Chocolate Cheese Cups
Chocolate Cheese Cups combine smooth ricotta and rich cocoa flavors in light, airy meringue shells, perfect for a decadent yet guilt-free dessert for gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 cup (8 oz.) part skim Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup evaporated skimmed milk
- 1/4 cup egg substitute
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract ⓘ
- 3 egg whites ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- vegetable cooking spray ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped almonds, toasted ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the sugar, cocoa, cinnamon, ricotta cheese, evaporated milk, egg substitute, and vanilla extract in the container of an electric blender; blend on high until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a large bowl and set aside.
- Combine egg whites and salt in a medium bowl; beat with an electric mixer at medium speed until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture.
- Spray paper muffin pan liners with vegetable cooking spray.
- Sprinkle the liners evenly with graham cracker crumbs.
- Spoon the batter into the liners, filling them three-quarters full.
- Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 30 minutes.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cups inside for an additional 30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Cover and chill the cups before serving.
- Just before serving, sprinkle the cups with toasted chopped almonds.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute regular ricotta with a low-fat or non-fat ricotta. If you don't have egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce as a replacement. Ensure not to overmix the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture to maintain a fluffy texture. This recipe is great for gatherings, alongside American recipes like One Pan Pizza.
Serving Suggestions
These chocolate cheese cups are delightful on their own but can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. Pair them with a fresh fruit salad or a cup of coffee for a perfect dessert or after-dinner treat. They also make a great addition to a Breakfast Or Brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them warm, reheat in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or until just warmed through, but be careful not to overheat as they may lose their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Cheese Cups contains roughly 96 calories, with 2g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated skimmed milk?
Yes, you can use regular milk, but the texture may be slightly different. Evaporated skimmed milk provides a creamier consistency. If you opt for regular milk, consider reducing the amount slightly to maintain the batter’s thickness.
What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs?
If you don't have graham cracker crumbs, you can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer crumbs. These alternatives will provide a similar texture and flavor, ensuring your chocolate cheese cups still have a delightful base.
Can I make these chocolate cheese cups ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cups can be made a day in advance. After baking and cooling, store them in the refrigerator. Just remember to cover them well. They taste even better after chilling, as the flavors have time to meld together beautifully.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).