These Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites are a tasty, healthy snack! The tartness of lemon mixes perfectly with sweet blueberries, making every bite refreshing.
I love to enjoy them while lounging on the couch or as a quick breakfast! They’re so easy to whip up, and they brighten my day like sunshine! ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This flour gives the bites structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free all-purpose blend instead.
Cottage Cheese: I like using small-curd cottage cheese because it blends well. If you’re dairy-free, silken tofu or a dairy-free yogurt can work as a substitute.
Lemon Zest: Fresh lemon zest brightens the flavor. You can replace lemon zest with lime zest if you want a different citrus twist!
Fresh Blueberries: These are key for sweetness! If blueberries aren’t in season, feel free to use frozen blueberries, but don’t thaw them first to prevent your batter from turning purple.
How Can I Ensure My Bites Are Moist and Not Tough?
A common struggle is ending up with tough bites instead of light ones. The main tip is to avoid overmixing the batter. Here’s how:
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. A few lumps are okay!
- Gently fold in the blueberries with a spatula to keep them whole and avoid bursting.
- Keep an eye on baking time. Removing them from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean ensures they stay moist.
Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- Optional: powdered sugar or extra lemon zest for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
Prep time for these delicious bites is around 10 minutes. Baking will take about 18-22 minutes, and once you let them cool for 5 minutes in the pan, they will be ready to enjoy! Overall, you can have these delightful treats ready in about 30-35 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, take a mini muffin tin and either lightly grease it or line it with paper liners to make it easier to remove the bites later.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined—this will help your bites rise nicely!
3. Blending the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, vegetable oil (or melted butter), lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or spoon to mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Combining Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Carefully fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined—it’s perfectly okay if there are a few lumps! Overmixing can make them tough, so keep it gentle.
5. Adding Blueberries:
Now, gently fold in the fresh blueberries, taking care not to crush them. This will keep the blueberries intact and juicy in every bite!
6. Filling the Muffin Tin:
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. This allows room for the bites to rise while baking.
7. Baking Time:
Place the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center of a bite. If it comes out clean, they are ready!
8. Cooling the Bites:
Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. After that, gently transfer the bites to the wire rack to cool completely.
9. Garnishing and Serving:
Once cooled, you might want to sprinkle some extra lemon zest or powdered sugar on top for a delightful finishing touch! Serve these moist, tangy bites as a scrumptious breakfast treat or snack any time of the day.
Enjoy your Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites! They’re sure to brighten your day!
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries! Just add them directly to the batter without thawing to prevent the color from bleeding into the mixture. They may need an extra minute of baking time, so keep an eye on them as they bake.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cottage cheese bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy them warm, briefly microwave them for about 10-15 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes.
Can I Sweeten This Recipe More?
Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter bite, you can add an extra 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to the batter. Just remember, too much sugar might change the texture slightly, so adjust to your taste preference!
Is There a Substitute for Cottage Cheese?
If you don’t have cottage cheese on hand, you can use Greek yogurt or silken tofu as alternatives. Both will add creaminess and moisture, but the flavor will be a bit different—still delicious!
