Lemon Blueberry Cottage Cheese Protein Bites Recipe
Introduction
These Lemon Blueberry Cottage Cheese Protein Bites are a delicious and healthy snack perfect for any time of day. Packed with fresh blueberries and a hint of zesty lemon, they offer a refreshing burst of flavor while providing a good source of protein. Easy to make and portable, they’re an ideal treat for on-the-go.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cottage Cheese (substitute with Greek yogurt for a different texture)
- 1 cup Fresh Blueberries (opt for frozen blueberries if fresh are unavailable)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest (use fresh lemons for a more vibrant taste)
- 2 tablespoons Honey (replace with agave syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 cup Almond Flour (use coconut flour for a lower-carb version)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (ensure it’s pure extract for the best taste)
- 1 pinch Salt (balances sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon Additional Honey (drizzle on top for extra sweetness)
- ½ cup Extra Blueberries (garnish for a pretty presentation)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, gently combine the cottage cheese, fresh blueberries, lemon zest, honey, almond flour, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Be careful not to mash the blueberries as you mix.
- Step 2: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture. Roll them into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Step 3: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the bites for 10-12 minutes until they are slightly firm and lightly golden.
- Step 4: Once baked, allow the bites to cool slightly on the sheet. Drizzle with additional honey and top with extra blueberries if desired.
- Step 5: Enjoy these delightful bites immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips & Variations
- Use coconut flour instead of almond flour for a lower-carb option with a subtly different texture.
- Swap honey with agave syrup to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- For a tangier flavor, add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to the mixture.
- Freeze the bites after baking for a cool and refreshing snack.
Storage
Store the protein bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy, you can eat them cold or let them come to room temperature. Reheating is not necessary but can be done briefly in the microwave if preferred warm.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries if fresh ones are unavailable. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing to avoid excess moisture.
Are these protein bites dairy-free?
Not as written. However, you can substitute the cottage cheese with a thick, plant-based yogurt to make a dairy-free version.
Print
Lemon Blueberry Cottage Cheese Protein Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 protein bites 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Lemon Blueberry Cottage Cheese Protein Bites are a delightful and healthy snack packed with protein and bursting with fresh blueberry and lemon flavors. Perfect for a quick energy boost, they combine creamy cottage cheese with zesty lemon and sweet honey, baked to a light golden finish. Ideal for breakfast on the go or an afternoon treat, these bites are easy to make and customizable.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup Cottage Cheese (Substitute with Greek yogurt for a different texture.)
- 1 cup Fresh Blueberries (Opt for frozen blueberries if fresh are unavailable.)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest (Use fresh lemons for a more vibrant taste.)
- 2 tablespoons Honey (Replace with agave syrup for a vegan option.)
- 1 cup Almond Flour (Use coconut flour for a lower-carb version.)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Ensure it’s pure extract for the best taste.)
- 1 pinch Salt (Balances sweetness.)
Topping and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon Additional Honey (Drizzle on top for extra sweetness.)
- ½ cup Extra Blueberries (Garnish for a pretty presentation.)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the protein bites.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, gently combine 1 cup cottage cheese, 1 cup fresh blueberries, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 cup almond flour, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix carefully to avoid mashing the blueberries, preserving their texture and burst of flavor.
- Form Bites: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture using a spoon. Roll each portion into a ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly to prevent sticking during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the bites become slightly firm and develop a light golden color on their surface.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the bites to cool slightly on the sheet. Drizzle each bite with 1 tablespoon of additional honey and top with extra blueberries for added sweetness and visual appeal.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy these delicious Lemon Blueberry Cottage Cheese Protein Bites immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For a vegan alternative, substitute cottage cheese with Greek yogurt and honey with agave syrup.
- If fresh blueberries are unavailable, frozen blueberries can be used but should be thawed and drained prior to mixing.
- Almond flour can be replaced with coconut flour for a low-carb option, but note the texture might differ slightly.
- Ensure not to overmix to prevent crushing the blueberries, maintaining a nice texture.
- Store bites in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days; they are best eaten fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: lemon blueberry protein bites, cottage cheese snacks, healthy baked snacks, protein bites, blueberry lemon treats, low fat snacks, easy protein snacks
