Lemon Blueberry Cottage Cheese Protein Bites Recipe
Introduction
Lemon Blueberry Cottage Cheese Protein Bites are a fresh, tasty snack packed with protein and bursting with flavor. These little energy balls combine creamy cottage cheese with sweet blueberries and zesty lemon for a nutritious treat perfect any time of day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably low-fat)
- 1 cup fresh blueberries, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- a pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, fresh blueberries, lemon zest, honey, almond flour, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently using a spatula to avoid crushing the blueberries.
- Step 2: Use your hands to scoop out small portions of the mixture, about 1 tablespoon each, and roll them into spheres. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 3: Optional: For a toasted exterior, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bites for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Step 4: Let the bites cool for a few minutes. Drizzle with extra honey and garnish with fresh blueberries before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust sweetness by starting with less honey and adding more as needed.
- Add extra lemon zest for a more pronounced citrus flavor.
- Try swapping blueberries with raspberries or strawberries for a different berry twist.
- Keep your hands slightly damp while rolling to prevent sticking.
- Add chopped nuts or seeds to the mixture for extra texture and crunch.
- For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup.
- Incorporate cocoa powder or chocolate chips for a chocolate-flavored variation.
Storage
Store the protein bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for longer storage—simply thaw a few bites before enjoying. Bites are delicious eaten chilled, and if baked, can be lightly reheated in the oven for a warm snack.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
How should I store the protein bites?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days. They stay fresh and make a convenient grab-and-go snack.
Can I freeze these bites for later?
Yes, these bites freeze well. Place them in a freezer-safe container and thaw at room temperature or in the fridge when ready to eat.
PrintLemon Blueberry Cottage Cheese Protein Bites Recipe
Lemon Blueberry Cottage Cheese Protein Bites are a nutritious and delicious snack packed with protein and antioxidants to keep you energized. These no-fuss bites combine creamy cottage cheese, fresh blueberries, zesty lemon, and a touch of natural sweetness, rolled into easy-to-eat spheres. They are perfect as a quick snack, pre-workout fuel, or a light treat any time of day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup fresh blueberries, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, gently combine the cottage cheese, fresh blueberries, lemon zest, honey, almond flour, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt using a spatula. Take care not to crush the blueberries to preserve their texture within the mixture.
- Form the Bites: With clean, slightly damp hands, scoop out about one tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll it into small, spherical bites. Place each formed bite onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake if Desired: For a toasted and slightly golden exterior, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking sheet into the oven and bake the bites for 10-12 minutes. Watch closely to avoid over-browning. Alternatively, skip this step to enjoy fresh, no-bake bites.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the bites to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes after baking. Drizzle a bit of extra honey over them and garnish with additional fresh blueberries before serving for a colorful and tasty finish.
Notes
- Store protein bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- These bites can be frozen for longer storage and thawed as needed.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup to your preference.
- Keep your hands damp while rolling the bites to prevent sticking.
- Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to customize your bites.
Keywords: Lemon Blueberry Protein Bites, Cottage Cheese Snacks, Healthy Energy Bites, No-bake Snack, Protein-packed Snack, Gluten-free Snack
