Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites are a wholesome and refreshing snack perfect for any time of day. Packed with protein and bright citrus flavor, they offer a delicious way to enjoy blueberries with a tender, moist texture.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 large lemon (about 1 tbsp)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan.
2. Step 2: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, oats, egg, honey, vanilla extract, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt. Pulse until the oats are broken down and the mixture is well combined.
3. Step 3: Pour the batter into a bowl and gently fold in the blueberries.
4. Step 4: Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Step 5: Divide the batter among the prepared mini muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
6. Step 6: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the bites are firm to the touch and lightly golden.
7. Step 7: Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, stir in a tablespoon of plain yogurt to the batter before baking.
• Substitute fresh blueberries with raspberries or chopped strawberries for a different berry flavor.
• Use lemon extract if fresh lemon zest is unavailable, but reduce quantity to about 1/2 tsp to avoid bitterness.
• Make these bites gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats.

Storage

Store the cottage cheese bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or enjoy chilled as a cool snack.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries without thawing?

Yes, use frozen blueberries straight from the freezer to prevent them from bleeding too much in the batter and to keep the bites from becoming soggy.

Are these bites suitable for freezing?

They freeze well. Place cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before eating.

Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 140 reviews

These Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites are a delightful and healthy snack combining creamy cottage cheese, zesty lemon, and burst of fresh blueberries. Perfectly baked into mini muffin-sized portions, they offer a balanced blend of protein and fiber with natural sweetness, making them an ideal breakfast treat or energy-boosting snack.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 mini bites 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 large lemon (about 1 tbsp)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan to prevent the bites from sticking.
2. Blend Batter: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, rolled oats, egg, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt. Pulse the mixture until the oats are broken down and the batter is well combined, creating a smooth, thick consistency.
3. Fold in Blueberries: Transfer the batter to a mixing bowl and gently fold in the fresh or frozen blueberries carefully to avoid breaking them and maintain bursts of fruity flavor.
4. Rest Batter: Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly, which helps achieve the right texture during baking.
5. Fill Muffin Pan: Spoon the batter evenly into the greased mini muffin pan cups, filling each about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the bites are firm to the touch and develop a light golden color on top.
7. Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bites to cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly and are easy to handle.

Notes

• Use fresh or frozen blueberries without thawing for best texture.
• Honey or maple syrup can be adjusted based on desired sweetness.
• Ensure the muffin pan is well greased to prevent sticking.
• Oats can be rolled oats or quick oats; rolled oats give a slightly heartier texture.
• These bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• They can also be frozen and reheated gently before serving.

Keywords: Blueberry bites, lemon zest snacks, cottage cheese recipes, healthy snacks, baked oats, mini muffins, protein snacks