Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites Recipe
Introduction
These Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites are a delightful, protein-packed snack that combines fresh flavors with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for breakfast or a healthy treat, they offer a tender texture with bursts of juicy blueberries and bright lemon zest.
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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan.
- Step 2: 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.
- Step 3: Pour the batter into a bowl and gently fold in the blueberries.
- Step 4: Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Step 5: Divide the batter among the prepared mini muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Step 6: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the bites are firm to the touch and lightly golden.
- Step 7: Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute the blueberries with raspberries or chopped strawberries for a different fruity twist.
- Use gluten-free oats to make the bites suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth and flavor.
- For a sweeter bite, drizzle a little additional honey or maple syrup on top after baking.
Storage
Store the cottage cheese bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or enjoy them chilled as a refreshing snack.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but do not thaw them before folding into the batter to prevent excess moisture.
Can I make these bites vegan?
To make a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax or chia egg substitute and use a plant-based cottage cheese alternative if available.
PrintBlueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites Recipe
These Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites are a delicious and nutritious snack or breakfast option. Combining protein-rich cottage cheese with wholesome rolled oats, fresh blueberries, and bright lemon zest, these mini bites are lightly sweetened with honey or maple syrup and baked to golden perfection in a mini muffin pan. They offer a moist, tender texture with bursts of fruity flavor, perfect for a quick energy boost or a healthy treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini bites 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
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
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Blend Ingredients: 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 smooth and well-combined.
- Fold in Blueberries: Pour the batter into a mixing bowl and gently fold in the fresh or frozen blueberries, being careful not to crush them.
- Rest the Batter: Let the batter rest for 5 minutes so it can thicken slightly, which will help the bites hold together during baking.
- Fill the Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the mini muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the bites are firm to the touch and lightly golden on top.
- Cool: Allow the bites to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan alternative.
- Use fresh or frozen blueberries without thawing to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- These bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For added texture, consider sprinkling a few oats on top before baking.
- Make sure not to overmix when folding in blueberries to keep them whole and vibrant.
Keywords: Blueberry bites, cottage cheese snacks, lemon zest muffins, healthy breakfast bites, baked oat bites
