This stunning holiday protein loaf transforms humble cottage cheese into an elegant centerpiece worthy of any festive table. Drawing inspiration from traditional European dairy-based desserts, I’ve created a sophisticated, protein-rich dish that sparkles with jewel-toned dried fruits. What makes this recipe special is its beautiful presentation combined with its nutritional benefits – perfect for health-conscious holiday entertaining.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of smooth, protein-rich cottage cheese with chunks of colorful dried fruits creates a beautiful mosaic effect when sliced, resembling a stained glass window. The gelatin provides the perfect structure, while nuts and seeds add a satisfying crunch. Best of all, this recipe contains no added sugars, letting the natural sweetness of dried fruits shine through.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 350g (1½ cups) full-fat cottage cheese
- 80g (⅓ cup) plain unsweetened yogurt
- 20g (2 tablespoons) unflavored gelatin powder
- 5ml (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract (optional, unsweetened)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For the “Jewels” and Crunch
- 130g (about 1 cup) mixed dried fruits:
- Golden dried apricots
- Dried cranberries
- Golden raisins (optional)
- 150g (1½ cups) mixed nuts and seeds:
- 50g (½ cup) walnuts
- 50g (½ cup) peanuts
- 50g (½ cup) pumpkin seeds
For Gelatin Preparation
- 100ml (⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon) cold water for blooming
- 50ml (3½ tablespoons) hot water for dissolving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Pan
Line a 9×5 inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan with plastic wrap or parchment paper, leaving overhang on all sides for easy removal. Ensure there are no gaps in the lining to prevent leakage. - Prepare the Mix-Ins
- Chop dried apricots into ½-inch pieces
- If using whole nuts, roughly chop them into large pieces
- Keep cranberries and raisins whole for contrast
- Set all mix-ins aside in separate bowls
- Bloom the Gelatin
- Pour 100ml cold water into a wide, shallow bowl
- Sprinkle gelatin powder evenly over the surface
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes until fully bloomed (it should look like wrinkled wet sand)
- Heat 50ml water until very warm (not boiling)
- Add warm water to bloomed gelatin and stir until completely clear with no granules
- Prepare the Base Mixture
- In a large bowl, blend cottage cheese until smooth using an immersion blender or food processor
- Fold in the unsweetened yogurt
- If using, add vanilla extract and cinnamon
- While gelatin mixture is still warm, gradually stir it into the cheese mixture
- Mix thoroughly until well combined
- Assembly
- Fold dried fruits, nuts, and seeds into the cheese mixture
- Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure even distribution
- Pour mixture into prepared loaf pan
- Tap pan gently on counter several times to remove air bubbles
- Use a spatula to smooth the top surface
- Check sides to ensure mix-ins are evenly distributed
- Setting
- Place pan in refrigerator, ensuring it’s perfectly level
- Chill for minimum 6 hours, preferably overnight
- Do not disturb while setting
Storage and Serving
- Keep refrigerated for up to 4-5 days
- To serve, lift from pan using paper/wrap overhang
- For clean slices:
- Dip a sharp knife in hot water
- Wipe dry between each cut
- Cut with a straight downward motion
- Serve chilled as part of a holiday buffet or brunch
Pro Tips
- If your cottage cheese seems watery, drain it in a fine-mesh strainer for 30 minutes before starting.
- Keep fruits and nuts evenly distributed while pouring to ensure each slice has a good mix of “jewels.”
- Make sure gelatin is completely dissolved – any granules will result in an unpleasant texture.
- Don’t rush the setting time – proper setting ensures clean, beautiful slices.
- For the most striking presentation, choose dried fruits with contrasting colors.
Nutritional Information
(Per slice, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 185
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Fat: 10g
- Calcium: 80mg
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Setting Time: 6+ hours
- Total Time: 6.5 hours
- Servings: 12 slices
This elegant holiday loaf offers a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and natural sweetness. It’s an excellent option for those seeking a festive dish that’s both nutritious and visually impressive. The combination of probiotics from dairy and fiber from dried fruits makes it not just beautiful, but beneficial too.
