Creamy Cottage Cheese Dessert Bars

Published:

September 8, 2024

By:

A Delightful Twist on Classic Treats

Imagine sinking your teeth into a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet dessert bar that’s both rich and refreshing, but with an unexpected twist cottage cheese! Cottage cheese is often thought of as a savory staple, but its mild flavor and versatile texture make it the perfect ingredient for desserts too. These Cottage Cheese Dessert Bars will surprise you with their creaminess and balance of flavors, blending smooth, sweet, and tangy notes into a dessert that feels both indulgent and light. If you’re someone who enjoys cheesecakes but seeks something a bit less rich or calorie-heavy, this is your dream dessert.

“There is no love sincerer than the love of food.”
George Bernard Shaw

With a crisp, buttery crust and a fluffy filling, these bars are easy to make and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Plus, they offer a protein punch thanks to the cottage cheese, making them feel like a treat that’s actually good for you.

Why You’ll Love This Cheese Creamy Cottage Dessert Bars Recipe

There are so many reasons to love these Cottage Cheese Dessert Bars, and they go beyond just taste!

Versatile: This recipe is easy to customize. You can switch up the flavors by adding fruit toppings, drizzles of chocolate, or even swapping out the crust for a gluten-free option.

Light yet Satisfying: These bars have all the decadence of traditional cheesecake but are lighter in texture and calories, thanks to the use of cottage cheese instead of cream cheese.

High in Protein: Cottage cheese is packed with protein, so you can enjoy a sweet treat while sneaking in a dose of nourishment.

Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients on hand, and the rest are easy to find at any grocery store.

Quick and Easy: No need for fancy techniques or hard-to-pronounce ingredients. Even beginners can make these dessert bars with ease!

How to Make Cheese Creamy Cottage Dessert Bars

Ingredients

For the crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

2 cups cottage cheese
½ cup Greek yogurt (plain)
¾ cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Detailed Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the crumbs are fully moistened.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a firm crust.
Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

Make the Filling:

In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth, removing any lumps.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and zest.
Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
Sift in the cornstarch and stir to remove any clumps. The mixture should be creamy and smooth.

Assemble and Bake:

Pour the filling over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly.
Let the bars cool in the pan for 1 hour at room temperature before transferring to the fridge to chill for at least 3 hours, or until firm.

Cut and Serve:

Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into squares. Serve chilled, and enjoy!

Tips For Cheese Creamy Cottage Dessert Bars

Blending Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese has a naturally lumpy texture, so be sure to blend it thoroughly until smooth. This will give the filling a creamy consistency, closer to that of traditional cheesecake.

Don’t Overbake: The bars should still have a slight jiggle in the middle when you take them out of the oven. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry about them being too soft right away.

Chill Completely: Patience is key here. Allow the bars to chill for at least three hours (or overnight) for the perfect texture. Rushing this step will result in a mushy filling that won’t hold its shape when cut.

Customize the Toppings: Drizzle the bars with melted chocolate, fruit compote, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to elevate the presentation and flavor.

Gluten-Free Option: Simply swap the graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free version, or use crushed nuts for a flourless base.

“Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.”
Ernestine Ulmer

Recipe FAQ

How do you make cottage cheese more appealing?
Cottage cheese can be made more appealing by adding a variety of flavorful mix-ins. Fresh fruits like berries, sliced peaches, or pineapple chunks provide natural sweetness and texture. If you prefer something savory, try blending in diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or chopped herbs like chives and parsley. Another way to enhance its appeal is by using it as a base for dips or spreads—mix it with Greek yogurt, a splash of lemon juice, and your favorite spices to create a creamy topping for crackers or vegetables.

Does cottage cheese melt like cream cheese?
No, cottage cheese doesn’t melt in the same way cream cheese does. While cream cheese becomes smooth and creamy when heated, cottage cheese tends to break down into curds. If you warm it, the individual curds will separate further, creating a more grainy texture rather than a unified, melted consistency.

What to mix with cottage cheese sweet?
There are several sweet ingredients that pair well with cottage cheese. Some popular options include a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, or a handful of granola for crunch. You can also mix in chopped dried fruits like raisins, apricots, or dates. For a dessert-like treat, consider adding a dollop of fruit preserves or a swirl of chocolate syrup.

Does cottage cheese taste good with honey?
Yes, cottage cheese often tastes great with honey. The mild, creamy flavor of the cheese pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of honey. Adding honey not only enhances the taste but also provides a touch of sophistication. It can be enjoyed as a quick snack or a light breakfast, especially when topped with a few walnuts or a slice of fresh fruit.

