for meal prep and make ahead treats
Key Ingredients and Notes
Ricotta Cheese
Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture and richest flavor. Whole milk ricotta provides more protein per serving and blends smoothly when whipped. If your ricotta looks watery, drain it briefly using a fine mesh sieve.
Cocoa Powder
Unsweetened cocoa powder gives deep chocolate flavor without added sugar. Dutch processed cocoa will create a darker, smoother chocolate taste, while natural cocoa offers a slightly sharper chocolate note.
Sweetener
Maple syrup or honey works beautifully here and keeps the flavor warm and balanced. For lower sugar options, a monk fruit blend or stevia can be used to taste.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor and softens ricotta’s natural tang. Use pure vanilla extract for best results.
Salt
A tiny pinch brings the chocolate forward and prevents the dessert from tasting flat.
Optional additions like mini dark chocolate chips or a spoonful of Greek yogurt can add texture or extra protein.
How to Make High Protein Chocolate Ricotta Cups
- Add 1½ cups ricotta cheese (360 g) to a food processor or high speed blender.
- Blend for 30 to 45 seconds until completely smooth and creamy with no graininess.
- Add 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (15 g), 3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (60 ml), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml), and ⅛ teaspoon salt (0.5 g).
- Blend again for 20 to 30 seconds until fully combined and glossy.
- Spoon the mixture evenly into 4 small cups or jars using a silicone spatula.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, until chilled and set.
- Add toppings just before serving.
Visual cue: the mixture should look silky, thick, and mousse like with a deep chocolate color.
Pro Tips for Success
- Always blend ricotta first before adding other ingredients to eliminate graininess
- Taste and adjust sweetness before chilling since cocoa intensity varies
- Chill fully for best flavor and texture development
- Use glass jars for a café style presentation
- For extra protein, blend in 1 scoop unflavored or chocolate protein powder (about 25 g) with a splash of milk
- Drain ricotta if excess moisture is present
- Let cups sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving for best creaminess
Variations and Substitutions
- Extra Chocolate: Fold in shaved dark chocolate or cacao nibs
- Mocha Style: Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- Berry Swirl: Spoon mashed raspberries or strawberries on top
- Lower Sugar: Use monk fruit syrup or stevia drops
- Dairy Free: Use a thick almond or soy based ricotta alternative
- Kid Friendly: Top with sliced bananas or strawberries
For more no bake inspiration, these pair beautifully with No-Bake Chocolate Protein Bars (5-Ingredient Snack) or Protein Cookie Dough Bites (Healthy & No Bake) from FlavorAndRecipes.com.
Serving and Storage
Serving
Serve chilled with toppings like fresh berries, dark chocolate curls, or a yogurt drizzle. These cups are rich, so smaller portions feel just right.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze up to 1 month for a frozen mousse style treat
- Reheating: Not recommended, best enjoyed cold
For a frozen dessert vibe, try pairing with High Protein Chocolate Yogurt Ice Cream (No Churn!) for a protein packed dessert board.
FAQs
Can I use low fat ricotta?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly less creamy. Blending longer helps improve smoothness.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely. These cups hold their texture well and taste even better after chilling overnight.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each cup contains approximately 12 to 15 grams of protein, depending on ricotta brand and additions.
Can I make this sweeter?
Yes. Add sweetener gradually and blend, tasting as you go to avoid overpowering the chocolate.
Is this dessert gluten free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten free.
Conclusion
These High Protein Chocolate Ricotta Cups prove that healthy desserts can still feel luxurious. Creamy, rich, and deeply chocolatey, they are the kind of recipe you will make once and then keep on repeat. Whether you need a quick snack or an elegant dessert, this one delivers every time.
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