No-Bake Cottage Cheese Brownie Batter Protein Bites Recipe
Introduction
These No-Bake Cottage Cheese Brownie Batter Protein Bites are a delicious and healthy snack perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings. Packed with protein and made without baking, they’re quick to prepare and great for on-the-go energy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
- 2 tbsp honey, maple syrup, or sweetener of choice
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 scoop protein powder (optional, chocolate or vanilla)
- 2 tbsp chopped nuts or seeds
- Handful of mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, honey, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2: Transfer the blended mixture to a bowl. Stir in the cocoa powder and protein powder (if using) until the mixture is thick and smooth.
- Step 3: Fold in the chopped nuts or seeds and mini chocolate chips gently to distribute evenly.
- Step 4: Scoop the mixture and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper.
- Step 5: Refrigerate the bites for 1 hour to firm up, or freeze for 30 minutes if you’re short on time.
Tips & Variations
- Use flavored protein powder like vanilla or chocolate to enhance the taste without adding extra sweeteners.
- Substitute nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
- Add a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness and deepen the chocolate flavor.
- Try rolling the bites in shredded coconut or cocoa powder for a different texture and look.
Storage
Store the protein bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them and thaw for a few minutes before eating. Reheating is not necessary; enjoy them chilled for the best texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate instead of cocoa powder?
Using regular chocolate will change the texture and sweetness. Cocoa powder keeps the bites rich and dense, while melted chocolate may make the mixture too soft.
Are these protein bites suitable for people who are lactose intolerant?
Cottage cheese contains lactose, so these bites may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance. However, you can try lactose-free cottage cheese or a dairy-free alternative, though it may affect texture and flavor.
PrintNo-Bake Cottage Cheese Brownie Batter Protein Bites Recipe
These No-Bake Cottage Cheese Brownie Batter Protein Bites are a delicious, protein-packed snack combining creamy cottage cheese, rich cocoa, and optional mix-ins like nuts and chocolate chips. Perfect for a quick energy boost or a healthy dessert, they require no baking and are easy to prepare in just minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: Approximately 12 bites 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
- 2 tbsp honey, maple syrup, or sweetener of choice
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 scoop protein powder (optional, chocolate or vanilla)
Mix-Ins
- 2 tbsp chopped nuts or seeds
- Handful of mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Blend wet ingredients: In a blender, combine cottage cheese, honey, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add dry ingredients: Transfer the blended wet mixture to a bowl. Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder and protein powder (if using) thoroughly until the batter is thick, smooth, and well incorporated.
- Mix-ins: Gently fold in chopped nuts, seeds, and mini chocolate chips to distribute evenly without breaking them down.
- Shape bites: Use a spoon or small scoop to portion out the batter and roll into 1-inch balls with your hands. Place the formed balls onto a tray lined with parchment paper.
- Chill: Refrigerate the bites for at least 1 hour to firm up. Alternatively, you can freeze them for 30 minutes for quicker setting.
- Store: Keep the protein bites stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese depending on your preference and desired creaminess.
- Adjust sweetness by increasing or reducing honey or sweetener amount to taste.
- Protein powder is optional but enhances protein content and flavor.
- Customize with different nuts, seeds, or omit chocolate chips for dietary needs.
- For a firmer texture, freeze bites instead of refrigerating.
- These bites can be enjoyed as a quick snack, pre- or post-workout energy boost, or healthy dessert alternative.
Keywords: protein bites, no-bake snack, cottage cheese, brownie batter, healthy snack, high protein, quick recipe
