These Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites are a tasty treat! They’re packed with juicy blueberries and zesty lemon, making them fresh and fun to eat.
I love how quick these bites are to whip up. They make a perfect snack or light dessert. Just mix, chill, and enjoy—simple as that!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star of the recipe! It adds creaminess and protein. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use a plant-based yogurt or a soft tofu blend, though this might alter the taste a bit.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries offer the best flavor, but frozen ones work too. Just remember to thaw and pat them dry to avoid too much moisture in the batter. You can swap blueberries for raspberries or chopped strawberries if you prefer.
Lemon Zest: The zest gives a bright flavor. If you don’t have fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice or a bit of lemon extract, but fresh is always best for zestiness!
Sugar: The recipe uses granulated sugar, but you can substitute with coconut sugar or honey. Keep in mind that honey will change the texture slightly, so adjust wet ingredients accordingly.
Oil vs. Butter: Vegetable oil keeps the bites moist, but using melted butter adds a rich flavor. Choose whichever you prefer!
How Do You Make Sure Not to Overmix the Batter?
One of the important steps in this recipe is mixing the ingredients without overdoing it. Overmixing can lead to tough bites instead of soft ones. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently. Use a spatula and fold rather than stir to maintain airiness.
- Stop mixing as soon as you see no dry flour. A few lumps are okay; they will bake out.
- When adding blueberries, fold them in lightly to avoid breaking them. This keeps your bites pretty!
Following these tips should result in fluffy and moist cottage cheese bites. Happy baking!
How to Make Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup fresh blueberries
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-18 minutes to bake. With cooling time included, you can expect to enjoy your Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites in about 30-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease or line a mini muffin tin to prepare for the batter.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these together helps combine the dry ingredients evenly.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese, egg, vegetable oil (or melted butter), lemon zest, and optional vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Mix the Ingredients:
Carefully add the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently stir the two mixtures together until just combined—remember, don’t overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine.
5. Add the Blueberries:
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, taking care not to break them apart. This will keep your bites colorful and delicious!
6. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Spoon the batter evenly into each mini muffin cup, filling them about 3/4 full. This gives them room to rise as they bake.
7. Sprinkle for Extra Sweetness:
Sprinkle a little extra sugar and some fresh lemon zest on top of each muffin for a sparkly, tasty finish.
8. Bake the Bites:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Keep an eye on them as oven times can vary!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bites from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying.
These delightful, moist cottage cheese bites are bursting with blueberries and refreshing lemon zest. Perfect for a snack or light dessert! Enjoy your tasty treats!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Yes, low-fat cottage cheese can be used! It will still add moisture and flavor, but the bites might be slightly less rich compared to using full-fat cottage cheese.
Can I Make These Bites Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that baking powder is also gluten-free for the best results.
How Do I Store Leftover Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Can I Freeze These Cottage Cheese Bites?
Yes, you can freeze them! Allow the bites to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
