If you are riding the current wave of cottage cheese recipes, this Berry Cottage Cheese Protein Bark is a great one to try. Blended cottage cheese makes an awesome protein-rich low carb snack. Made with full fat cottage cheese and fresh berries.. this viral protein-rich delight is rich, thick, creamy, and so darn yummy. And no … you can’t taste the cheese one bit.
You heard that right! Cottage cheese is all the rage these days. It’s a low-carb, high-protein and super versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed with both sweet and savory dishes. So you know, I had to go ahead and put my own spin on this latest viral trend. This easy dessert recipe takes only a few minutes to prep, and whether you are a fan of cottage cheese or not, I’m absolutely sure you are going to be obsessed.
Cottage cheese has gotten a makeover from when our grandparents ate it with pineapple on top. (Remember that?) Growing up in the 1980s, cottage cheese had a bad rep. I think because it was associated with “diet” food.
If you are like me – or most people – the texture of cottage cheese was just never appealing. But my, how things have changed. Cottage cheese is certainly having its moment right now. Thanks to social media, whipped cottage cheese is all the rage. Its just as it sounds, cottage cheese that’s been blended or whipped to a light, fluffy consistency- similar to yogurt. It has a delightful mouthfeel, with a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and a little salty.
It’s also pretty versatile and works well with a ton of ingredients, like fresh fruit and nuts, just to name a few. The possibilities for customising a humble pot of blended cottage cheese into your new favourite high-protein dessert are almost endless. Because cottage cheese is relatively low in carbohydrates, many who are on the keto diet or another low-carb eating plan are including it in their diets.
Cottage cheese is really good for you. Not only is it full of protein and packed with nutrients, but it is low in calories. About 80% of the protein in cottage cheese is casein, which is slowly absorbed by your body, and is ideally consumed before sleep for muscle synthesis. That makes cottage cheese the ideal evening snack. This cottage cheese recipe has plenty of healthy protein, healthy fats and fibre as well as added vitamins and antioxidants, depending on what fruits and nuts you use as toppings.
To harness the true power of cottage cheese, you need to whip it. This goes especially for people – who believe they don’t like cottage cheese and I think the issue is related to texture. But when you give cottage cheese a trip through the food processor or blender, the textural conundrum goes away. All you are left with is a creamy, airy mousse like treat.
Say what you like about cottage cheese, but it’s truly a winner in my books! Similar to Greek yogurt, it has a thick, creamy texture and is high in protein, making it the perfect secret ingredient in my protein bark recipe. And for those of you who want to hop on the cottage cheese train but can’t get over the curd texture, this recipe is for you! You will be delighted when you see it just takes minutes to make this rich, silky, smooth, berry bark that will instantly make your list of favourites.
Cottage cheese can be a nutritious addition to your diet, offering several health benefits:
High in Protein: Cottage cheese is rich in protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall health. It’s a particularly good source of casein protein, which is absorbed slowly by the body and can help keep you feeling full for longer periods.
Rich in Calcium: Cottage cheese is also a good source of calcium, which is crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as supporting nerve function and muscle contractions.
Contains Healthy Fats: While cottage cheese is relatively low in fat, it still contains healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health and reducing inflammation in the body.
Provides Essential Nutrients: Cottage cheese is a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including phosphorus, selenium, riboflavin (vitamin B2), and vitamin B12.
Versatile: Cottage cheese can be enjoyed in various ways, making it easy to incorporate into a balanced diet. It can be eaten on its own, added to salads, used as a topping for toast or crackers, blended into smoothies and smoothie bowls or used in cooking and baking.
Our current cottage cheese moment is a result of our growing obsession with wellness, which has put protein on everyone’s mind. Monitoring your protein intake is no longer reserved for gym bros trying to get “gains”; the average person will know that having a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet is the ultimate wellness goal. Those who are chasing this new higher standard of modern wellness will know, then, that cottage cheese is the magic ingredient.
Berry Cottage Cheese Protein Bark
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese, full fat for the creamiest texture
- 1 cup raspberries, strawberries or a mix, fresh or frozen
- 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
Toppings Optional
- Fresh fruit or berries
- Chopped nuts
- Shredded coconut
- Chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. I use a 9 x 13-inch baking tray.Place cottage cheese, raspberries, protein powder and honey in a food processor and process until smooth.Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture onto the lined baking sheet and spread it out evenly into a thin layer around ¼-½ inch-thick.Sprinkle any optional toppings such as chopped raspberries, chopped nuts, coconut or chocolate chips evenly over the cottage cheese layer, pressing them gently into the mixture.Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze for at least 2-3 hours, or until the bark is completely frozen.Once frozen, remove the bark from the freezer and break it into pieces.Serve immediately as a refreshing frozen snack, or store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
