Chocolated-Cheese Cups
Decadent chocolate-cheese cups combine rich cocoa, creamy ricotta, and toasted almonds for a delightful treat ideal for parties or special occasions, offering a smooth, nutty flavor.
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 ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- graham cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped toasted almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine sugar, cocoa, ground cinnamon, ricotta cheese, evaporated skimmed milk, egg substitute, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl.
- Blend on high until smooth.
- Set aside.
- Combine egg whites and salt in a medium bowl; beat at medium speed until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture.
- Coat paper muffin pan liners with cooking spray; sprinkle evenly with graham cracker crumbs.
- Spoon the batter into the liners, filling them two-thirds full.
- Bake at 225°F for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Cover and chill the cups.
- Before serving, sprinkle with chopped toasted almonds.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using mascarpone cheese instead of ricotta. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, silken tofu can be blended to create a similar texture. You can also experiment with different extracts like almond or hazelnut for a unique twist. Make sure to fold the egg whites gently to maintain the airy texture of the cups.
Serving Suggestions
These chocolated-cheese cups are delightful served chilled, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They pair wonderfully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a complete dessert experience, serve alongside a slice of Lemon Chiffon Cheesecake to create a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chocolated-cheese cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, just until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolated-Cheese Cups contains roughly 101 calories, with 5g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 substitute regular milk for evaporated skimmed milk, but the texture may be slightly different. Evaporated milk provides a creamier consistency, so you may want to reduce the amount slightly to avoid making the mixture too runny.
How can I make these cups gluten-free?
To make chocolated-cheese cups gluten-free, simply replace the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or crushed nuts. Ensure that any other ingredients, especially packaged items, are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
What can I use instead of egg substitute?
If you don't have egg substitute, you can use unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas as a binding agent. Generally, 1/4 cup of applesauce or banana can replace one egg. This will add a slight sweetness and moisture to the cups, complementing the cocoa flavor.
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).