Lemon Blueberry Cottage Cheese Protein Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Lemon Blueberry Cottage Cheese Protein Bites are a delicious, nutritious snack perfect for busy days or post-workout fuel. Packed with protein and fresh fruit, they offer a refreshing lemony flavor balanced with sweet blueberries. Quick to prepare and bake, they’re sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese, well drained
• ¾ cup fresh, firm blueberries
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• ½ cup almond flour
• ¼ cup vanilla protein powder (or oat flour)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• 1 large egg white
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Drain the cottage cheese for 10–15 minutes using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, pressing gently to remove excess liquid.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix the drained cottage cheese, egg white, honey, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and salt until mostly smooth.
3. Step 3: Add almond flour, protein powder, and cornstarch. Fold gently until a thick, scoopable dough forms.
4. Step 4: Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the mixture.
5. Step 5: Gently fold in the blueberries. Scoop and roll into tight balls, then place on a parchment-lined tray.
6. Step 6: Freeze the shaped bites for 20 minutes to lock in their shape.
7. Step 7: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Bake for 14–16 minutes until set and lightly golden.
8. Step 8: Cool for 10 minutes before serving. The bites will firm up as they rest.

Tips & Variations

• Use frozen blueberries if fresh aren’t available, but do not thaw them before mixing to avoid excess moisture.
• Substitute vanilla protein powder with oat flour for a dairy-free option.
• Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
• Press the dough firmly when forming balls to prevent cracking during baking.

Storage

Store the baked bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge overnight before eating. Reheat briefly in the microwave or enjoy chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bites without cottage cheese?

Cottage cheese is key for the texture and protein content, but you can try substituting it with Greek yogurt. Keep in mind this may make the dough wetter, so adjust the flour slightly.

Are these bites suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free protein powder or oat flour and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Lemon Blueberry Cottage Cheese Protein Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 142 reviews

These Lemon Blueberry Cottage Cheese Protein Bites are a delightful and nutritious snack featuring creamy cottage cheese, fresh blueberries, and a hint of lemon zest. Perfect for a quick energy boost, they combine protein-rich ingredients with natural sweetness and a tender bite, baked to perfection for a light golden finish.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 6 minutes
• Yield: 12 bites 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese, well drained
• ¾ cup fresh, firm blueberries
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• ½ cup almond flour
• ¼ cup vanilla protein powder (or oat flour)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• 1 large egg white
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Drain Cottage Cheese: Drain the cottage cheese for 10–15 minutes using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, pressing gently to remove excess liquid, ensuring the bites hold together well.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the drained cottage cheese, egg white, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the mixture is mostly smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Incorporate the almond flour, vanilla protein powder (or oat flour), and cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Fold the ingredients gently until a thick, scoopable dough forms.
4. Chill Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up, which makes shaping easier.
5. Fold in Blueberries: Carefully fold the fresh blueberries into the chilled mixture, ensuring they remain whole and evenly distributed.
6. Shape Bites: Scoop and roll the mixture into tight balls, then place them on a tray lined with parchment paper.
7. Freeze Bites: Freeze the shaped bites for 20 minutes to help them lock their shape before baking.
8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Bake the bites for 14–16 minutes until they are set and lightly golden on the edges.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the bites to cool for 10 minutes; they will firm up further as they rest, making them easier to handle and enjoy.

Notes

• Draining the cottage cheese is essential to prevent excess moisture and achieve the right texture.
• You can substitute almond flour with oat flour for a nut-free option.
• Freezing before baking helps the bites keep their shape and prevents spreading in the oven.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
• Use fresh, firm blueberries to prevent breaking apart during mixing.

Keywords: lemon blueberry, cottage cheese, protein bites, healthy snack, baked protein balls, high protein snack, low fat snack, gluten-free option