Tofu Bavarois

Today, I present a “mock cheesecake” that’s actually a lot like a very popular Japanese dessert – bavarois, but made healthier using  tofu and Greek yogurt – a tofu bavarois! 

Bavarois (also called Bavarian cream or crème bavaroise, and pronounced “babaroa” in Japan), is a popular lightly sweetened egg, cream, and gelatin dessert, which is similar to a panna cotta, but not cooked. This tofu bavarois replaces the heavier ingredients with low calorie, low carb, high protein ingredients, making this a delicious yet healthier alternative to the original. 

Because this recipe is so simple, it’s also very easy to modify the flavor. My version of tofu bavarois here is vanilla, and served with berries and a simple berry coulis / sauce, but you can substitute the plain Greek yogurt for any flavored ones you like (just make sure it’s the thicker Greek yogurt even if it’s flavored). You can even experiment with candy flavorings, spices, or even matcha powder, to make a variety of dessert options. 

Did you know there’s apparently a cream cheese shortage (in winter 2021) due to pandemic-related supply chain issues? American manufacturers of cream cheese are asking people to keep their use to a minimum this winter, to make sure there’s enough to go around. So if you’re having a hard time finding cream cheese, or simply want a lower calorie option, you’re in luck with this tofu bavarois recipe!

It’s a fantastic healthy dessert – I hope you try making this “mock rare cheesecake” at home, and experiment with other flavors.

For other modern Japanese desserts, check out my Matcha Nama Chocolate recipe. For more traditional Japanese desserts, visit my Wagashi recipe collection 🙂

Ingredients

• 1 cup soft tofu (1/2 block) 
• 6 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (can substitute flavored Greek yogurt) 
• 2-1/2 tsp unflavored gelatin (1 packet) 
• 1/8 cup water 
• 3 tbsp sugar or sugar substitute 
• 2 tsp lemon juice 
• 2 tsp vanilla (or other flavoring as desired) 
• Berries (optional) 
• Berry sauce (optional) 

Directions

Blend all ingredients except lemon juice until tofu is smooth and incorporated with the Greek yogurt. I use plain unsweetened in this recipe, but you can substitute it with any flavored Greek yogurt you’d like (though it may change the sugar content of the dish – same with the sugar vs sugar substitute). 

Pour mixture into a microwaveable bowl. 

Microwave for 1 minute – you’re not trying to boil this, you just want to get it to lukewarm. 

Add lemon juice. 

Add your preferred flavoring (vanilla and/or other extract / candy flavoring / spices). 

Pour mixture into individual serving dishes and chill in the refrigerator for 1 – 2 hours. 

Serve as is. Alternately, remove from the dish by using a hot towel to loosen the bavarois before inverting, then plate with berries and/or berry sauce (cook berries down in a saucepan with sugar or sugar substitute, then strain before use).