Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough Bars

Ingredients

• 0.75 cup cottage cheese (Blend until smooth; approximately 170 g.)
• 1.5 scoop vanilla protein powder (Use 1–2 scoops, adjusting as needed to achieve a thick dough consistency; approximately 45 g.)
• 0.75 cup almond flour (Approximately 84 g; add a little more if the mixture is too wet.)
• 2.5 tbsp maple syrup (Use 2–3 tbsp and adjust to taste; approximately 50 g.)
• 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
• salt (A pinch, to taste.)
• 2.5 tbsp chocolate chips (Fold into the cookie dough; use 2–3 tbsp, approximately 25 g.)
• 0.5 cup chocolate chips (For the chocolate layer; approximately 85 g.)
• 1.5 tsp coconut oil (Use 1–2 tsp to melt with the chocolate; approximately 7 g.)

Steps

1. 1

   Blend the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor until completely smooth and creamy, with no visible curds.

2. 2

   Transfer the blended cottage cheese to a mixing bowl. Add the vanilla protein powder, almond flour, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

3. 3

   Stir until the mixture forms a thick, dough-like consistency. If it is too wet to hold its shape, mix in a little additional almond flour or protein powder until thickened.

4. 4

   Add the cookie-dough chocolate chips and fold them through gently so they are evenly distributed.

5. 5

   Line a muffin tin with parchment liners or silicone cups. Divide the dough evenly among the cups and press it down into an even layer.

6. 6

   Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a heatproof bowl. Melt them together gently in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between intervals, or over a double boiler, until smooth and glossy.

7. 7

   Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the dough in each cup, creating a thin chocolate layer.

8. 8

   Freeze the bars for 30–60 minutes, until the chocolate topping is set and the centers are firm.

9. 9

   Let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before removing them from the liners. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

The recipe makes approximately 8 muffin-cup portions, depending on how generously the mixture is divided. Store in the freezer and allow to soften for a few minutes before serving. The ingredient quantities are given as ranges in the source; midpoint amounts are represented above.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• snack
• no-bake
• high-protein
• low-sugar
• vegetarian
• freezer-friendly
• gluten-free