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Lemon Cottage Cheese Bars Recipe

Lemon Cottage Cheese Bars Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 20 reviews

These Lemon Cottage Cheese Bars are a delightful, tangy treat combining creamy cottage cheese with bright lemon flavor. Lightly sweetened and fluffy, they offer a healthy, protein-rich alternative to traditional lemon bars. Optional white chocolate adds a luscious touch, while the almond or oat flour base keeps them wholesome and gluten-free. Perfect as a snack or light dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup cottage cheese (210g), drained for 10 minutes
  • 2 eggs or 3 egg whites
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (5g)
  • Zest of 1 lemon (about 1 tbsp)
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (60g)
  • ¼ cup white chocolate (45g), melted and cooled slightly (optional)

Dry Ingredients

  • ½ cup raw cane sugar (100g) or any sweetener you prefer
  • 1 cup almond flour or oat flour (100g)
  • 1 tsp baking powder (4g)
  • ½ tsp salt (3g)

Toppings

  • 2 tbsp white chocolate chips (28g) to sprinkle on top (optional)
  • OR ½ cup berries to place on top before baking if not using chocolate

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Melt White Chocolate (Optional): Melt ¼ cup of white chocolate either in the microwave or using a double boiler. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the batter.
  3. Blend Wet Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the drained cottage cheese, eggs (or egg whites), vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, and sweetener. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
  4. Add Baking Powder, Salt, and Chocolate: Into the blender, add the baking powder, salt, and the melted white chocolate (if using). Blend again until fully incorporated into the batter.
  5. Combine with Flour: Transfer the wet lemon cottage cheese mixture into a medium-sized bowl containing the almond or oat flour. Gently mix until the batter becomes uniform and all ingredients are well combined.
  6. Pour and Top: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of white chocolate chips evenly over the top if using. Alternatively, if foregoing chocolate, scatter ½ cup of fresh berries on top before baking.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes. The bars are done when the center is just set, and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. For a denser and fudgier texture, refrigerate the bars chilled after cooling. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Ensure the cottage cheese is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
  • You can substitute raw cane sugar with your preferred sweetener, adjusting to taste.
  • Using almond flour keeps this recipe gluten-free and adds a nice nutty flavor; oat flour is a great alternative for those who prefer it.
  • The white chocolate is optional and adds richness; omit it for a lighter, more tart bar or add berries for natural sweetness.
  • Bars taste best after chilling, which helps them set and hold their shape better when sliced.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon cottage cheese bars, healthy lemon dessert, low fat lemon bars, gluten-free lemon bars, protein-rich dessert

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/lemon-cottage-cheese-bars-recipe/