Desserts You Can Make (with Cheese from Our Cheese Making Kits)

by Paula Butler

While cheese cake is probably what first comes to mind when thinking about which desserts feature our favorite food, there is really a wide variety of sweet treats that include cheese as a star ingredient. From filling Italian cannoli with creamy ricotta, to whipping up a sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting to top carrot cake or pumpkin cupcakes, to even baking cheddar into the crust of an apple pie, cheese can play a big role in bringing desserts to life with an expected flavor twist. 

In fact, some of the quickest and easiest cheeses to make with our cheese making kits, are excellent cheeses to use in a range of desserts. Soft fresh cheeses, such as ricotta, cream cheese, chèvre and mascarpone (learn about the differences between the four here), are excellent additions to desserts thanks to their subtle flavor, creamy textures and ability to be whipped.

Using a mascarpone in a filling for cakes or tarts instead of heavy whipping cream, for instance, will lead to an even deeper richness and texture while substituting ricotta cheese instead of whipped cream or frosting in crepes or on cookies can add a slightly savory note to the dessert to cut its sweetness. Different cheeses can also be added to homemade ice cream for another level of deliciousness. 

Ready to dive into making some delicious desserts with fresh homemade cheese from your cheesemaking kit? How does Irish Cream Ricotta Espresso Mousse sound?

We shared this family recipe recently on Instagram (follow us if you're not already!) and have heard that it's been just as popular in other people's homes as it is in ours.

Not only is this easy mousse incredibly creamy and delicious, but it's really simple to make just requiring seven ingredients and a food processor to pull together. The lightness of the fresh ricotta mixes well with the sweetness of the Irish Cream while the espresso powder and dusting of cinnamon and cocoa help bring out the complexity of the flavors. It's also a great recipe to make ahead of time and have in your refrigerator ready to go when a sweet craving strikes or as a dinner party treat - make it the day before or in the morning of your gathering for a no-stress dessert that will still impress your guests. Give it a try and let us know what you think!

 

Irish Cream Ricotta Espresso Mousse

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

 

• 1 pound homemade ricotta cheese (made from the ingredients from our cheese making kits)
• 1 tsp. Irish Cream (like Baileys or Sheridan's)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 vanilla bean
• 1/2 T. instant espresso powder
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. cocoa powder

Place the sugar in a food processor. Cut the vanilla bean open lengthwise, scrape out the seeds and add to the sugar. Pulse the processor several times to infuse the sugar with the vanilla bean to make vanilla sugar.

Add the ricotta and espresso powder into the food processor and blend for one minute. Stop the machine to scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula. Blend again for another minute. Spoon the mixture into 4 small jars or mugs (I serve these in swing-top bale jars). Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour and up to one full day. Mix the ground cinnamon and cocoa powder together is a small cup, cover and set aside. 

Just before serving, top the mousse with sprinkle of the cinnamon cocoa mixture and enjoy.

The possibilities to incorporate cheese into your desserts are endless - just check out some of these other creative recipes...the goat cheese custards with strawberries and red wine syrup sound divine!

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