Fluffy, fruity, high-protein, and completely no-bake! This Cherry Vanilla Protein Cloud is light, creamy, and satisfyingly sweet—perfect when you want a rich, dessert-like treat without baking an entire cake or pie.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
High-Protein & Low-Sugar: Packed with approximately 20–25g of protein per serving from Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and protein powder.
No-Bake & Fast: Comes together in a blender or food processor in just a few minutes.
Bariatric & Fitness-Friendly: Light on digestion, smooth in texture, and easy to portion out into small containers or squeeze bottles for grab-and-go meal prep.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
High-Speed Blender or Food Processor: Crucial for whipping the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt into a silky, cloud-like texture without any curds.
Spoon or Squeeze Bottles / Small Jars: For portioning and chilling.
Ingredients
1/2 cup Nonfat Greek yogurt
1/3 cup Low-fat cottage cheese
1 scoop Vanilla protein powder
1/3 cup Pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
1 tbsp Sugar-free cherry syrup
1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
1–2 tbsp Powdered sugar-free sweetener (optional, to taste)
1–2 tbsp Unsweetened almond milk (as needed for blending)
1 pinch Sea salt
1–2 Chopped cherries (for topping/garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Blend Dairy Base: In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the nonfat Greek yogurt and low-fat cottage cheese. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy.
2. Add Flavorings: Add the vanilla protein powder, pitted cherries, sugar-free cherry syrup, vanilla extract, sweetener (if using), and sea salt.
3. Whip & Adjust: Blend on high until light, creamy, and fluffy. If the mixture is too thick, stream in 1 to 2 tablespoons of unsweetened almond milk gradually until the desired cloud-like consistency is reached.
4. Chill & Serve: Spoon or squeeze into a small jar or dish. Refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to let the mixture set and firm up slightly. Garnish with a small amount of chopped cherries before serving!
Chef’s Tips & Bariatric-Friendly Advice
Blend Thoroughly: Take time to blend the cottage cheese completely; this transforms the texture into a light mousse or whipped pudding.
Bariatric Note: Use a modest amount of cherries and blend thoroughly for a smooth texture. Opt for sugar-free syrup and eat the portion slowly to ensure optimal digestion.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Portion / 8 oz / 227g)
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: ~180–210 kcal
Protein: 20–25g
Net Carbs: 12–15g
Fat: 1.5–3g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can blend this in batches and store it in sealed jars or squeeze bottles in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Give it a light stir before enjoying.