Lemon Blueberry Cottage Cheese Protein Bites Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chill Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up, which makes shaping easier.
- Fold in Blueberries: Carefully fold the fresh blueberries into the chilled mixture, ensuring they remain whole and evenly distributed.
- Shape Bites: Scoop and roll the mixture into tight balls, then place them on a tray lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze Bites: Freeze the shaped bites for 20 minutes to help them lock their shape before baking.
- 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.
- 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
