Description
These Lemon Blueberry Cottage Cheese Protein Bites are a delightful and nutritious snack packed with protein and fresh flavors. Featuring full-fat cottage cheese, vibrant blueberries, and a zesty hint of lemon, these bites are perfect for a quick energy boost or a healthy treat.
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 to 15 minutes using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, pressing gently to remove excess liquid to ensure the bites hold together well.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the drained cottage cheese, egg white, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until mostly smooth and combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add almond flour, vanilla protein powder (or oat flour), and cornstarch or arrowroot powder to the wet mixture. Fold gently until a thick, scoopable dough forms.
- Chill Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to firm up the mixture, making it easier to handle.
- Incorporate Blueberries: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries to avoid breaking them, ensuring they are distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape Bites: Scoop and roll the mixture into tight balls and place them on a parchment-lined tray to prepare for freezing and baking.
- Freeze Bites: Freeze the shaped bites for 20 minutes to lock in their shape and prevent spreading during baking.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake: Bake the bites for 16 minutes or until they are set and lightly golden on the edges.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the bites cool for 10 minutes; they will firm up further as they rest, making them perfect for serving.
Notes
- Always use full-fat and well-drained cottage cheese to prevent the bites from melting during baking.
- Do not skip chilling and freezing steps to ensure the bites retain their shape well.
- Vanilla protein powder can be replaced with oat flour if you prefer a dairy-free or plant-based alternative.
- Use fresh, firm blueberries to avoid excess moisture and maintain texture.
- For a sweeter taste, adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