What is good and bad about cottage cheese?
Good:

High in protein: Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, making it ideal for muscle repair and satiety.
Nutrient-rich: It’s also a good source of calcium, B vitamins, and selenium.
Versatile: Cottage cheese can be enjoyed on its own, blended into smoothies, used as a topping, or incorporated into recipes.

Bad:

Sodium content: Some brands of cottage cheese are high in sodium, which might be a concern for people watching their salt intake.
Taste and texture: Not everyone enjoys the slightly tangy flavor or the curd-like texture, and it can take some experimentation to find ways to enjoy it.

What does off cottage cheese taste like?
When cottage cheese goes bad, it typically develops a sour or bitter taste. Fresh cottage cheese has a mild, slightly tangy flavor, but if it’s past its prime, it might smell unpleasant and taste more acidic or sharp. If it tastes off or has a noticeable smell, it’s best to discard it.

Common Mistakes in Preparing Creamy Cottage Cheese Dessert Bars:

Not properly draining the cottage cheese:
Cottage cheese often contains a significant amount of liquid. If you don’t take the time to drain it thoroughly before using, the extra moisture can lead to a dessert that doesn’t hold its shape well. The bars may end up overly soft or watery, which makes slicing and serving much more difficult. Straining the cottage cheese through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth can help remove excess liquid and ensure a creamier, more consistent texture.
Substituting ingredients carelessly:
Some cooks might try to swap out full-fat cottage cheese or other key ingredients for low-fat or fat-free versions without considering how it will impact the final texture and flavor. These substitutions can result in bars that are less rich and satisfying. Similarly, using artificial vanilla flavoring instead of pure vanilla extract or opting for lower-quality butter and sugar can leave the dessert tasting flat or overly processed. Sticking to high-quality ingredients ensures that the bars come out flavorful and appealing.
Skipping the cooling and chilling steps:
In a rush to serve the dessert, you might be tempted to cut into the bars while they’re still warm. This is a common mistake that can ruin the presentation and texture. The bars need sufficient time to cool completely and chill in the refrigerator so that they set properly. Cutting into them too soon can cause the filling to ooze or crumble, resulting in an unsightly and less enjoyable dessert.
Overbaking the crust or filling:
While a golden-brown crust is desirable, overbaking it can lead to a hard, crumbly texture that doesn’t pair well with the creamy filling. Overbaking the filling itself can also dry it out, causing the bars to lose their signature creamy consistency. Pay close attention to baking times and temperatures, and use visual cues such as lightly browned edges or a set center to determine when the bars are ready to come out of the oven.
Not blending the ingredients evenly:
Cottage cheese has a naturally lumpy texture, and if it isn’t blended well, the dessert might have an uneven consistency. Some bites may be too creamy, while others may have an unexpected chunk of cottage cheese. Ensuring that the cottage cheese is blended smoothly with the other ingredients will result in a uniform, silky filling that sets properly and looks more appetizing.

Conclusion:

Cottage cheese dessert bars offer a unique and delightful treat, combining the creaminess of cottage cheese with the sweetness of a dessert that’s easy to prepare and enjoy. By addressing common mistakes such as draining the cottage cheese, choosing high-quality ingredients, properly chilling the dessert, watching baking times closely, and blending the ingredients thoroughly you can ensure the final result is both visually appealing and delicious.

These extra steps not only help maintain the texture and flavor balance but also elevate the overall experience. The bars set nicely, slice cleanly, and deliver a creamy, satisfying bite. With careful attention to detail, you’ll create a dessert that stands out, impresses guests, and becomes a favorite go-to recipe for any occasion.

Love experimenting in the kitchen?🍴” This article is packed with fresh, healthy cottage cheese ideas you can whip up at home. Don’t miss it! Check it out here.

Cheese Creamy Cottage Dessert Bars

Thomas J. Moss

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Servings 12

Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

9×9-inch baking pan,
Parchment paper
blender or food processor,
– Mixing bowls

Ingredients

For the crust:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup sugar
½ cup unsalted butter melted
For the filling:
2 cups cottage cheese
½ cup Greek yogurt plain
¾ cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:
o Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
o In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the crumbs are fully moistened.
o Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a firm crust.
o Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
Make the Filling:
o In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth, removing any lumps.
o In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and zest.
o Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
o Sift in the cornstarch and stir to remove any clumps. The mixture should be creamy and smooth.
Assemble and Bake:
o Pour the filling over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
o Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly.
o Let the bars cool in the pan for 1 hour at room temperature before transferring to the fridge to chill for at least 3 hours, or until firm.
Cut and Serve:
o Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into squares. Serve chilled, and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, use full-fat cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, as they give the creamiest texture.

Nutrition (per serving):

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