Description
These Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites are a delightful, protein-packed snack or breakfast option. Combining the creamy tanginess of cottage cheese with the bright zest of lemon and bursts of fresh blueberries, these mini bites offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup and made with wholesome rolled oats, they are nutritious, easy to prepare, and perfect for on-the-go.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Zest of 1 large lemon (about 1 tbsp)
Fruit
- 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 a pinch of salt. Pulse until the oats are broken down and the mixture becomes well-combined but still slightly textured.
- Incorporate Blueberries: Pour the batter into a mixing bowl, then gently fold in the fresh or frozen blueberries carefully to avoid crushing them, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Rest the Batter: Allow the batter to rest for 5 minutes so it thickens slightly, which helps in achieving the perfect consistency for baking.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the bites are firm to the touch and lightly golden on top.
- Cool: Let the bites cool in the muffin pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely and avoid sogginess.
Notes
- For best results, do not thaw frozen blueberries before mixing to prevent excess moisture.
- You can substitute rolled oats with gluten-free oats if you need a gluten-free version.
- These bites keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for longer storage.
- Honey can be replaced with maple syrup for a vegan option, but note that egg remains non-vegan.
- You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for an added warm flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
- Category: Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini bite (approx. 24 servings)
- Calories: 55 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 1.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 22 mg
Keywords: blueberry bites, lemon zest snack, cottage cheese recipe, healthy breakfast bites, protein snack, mini muffins
