Wholesome Cottage Cheese and Blueberry Bake

Discover the magic of turning simple, healthy ingredients into a truly satisfying treat with this Cottage Cheese and Blueberry Bake. This recipe offers the perfect balance of creamy texture and bright, fruity flavour, creating a dish that feels both indulgent and nourishing. With a texture somewhere between a baked oatmeal, a fluffy frittata, and a crustless cheesecake, each square is packed with protein and juicy blueberries.

It’s an ideal solution for busy mornings, a protein-rich post-workout snack, or a wholesome afternoon goûter. Effortlessly simple to prepare, this bake is a versatile and delicious way to fuel your day.

Recipe at a Glance

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6 squares

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup honey or pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup rolled oats (use certified gluten-free if needed)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans are excellent, optional)

Equipment:

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or spatula
• 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350∘F(175∘C). Lightly grease your baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is creamy and well-blended.
3. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, baking powder, and cinnamon to the bowl. Mix until everything is just combined.
4. Fold in the Berries and Nuts: Gently fold in the blueberries and optional chopped nuts. Be careful not to overmix or crush the berries.
5. Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out clean.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the bake to cool in the dish for at least 10 minutes before slicing into squares. This helps it hold its shape. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

This bake is wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Serve it warm, fresh from the oven, for a comforting breakfast.
• Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or fromage blanc for extra creaminess and protein.
• Drizzle with a touch of extra maple syrup or honey just before serving.
• Enjoy it chilled from the refrigerator for a denser, cheesecake-like texture.

Customisation and Variations

Make this recipe your own with these simple twists:

• Flavor Twists: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon, or stir in a teaspoon of lemon zest to brighten the flavours. For a more decadent version, fold in a handful of dark chocolate chips.
• Fruit Swaps: Easily substitute blueberries with raspberries, chopped strawberries, or diced banana.
• Dietary Adjustments:
  • Gluten-Free: Ensure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
  • Nut-Free: Simply omit the nuts or replace them with sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
  • Dairy-Free/Vegan: Use a plant-based cottage cheese alternative. For the eggs, use two flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) and use maple syrup as the sweetener.

Storage and Make-Ahead

• To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• To Freeze: This bake freezes beautifully. Cut it into individual squares, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or gently reheat from frozen.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the entire mixture the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply pour it into your baking dish and bake as directed (you may need to add 5 minutes to the baking time).

Nutrition Information

Per serving (1 of 6 squares)

• Calories: Approx. 200 kcal
• Protein: 13 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fat: 6 g
• Fibre: 3 g
• Sugar: 8 g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese? Yes, though the texture will be different. Greek yogurt will result in a tangier and creamier, more custard-like bake, while cottage cheese provides a fluffier, slightly chewy texture with curds.

2. Can I use a different sweetener? Certainly. Agave nectar works well, or you can use a granulated sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia, adjusting the amount to your taste.

3. How do I know when the bake is perfectly cooked? The bake is done when the edges are golden, the top is lightly browned, and the center no longer looks wet. The toothpick test is the most reliable method—it should come out clean with no wet batter.

4. Is it possible to add protein powder? Yes, you can add a scoop of your favourite vanilla or unflavoured protein powder to the dry ingredients for an extra protein boost. You may need to add a splash of milk if the batter becomes too thick.

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