Lemon Blueberry Cottage Cheese Protein Bites Recipe
These Lemon Blueberry Cottage Cheese Protein Bites are a refreshing, nutritious snack combining creamy low-fat cottage cheese with fresh blueberries and zesty lemon. Naturally sweetened with honey and enriched with almond flour for texture, these protein-packed bites can be enjoyed chilled or lightly baked for a toasted exterior. Perfect as a healthy on-the-go treat or a post-workout boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (optional baking)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 protein bites 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Base
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
Fruit and Flavorings
- 1 cup fresh blueberries, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- a pinch of salt
Sweetener
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
Binder
- 1/2 cup almond flour
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, gently stir together the low-fat cottage cheese, fresh blueberries, lemon zest, honey, almond flour, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix carefully to avoid crushing the blueberries, maintaining their whole shape for texture and visual appeal.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes. This helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to roll into balls in the next step.
- Form Protein Bites: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the chilled mixture and roll each portion into a tight, compact ball using your hands. Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Optional Baking: For a lightly toasted exterior, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Bake the formed bites for 8 to 10 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid over-browning. Alternatively, you can enjoy these bites chilled and fresh without baking.
- Finish and Garnish: Allow the baked bites to cool slightly. Drizzle with additional honey if desired for extra sweetness and garnish each bite with fresh blueberries to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Do not overmix or crush blueberries to keep bursts of fresh flavor in every bite.
- Baking is optional; chilled bites provide a softer texture while baking adds a subtle crunch.
- Store these protein bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best freshness.
- Use almond flour for a gluten-free option, but you can try other nut flours if preferred.
Keywords: lemon blueberry protein bites, cottage cheese snacks, healthy snack, protein bites, low-fat snack, gluten-free snack, easy snack recipe
