Introduction

These Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites are a delightful snack or breakfast treat, combining creamy cottage cheese with fresh blueberries and bright lemon zest. They’re easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients, perfect for a quick energy boost.

A group of small lemon blueberry muffins with a golden, slightly bumpy top and visible dark blue blueberries spread evenly inside each muffin, sprinkled with fine yellow lemon zest on top; they sit closely packed on a shiny metal cooling rack, which rests on a white marbled surface. In the blurry background, two whole lemons and a blue cloth are softly visible, adding a fresh and homey feel to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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, rolled oats, egg, honey, vanilla extract, 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 the bites to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For extra texture, add a handful of chopped nuts or seeds to the batter before baking.
You can swap blueberries for other berries or chopped stone fruits depending on the season.
Use honey for a richer sweetness or maple syrup for a subtle caramel flavor.

Storage

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

How to Serve

The image shows a tray with six blueberry muffins, each in white paper liners with a slightly browned, crumbly top layer. The muffins have a golden crust at the edges and are studded with large, plump blueberries that peek through the top and sides. Scattered lemon zest adds a touch of yellow color across the light, fluffy muffin tops. Extra blueberries are placed casually on the tray, surrounding the muffins. The tray is on a surface with a white marbled texture, enhancing the fresh and homey feel of the baked goods. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fat-free cottage cheese for this recipe?

Yes, fat-free cottage cheese works well and lowers the calorie content, but the bites may be slightly less creamy.

Can I make these bites ahead of time and freeze them?

Absolutely. Once cooled, place the bites in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving if desired.

Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 148 reviews

These Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites are delightful mini muffins that combine creamy cottage cheese, fresh blueberries, and a refreshing hint of lemon zest. Perfect for a nutritious breakfast or a healthy snack, these bites are easy to make and packed with protein and fiber.

Author: Bella
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

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1 large egg
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 large lemon (about 1 tbsp)
3/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan to prevent sticking during baking.
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 until the oats are broken down and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Fold in Blueberries: Pour the batter into a mixing bowl and gently fold in the blueberries to distribute them evenly without crushing.
Rest Batter: Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly, aiding in better texture during baking.
Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared mini muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
Bake: Bake the cottage cheese bites in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until they are firm to the touch and lightly golden on the edges.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bites to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart and helps finish the cooking process.

Notes

Use fresh or frozen blueberries but do not thaw frozen ones to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
Honey and maple syrup can be interchanged based on preference or dietary needs.
For a gluten-free version, ensure the oats are certified gluten-free.
These bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
They can also be frozen and reheated in a toaster or microwave for a quick snack.

Keywords: blueberry bites, lemon zest muffins, cottage cheese snacks, healthy mini muffins, protein-packed snacks, breakfast bites