A deliciously appealing platter of golden-brown Lemon Raspberry Cottage Cheese Bars, perfectly sliced, presented on a minimalist white plate. The bars are arranged elegantly on a beautiful wooden cutting board on marble countertops. Soft natural morning light streams from an east window, casting warm tones and gentle shadows. Fresh herbs are visible in the background, adding a touch of vibrant green. The scene is clean and tidy, emphasizing the homemade quality and inviting texture of the bars, without any hands.

Lemon Raspberry Cottage Cheese Bars: A Zesty Treat

ByMaya
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An in-process action shot showing the creamy cottage cheese filling, studded with vibrant fresh raspberries, being poured over the golden oat crust in a square baking pan. The pan rests on the wooden cutting board on marble countertops under soft natural morning light. Fresh herbs are blurred in the background, and the overall scene is clean, tidy, and exudes warm tones. No hands are visible.

Lemon Raspberry Cottage Cheese Bars

You know those moments when you open the fridge, staring blankly at ingredients, and suddenly a delicious idea sparks? That’s precisely how our beloved Lemon Raspberry Cottage Cheese Bars came to life! It began with a generous tub of cottage cheese looking for a purpose beyond savory, and a distinct craving for something bright, fresh, and utterly delightful that felt like a special treat.

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I still vividly recall the sunny Tuesday morning when the revelation hit: Lemon Raspberry Cottage Cheese Bars wasn’t just for savory dishes; it held incredible potential for something sweet and magical! We had just returned from a vibrant farmer’s market, our basket overflowing with plump, juicy raspberries and the most fragrant, sun-kissed lemons. The idea began to bloom – what if I married the creamy, satisfying texture of cottage cheese with those vibrant, tangy-sweet flavors into a bakeable bar? The thought alone was exhilarating!

The result was nothing short of an absolute revelation: a protein-packed, subtly sweet, and wonderfully refreshing bar that quickly earned a permanent spot in our kitchen’s hall of fame. These aren’t just a snack; they’re a little burst of sunshine in every bite, making healthy indulgence feel like a small victory! If you’re a fan of easy, fruit-filled bars that come together effortlessly, much like our go-to Dump & Bake Berry Crumble Bars, then you’re going to adore this bright and zesty creation.

Lemon Raspberry Cottage Cheese Bars: A Zesty Treat
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Lemon Raspberry Cottage Cheese Bars: A Zesty Treat

Recipe by MayaCourse: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

These Lemon Raspberry Cottage Cheese Bars are a bright, zesty, and protein-packed delight perfect for a healthy breakfast, snack, or light dessert. With a creamy cottage cheese filling, bursts of fresh raspberries, and a tangy lemon kick, all nestled on a simple oat crust, they’re surprisingly easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

  • For the Crust:

  • 1 cup rolled oats

  • 1/2 cup almond flour

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • For the Filling:

  • 2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/4 cup lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)

  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1/4 cup cornstarch

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup fresh raspberries

Directions

  • Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
  • For the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, brown sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the dry ingredients are fully moistened and crumbly.
  • Press the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
  • For the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, eggs, cornstarch, and vanilla extract.
  • Using an immersion blender, stand blender, or food processor, blend the filling mixture until completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed.
  • Gently fold in the fresh raspberries into the blended cottage cheese mixture. Be careful not to mash them.
  • Pour the filling over the cooled crust in the baking pan, spreading it evenly.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden, and the center is mostly set with a slight jiggle. It will firm up completely as it cools.
  • Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature. Once cool, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before slicing and serving. This is crucial for the bars to set properly!

Notes

    • Blend it Smooth: The key to a creamy, non-lumpy filling is blending the cottage cheese mixture thoroughly. Don’t skip this step, it transforms the texture beautifully!
    • Chill Out: Seriously, resisting the urge to cut into these bars immediately is the hardest part, but also the most important! Chilling them overnight makes for perfectly set, clean slices. Patience, my friend, patience.
    • Berry Bliss: While fresh raspberries are divine, you can totally experiment! Frozen raspberries work too (no need to thaw), or try blueberries, chopped strawberries, or even a mix for a different berry-filled adventure.

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