Creamy, jiggly, refreshing—perfect for a light treat!
Let’s Talk About It ❤️
This recipe is a total yes for me. Creamy cottage cheese layered with wobbly pandan jelly? It’s cool, not too sweet, and the texture is just so satisfying.
I first had a version of this at a potluck and couldn’t stop thinking about how the mild creaminess played off that unique pandan flavor.
These little cups are perfect for when you want something chill and light—but still special.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups cottage cheese (smooth-blended)
- 1/3 cup condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 packet unflavored gelatin (7g)
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1/2 cup pandan juice (from pandan leaves or pandan extract diluted in water)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Whipped cream (optional for topping)
- Fresh mint (optional for garnish)
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this one because it’s unique but still comforting. Here’s why it’s always in my dessert rotation:
- It’s light, not overly sweet, but totally satisfying.
- Pandan has this subtle vanilla-grassy flavor that’s hard to describe but amazing.
- You can make it ahead and keep it chilled for when you want a treat.
- No oven or stove needed—super chill and easy!
Servings & Time
- Serves: 4 to 6 cups
- Time: 25 minutes active, plus 2 hours chill time
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Cottage Cheese + Condensed Milk: Blending cottage cheese with condensed milk makes it smooth and rich without needing cream.
- Gelatin: Gelatin sets the jelly layer without the need for agar agar, and gives it that nice bounce.
- Layering: Letting each layer set fully before pouring the next keeps the cups looking clean and pro.
Common Mistakes
- Not blending the cottage cheese — If it’s chunky, the texture won’t be smooth.
- Adding jelly before it cools — It’ll melt the cottage cheese layer!
- Not chilling long enough — The layers won’t be firm if you don’t wait at least 2 hours.
What to Serve With
- A hot cup of jasmine green tea
- Fresh fruit platter (lychee, mango, pineapple)
- Coconut cookies or biscuits on the side
Tools Needed
- Blender
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Small saucepan
- Glass dessert cups or ramekins
- Spoon
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste
- Use agar agar instead of gelatin for a vegetarian version
- Use matcha instead of pandan for a different flavor
- Add chia seeds to the cheese layer for fun texture
Make Ahead Tips
- Make the entire dessert the night before.
- Keep covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Don’t add whipped cream or mint until ready to serve.
Instructions
Step 1: Blend the Cottage Cheese Layer
In a blender, combine 2 cups smooth-blended cottage cheese, 1/3 cup condensed milk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Pour into Cups and Chill
Spoon the cottage cheese mixture evenly into 4–6 glass dessert cups. Smooth out the tops. Chill in the fridge while you prep the jelly layer (about 15 minutes).
Step 3: Bloom the Gelatin
In a bowl, add 1 packet of unflavored gelatin to 1/2 cup cold water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
Step 4: Dissolve Gelatin with Hot Water
Pour 1/2 cup hot water into the bloomed gelatin. Stir until completely dissolved and no grains remain.
Step 5: Make the Pandan Jelly
To the gelatin mix, stir in 1/2 cup pandan juice and 2 tbsp sugar. Mix until the sugar is dissolved. Let cool to room temp before pouring.
Step 6: Layer the Jelly on Top
Once the pandan mixture has cooled, gently pour it over the chilled cottage cheese layer. Chill in the fridge until fully set, at least 2 hours.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once set, top with a swirl of whipped cream and a mint leaf, if using. Serve cold!
Leftovers & Storage
- Store in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days.
- Don’t freeze—gelatin texture won’t hold.
- Add fresh toppings right before serving.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pandan extract?
Yes! Mix 1/2 tsp extract with 1/2 cup water for the juice.
What if I don’t like cottage cheese?
Blend it smooth or use Greek yogurt instead.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure you have enough fridge space to chill all the cups evenly.
Time to Make It! 🎉
These Cottage Cheese Pandan Jelly Cups are light, refreshing, and just different enough to impress without any stress. Give them a try and let me know how they turn out! Leave a comment if you have questions or your own twist—I’d love to hear!
