Healthy Lemon Ricotta Dessert - A High Protein Good!

Blissfully Healthy Lemon Ricotta Dessert is perfect for Spring! Protein Lemon Ricotta Trifle is Low sugar, low fat and high protein.

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I'd been wanting to try a lemon ricotta dessert for the longest time, and when I discovered that low fat or part skim ricotta cheese exists, I had to give this a try. All credit goes to my Protein Cannoli Cups recipe though since that's how I found out about this ricotta.

As far as the lemon in the lemon ricotta, I know most people do a lemon curd or different traditional Italian desserts, but making a pudding with lemon flavor instant pudding mix was just too easy.
You could certainly go the curd route with fresh lemons, but trust me this lemon ricotta dessert is super easy and delicious!

TIP: If you want a refreshing drink to pair with this lemon ricotta dessert, my friend Claire over at Claire Bear Bites makes a Creamy Lemonade that's the perfect cheeky citrus pairing.

Ingredients for Healthy Lemon Ricotta Dessert

This healthy, high protein Lemon Ricotta Dessert trifle is made with a high protein lemon pudding and high protein ricotta cream - both low fat and low sugar too.

The Lemon Pudding Layer

Non-fat Greek Yogurt - the protein-rich base for the pudding layer.
- Sub: 2% fat or another low fat Greek yogurt works too.
Vanilla Protein Powder - this is the source of sweetness in the lemon protein pudding, so there's no added sugar needed. I used Quest vanilla Vanilla here since it's whey-casein and blends well with the yogurt.
- Sub: Whey protein powder works too, but use a little less yogurt or milk since it won't thicken the same way.
Lemon flavored Instant Pudding Mix - for that bright lemon flavor without any work. I use the sugar free, fat free version from Jello.
- Sub: Regular lemon flavored instant pudding mix works if sugar free isn't a priority.
- Sub: If you'd rather work with fresh lemons, stir in some lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice for a brighter, more natural flavor.
A bit of Unsweetened Almond Milk to thin the pudding to the right consistency.

The Protein Ricotta Layer

Part Skim Ricotta Cheese for a low fat, low calorie ricotta mix.
- Sub: Full fat ricotta cheese works too, for a richer texture.
Non-fat Greek Yogurt to add extra protein.
- Sub: Sour cream or whipped cottage cheese work in a pinch.
Vanilla Protein Powder - this makes for a sugar free mix since it serves as the sweetener in place of sugar. I used the vanilla protein powder from Quest again.

For the Base

Graham Cracker for a bit of crunch at the bottom of the jar.
- Sub: Any other sweet cracker works here.

TIP: A dollop of whipped cream on top when serving takes this from everyday to a bit more special.

How to Make Lemon Ricotta Trifle with Protein Powder

This Lemon Ricotta trifle made with protein powder is rich and tasty but actually very easy to make.

Whip the Ricotta: Beat ricotta cheese in a large bowl until smooth, light, and fluffy - you want that airy texture throughout, about 30-45 seconds. Add in Greek yogurt and beat again, then add the vanilla protein powder and beat once more, scraping down the sides as needed.

Mix the Lemon Pudding: In a separate large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, protein powder, lemon flavor instant pudding, and milk, mixing with a rubber spatula until smooth. Add the milk a little at a time so the pudding doesn't get too runny - you're aiming for a thick, pudding-like consistency, not a pourable one.

Crush the Base: Crush the graham cracker into small pieces for the crust layer.

Layer and Assemble: In a jar, layer the crushed graham cracker, then alternate lemon pudding and creamy ricotta cheese mix, ending with another layer of each. Sprinkle on more crushed grahams, and a dollop of whipped cream if you're feeling extra.

Chill: Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving to let the layers set.
Optionally, top with some berries for a fancy brunch vibe.

How to store Protein Lemon Ricotta Trifle?

This protein lemon ricotta trifle has to be stored in the fridge; Place in airtight container or cover jar with plastic wrap. It keeps in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Protein powder lemon ricotta pudding will keep out at room temperature for only a few hours.

Alternatives for Healthy Lemon Ricotta Pudding Recipe

This healthy recipe for a lemon ricotta pudding uses greek yogurt and sugar free instant pudding mix as well as protein powder. It really turns out perfect this way, but here's some options to try.
I haven't testing them all, so I can't say how the recipe might turn out.

Part Skim Ricotta Cheese: Regular ricotta cheese
Non-fat Greek Yogurt: 2% fat or other low fat Greek yogurt, or even sour cream or whipped cottage cheese
Whey-casein Protein Powder: Use whey protein, but also use less yogurt or milk.
Sugar-free, Fat-free Jello Instant Pudding: Regular lemon flavored instant pudding mix
Graham Cracker: Any other sweet cracker

Lemon Ricotta Dessert FAQ

What desserts can be made with ricotta?

Ricotta shows up in cannoli, ricotta pie, cheesecake, cassata, sfogliatelle, and trifle-style desserts like this one - its light texture works well whipped, baked, or layered.

How do you know if ricotta has gone bad?

Look for an off or sour smell, a change in color or texture (watery separation or sliminess), or a sour taste. If it's past its use-by date or shows any of these signs, it's best to toss it.

What is the famous lemon dessert in Amalfi?

That would be Delizia al Limone - a domed lemon sponge cake filled and topped with lemon cream, a classic dessert from the Amalfi Coast. It's a big inspiration for lemon desserts like this one, minus the sugar and heavy cream.

What is a ricotta dessert called?

It depends on the dish - cassata and sfogliatella are traditional Italian ricotta desserts, but casually, most people just call it a "ricotta dessert" or "ricotta cheesecake," depending on the format.

More Healthy No Bake Layered Protein Desserts

Some High Protein Lemon Desserts for Spring: