Introduction

These Lemon Cottage Cheese Bars offer a bright, tangy flavor paired with a creamy texture that feels both light and satisfying. Perfect for a refreshing snack or a delightful dessert, they combine the zing of lemon with the smoothness of cottage cheese in a deliciously moist bar.

Three square pieces of a light yellow baked dessert are stacked unevenly on a white marbled surface. Each piece shows a crumbly, soft texture with small holes and an uneven top. The edges are slightly browned, especially on the top of the uppermost piece. The overall color is pale yellow to creamy with a slightly rough texture, and the lighting is soft, coming from the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)
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)
¼ cup white chocolate (45g), melted and cooled slightly (optional)
2 tbsp white chocolate chips (28g) to sprinkle on top (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Melt the ¼ cup of white chocolate using a microwave or double boiler, then set it aside to cool slightly if using.
Step 3: In a blender or food processor, combine the drained cottage cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, and sweetener. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Add baking powder, salt, and the melted white chocolate into the blender. Blend again just until everything is incorporated.
Step 5: In a medium bowl, place the almond or oat flour. Pour in the lemon cottage cheese mixture and gently mix until well combined.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the top evenly with white chocolate chips, if using.
Step 7: Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the center is nearly set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. For a denser, fudgier texture, chill the bars before serving.

Tips & Variations

If you prefer not to use white chocolate, you can add ½ cup of fresh berries on top before baking for a fruity twist.
Draining the cottage cheese well is important to avoid excess moisture in the bars.
Use oat flour for a gluten-free option or almond flour for a nuttier flavor.
Adjust the sweetness to taste by swapping raw cane sugar with honey, maple syrup, or your favorite sweetener.

Storage

Store the lemon cottage cheese bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They taste great chilled and can be reheated briefly in the microwave for a softer texture. For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

How to Serve

A woman's hand is holding a single square piece of a light golden yellow shortbread bar, showing its slightly crumbly texture and soft edges. Below, on a white marbled surface, there is a larger square sheet of the same shortbread cut into nine equal squares, with clean, straight cuts visible. The shortbread has a smooth, even top layer and a slightly thicker base, all in a pale yellow color. Some small crumbs are scattered around the edges of the sheet. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cottage cheese with another ingredient?

You can try using ricotta cheese as a substitute, which will give a similar creamy texture and mild flavor. Greek yogurt could also work but may alter the texture slightly.

What if I don’t have white chocolate on hand?

White chocolate is optional. Simply omit it and add berries on top before baking for extra flavor and moisture. The bars will still be delicious without it.

Lemon Cottage Cheese Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 122 reviews

These Lemon Cottage Cheese Bars are a deliciously creamy and tangy treat perfect for a healthy snack or light dessert. Made with cottage cheese, fresh lemon juice, and almond flour, they offer a moist texture with a burst of lemon flavor. Optional white chocolate adds a subtle sweetness, while the bars remain gluten-free and packed with protein.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 9 bars (3×3 grid in 8×8 pan) 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese, 210g – drained for 10 min
2 eggs or 3 egg whites
1 tsp vanilla extract, 5g
Zest of 1 lemon (1 tbsp)
¼ cup fresh lemon juice, 60g
½ cup raw cane sugar, 100g (or any sweetener you like)
¼ cup white chocolate, 45g melted and cooled slightly (optional)

Dry Ingredients

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)
If not using chocolate, ½ cup berries to top before baking (optional)

Instructions

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.
Melt White Chocolate: Melt ¼ cup of white chocolate using a microwave or double boiler. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the batter.
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.
Mix in Leavening and Chocolate: Add baking powder, salt, and melted white chocolate to the blender. Blend again until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Combine with Flour: In a medium bowl, add your choice of flour (almond or oat). Pour the lemon cottage cheese mixture over the flour and mix gently until fully combined into a batter.
Assemble and Top: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of white chocolate chips evenly over the top. Alternatively, if not using chocolate, scatter berries atop the batter before baking.
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. For a denser, fudgier texture, chill the bars in the refrigerator before serving.

Notes

Drain the cottage cheese well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
You can substitute raw cane sugar with any sweetener of your choice, including low-calorie options.
If avoiding chocolate, adding fresh or frozen berries on top provides a fruity contrast and natural sweetness.
Chilling the bars after baking enhances their texture and makes them easier to slice.
These bars are naturally gluten-free if almond or oat flour is used.

Keywords: lemon cottage cheese bars, lemon dessert, gluten free bars, creamy lemon bars, healthy dessert, almond flour bars