Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites Recipe
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.
- 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
