Ingredients

For the Dessert:

• 1 banana, sliced
• 1 orange, peeled and segmented
• 1 apple, peeled and chopped
• 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
• 400ml milk
• 200g cottage cheese
• 0.5 cans condensed milk (approximately 200g)
• 10g agar-agar

Directions

1. Prepare the Fruits:
   • Begin by slicing the banana, segmenting the orange, chopping the apple, and slicing the kiwi into bite-sized pieces. Set these aside in a bowl.
2. Blend the Milk Mixture:
   • In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, condensed milk, and milk. Blend the mixture until it’s completely smooth and free of lumps. The blend should be creamy with a silky texture, which will create a smooth base for your dessert.
3. Activate the Agar-Agar:
   • In a small saucepan, dissolve the agar-agar powder in 100ml of water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring constantly. The agar-agar needs to fully dissolve and thicken slightly for about 3-5 minutes. Once it’s ready, the solution will have a slightly thicker, gel-like consistency.
4. Combine All Ingredients:
   • Slowly pour the hot agar-agar mixture into the blended milk mixture while continuously stirring. This is crucial to avoid clumps and to evenly distribute the agar-agar throughout the milk blend.
5. Add the Fruits:
   • Gently fold in the prepared fruits, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the milk mixture. The vibrant colors of the fruit will give the dessert an attractive appearance when it’s sliced.
6. Set the Dessert:
   • Pour the entire mixture into a greased mold or dish. You can use a round or square dish, depending on the presentation you prefer. Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator to set. The dessert should be chilled for at least 2-3 hours, allowing the agar-agar to fully set and create a firm, sliceable texture.
7. Serve:
   • Once the dessert is fully set, carefully remove it from the mold. Slice it into portions and serve chilled. The creamy layers of milk and cottage cheese blend beautifully with the fruit pieces, creating a visually stunning and delicious treat.

Tips for Making the Best No-Bake Fruit Dessert

1. Fruit Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fruits like strawberries, mangoes, or berries. The key is to choose fruits that are not overly juicy, as excess moisture can affect the texture.
2. Using Agar-Agar: Agar-agar is a plant-based gelling agent that sets at room temperature, making it a great alternative to gelatin for vegetarian and vegan recipes. If you want a softer texture, slightly reduce the amount used.
3. Adjusting Sweetness: Depending on your taste preference, you can adjust the amount of condensed milk. If you prefer a lighter dessert, you can substitute some of the condensed milk with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
4. Presentation Ideas: For an elegant presentation, consider layering the dessert with alternating layers of fruits and milk mixture. You can also create individual servings in glasses or ramekins, topped with extra fresh fruits for a beautiful garnish.
5. Serving Suggestions: This dessert pairs wonderfully with a drizzle of extra condensed milk or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. You can also add some finely chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios for an extra crunch.
6. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dessert will keep its texture for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep.

Possible Questions About the Recipe

1. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
   Yes! This dessert is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it the day before and let it set overnight in the refrigerator. It’s great for parties or gatherings when you want to save time.
2. What is the role of agar-agar in this recipe?
   Agar-agar is the key ingredient that helps the dessert set into a firm, sliceable texture. Unlike gelatin, it’s plant-based and sets at room temperature, making it ideal for chilled desserts.
3. Can I use low-fat ingredients?
   Absolutely! You can use low-fat milk and cottage cheese to reduce the calorie content. The dessert will still be creamy and delicious with these substitutions.
4. Can I replace the condensed milk with something else?
   Yes, you can substitute the condensed milk with a combination of sweetened almond milk and a sweetener of your choice for a lighter, dairy-free version.
5. How do I prevent the fruits from sinking to the bottom?
   To avoid the fruits sinking, you can slightly thicken the milk mixture before folding in the fruits. Chilling the mixture briefly before adding the fruits will also help suspend them more evenly.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Sugars: 22g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Calcium: 20% DV
• Vitamin C: 35% DV
• Vitamin A: 10% DV

Conclusion

This Creamy No-Bake Fruit Dessert with Cottage Cheese and Milk is a delicious and healthy option for those looking to enjoy a refreshing treat without compromising on nutrition. The combination of creamy cottage cheese, sweetened milk, and fresh fruits offers a dessert that’s not only satisfying but also packed with vitamins, protein, and fiber. Whether you’re serving it as a light dessert after dinner or bringing it to a gathering, this colorful and flavorful dessert is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s easy to make, requires no baking, and can be customized with your favorite fruits and flavors.

The firm yet creamy texture of the dessert, combined with the vibrant bursts of fresh fruit, makes every bite a delightful experience. This is a perfect recipe to have on hand when you want a quick and healthy sweet treat that looks as good as it tastes.