Tiramisu Protein Balls with Soft Cheese Cream

All the cozy coffee-and-cocoa flavor of tiramisu, rolled into bite-size protein balls. Espresso-soaked ladyfinger crumbs are kneaded with ricotta and cream cheese, dusted with cocoa and served over a cloud of vanilla soft-cheese cream. No baking required — just chill and enjoy.

Ingredients

• 100 g (3.5 oz) ladyfinger cookies
• 60 g (2 oz) ricotta
• 30 g (1 oz) light cream cheese
• 40 ml (3 tbsp) espresso
• 1 tsp cocoa powder for coating

For the cream: 120 g (4 oz) soft low-fat quark or cottage cheese; 80 g (3 oz) ricotta; vanilla extract to taste; sweetener to taste

Instructions

1. Blitz the ladyfingers into fine crumbs in a blender.
2. Add the ricotta, cream cheese, and espresso to the crumbs and knead into a smooth dough.
3. Roll into small balls, about 25 g (1 oz) each — you should get 8.
4. Roll each ball in cocoa powder.
5. Mix all the cream ingredients until smooth, spoon into serving glasses, and top with the tiramisu balls. Serve chilled.

Tips

• Use strong, fresh espresso for the most authentic tiramisu flavor.
• Roll the balls with damp hands to keep the mixture from sticking.
• More no-bake treats: Zucchini Brownies with Cocoa-Yogurt Glaze and Baked Cottage Cheese Donuts.

Nutrition (per serving): 328 kcal · protein 18 g · fat 9.5 g · carbs 44 g. Looking for more dessert ideas? The collection at allrecipes.com is a great place to start.