Making snack time fun and nutritious is easy with these delightful bites. These Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy treat. The creamy cottage cheese mixes perfectly with the bursting blueberries and zesty lemon. They’re great for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a light dessert. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand!
Why make this recipe
These bites are a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. They’re simple to whip up, and you probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. Plus, they’re packed with protein from the cottage cheese. The oats give them a nice texture, and the blueberries are just delicious. I love how versatile these bites are—you can enjoy them warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for meal prep too, so you can have healthy snacks on the go!
How to make Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites
Let’s gather our ingredients and get started!
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)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, oats, egg, honey, vanilla, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt. Pulse until the oats are broken down and the mixture is well-combined.
- Pour the batter into a bowl and gently fold in the blueberries.
- Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Divide the batter among the prepared mini muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the bites are firm to the touch and lightly golden.
- Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to serve Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites
These bites are wonderful on their own, but you can also enjoy them with a dollop of yogurt or a bit of extra honey drizzled on top. I like to present them on a pretty platter when friends come over. They’re visually appealing and oh-so-easy to grab and enjoy. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat!
How to store Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites
Storing these is a breeze. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just reheat them in the microwave or toss them in a warm oven when you’re ready to enjoy them again. I love it when I have healthy snacks ready to go, especially on busy days!
Tips to make Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh blueberries are best, but if you have frozen, those work too. Just skip the thawing step.
- Customize flavors: You can swap blueberries for raspberries, strawberries, or even chopped apples for variety. If you want a little extra zing, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Check out my cinnamon apple muffins for more inspiration!
- Experiment with sweetness: Adjust the honey or maple syrup to your taste. If you prefer less sweetness, use just a couple of tablespoons instead of a quarter cup.
Variation
If you’re looking for a fun twist, consider adding chopped nuts or seeds into the mix. They add nice crunch and extra nutrients. I once made a batch with walnuts, and they were a hit! If you love snacks that are a little more decadent, my peanut butter energy balls are another delicious option to try.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese works just fine in this recipe.
How do I know when they are done baking?
Look for firm bites that are lightly golden on top. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Of course! These bites are great for meal prep. Make a batch on the weekend, and you’ll have snacks ready for the week.
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Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful bites made with creamy cottage cheese, bursting blueberries, and zesty lemon—perfect for breakfast, snacks, or light desserts.
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
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan.
- In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, oats, egg, honey, vanilla, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt. Pulse until well-combined.
- Pour the batter into a bowl and gently fold in the blueberries.
- Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Divide the batter among the mini muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until firm to the touch and lightly golden.
- Allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Great for meal prep; store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days or freeze for three months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: blueberry bites, cottage cheese, healthy snack, lemon zest, protein snack
