There is something deeply comforting about an evening dessert that doesn’t demand fuss or formality, yet feels indulgent enough to slow the pace of the day. This Soft Vanilla Cottage Cheese Evening Spoon Dessert is exactly that kind of quiet luxury—a warm, gently set custard that invites you to sit down, take a breath, and enjoy something made with care. Its tender texture and subtle sweetness make it ideal for those moments when you crave dessert but want something soothing rather than heavy.
Baked until just set at the edges and softly custard-like in the center, this dessert blurs the line between pudding, custard, and cake. The vanilla aroma fills the kitchen as it bakes, creating an atmosphere that feels instantly cozy. Served warm with a spoon, it’s a humble yet elegant finish to any evening, whether you’re enjoying it alone or sharing it straight from the dish with loved ones.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Soft, spoonable texture that feels comforting and light
- Gentle vanilla flavor that’s not overpowering
- Simple ingredients you likely already have
- Perfect warm dessert for quiet evenings
- Naturally high in protein from eggs and cottage cheese
- Not overly sweet, making it easy to enjoy any time
Ingredients (Lightly Detailed)
• Eggs – Provide structure and create the custard-like texture.
• Sugar – Adds gentle sweetness and balances the dairy.
• Milk – Thins the batter and keeps the dessert soft and tender.
• Cream – Adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel.
• Cottage cheese – Boosts protein while contributing creamy body when blended.
• Vanilla extract – Brings warmth and classic dessert flavor.
• All-purpose flour – Gives light structure without making it dense.
• Salt – Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
Step-by-Step
- Preheat and prepare the baking dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a shallow baking dish, making sure to coat the bottom and sides evenly. This helps prevent sticking and allows the dessert to release cleanly when serving, even while still warm and delicate. - Whisk the eggs and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and sugar. Whisk steadily until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly pale in color. This step dissolves the sugar and incorporates air, which helps keep the final texture light rather than dense. - Blend and add the cottage cheese mixture
Blend the cottage cheese until completely smooth, ensuring there are no lumps remaining. Add the blended cottage cheese to the egg mixture along with the cream and vanilla extract. Mix gently to avoid deflating the eggs while ensuring everything is evenly combined. - Incorporate the milk slowly
Gradually whisk in the milk, pouring it in a steady stream. This slow addition helps maintain a smooth batter and prevents sudden thinning that could affect the custard’s structure. The mixture should look silky and uniform at this stage. - Fold in the dry ingredients
Sprinkle the flour and salt over the batter. Using a spatula or whisk, gently fold until no dry streaks remain. Stop mixing as soon as everything is incorporated—overmixing can lead to a tougher texture instead of the desired softness. - Pour and let the batter settle
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Gently tap the dish on the counter once or twice, then let it rest for about a minute. This allows air bubbles to rise and the batter to level out for even baking. - Bake to a soft set
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. Watch for the edges to become set while the center remains slightly jiggly. This balance is key to achieving a custard-like consistency rather than a fully firm bake. - Rest and serve warm
Remove the dessert from the oven and allow it to rest briefly. This short rest helps the structure stabilize while keeping the center soft. Serve warm with a spoon, enjoying its creamy texture straight from the dish.
Variations & Customizations
For a lightly caramelized top, you can sprinkle a small amount of sugar over the surface during the last few minutes of baking, allowing it to melt and create a delicate crust. This adds a subtle textural contrast without changing the base recipe.
If you prefer a firmer texture, extend the baking time by a few minutes until the center sets more fully. This transforms the dessert into something closer to a soft baked pudding that can hold its shape when scooped.
To make it feel more decadent for special occasions, serve it with a warm drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. These additions complement the vanilla without overwhelming it.
For a more pronounced vanilla presence, allow the baked dessert to rest slightly longer before serving. As it cools just a bit, the vanilla aroma becomes more noticeable and rounded.
If you enjoy contrast in temperature, this dessert can also be enjoyed at room temperature. The texture becomes slightly denser while maintaining its smooth, spoonable quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it earlier in the day and let it cool completely. When ready to serve, gently reheat individual portions so the center becomes soft again without drying out.
How do I know when it’s perfectly baked?
The edges should look set and slightly puffed, while the center still has a gentle wobble. It will continue to firm up slightly as it rests outside the oven.
Why is my dessert too firm?
Overbaking is usually the cause of a firmer texture. Try checking it a few minutes earlier next time and removing it when the center is still soft.
Can this be eaten cold?
Yes, it can be enjoyed cold straight from the refrigerator. The texture will be more custard-like and dense, but still smooth and pleasant.
What size baking dish works best?
A shallow baking dish allows for even cooking and helps maintain the soft center. Deeper dishes may require a longer baking time.
Nutrition & Time Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30–35 minutes |
| Total Time | 40–45 minutes |
| Calories | ~260 per serving |
| Protein | ~14 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~32 g |
| Fat | ~10 g |
Soft Vanilla Cottage Cheese Evening Spoon Dessert
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Description
A soft, warm vanilla spoon dessert with a creamy custard center.
Perfect for cozy evenings when you want something gentle and comforting.
Ingredients
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1½ cups milk
• ¼ cup cream
• ¾ cup cottage cheese (blended smooth)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a shallow baking dish.
2. Whisk eggs and sugar until smooth and slightly pale.
3. Blend cottage cheese until smooth, then mix it with cream and vanilla into the eggs.
4. Slowly whisk in the milk until fully incorporated.
5. Gently fold in flour and salt just until combined.
6. Pour batter into the dish and let settle for 1 minute.
7. Bake 30–35 minutes until edges are set and center remains soft.
8. Rest briefly and serve warm with a spoon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~260 per serving
- Fat: ~10 g
- Protein: ~14 g
