No-Bake Cottage Cheese Brownie Batter Protein Bites Recipe
No-Bake Cottage Cheese Brownie Batter Protein Bites are a creamy, chocolaty, high-protein snack that comes together quickly without baking. Made with blended cottage cheese, cocoa powder, and optional protein powder, these bites offer a fudgy, brownie-like texture perfect for quick breakfasts, post-workout snacks, or midday cravings. They are customizable with nuts, seeds, and chocolate chips, and can be chilled or frozen for convenient grab-and-go energy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts or seeds
- Handful of mini chocolate chips (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
- 2 tablespoons honey, maple syrup, or sweetener of choice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Blend Wet Ingredients: Scoop 1 cup of cottage cheese into a blender. Add 2 tablespoons of honey (or your sweetener choice) and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth with no lumps.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Transfer the blended wet mixture into a mixing bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. If using protein powder, whisk it in thoroughly until the mixture reaches a thick, brownie-batter consistency.
- Incorporate Mix-Ins: Fold in 2 tablespoons of chopped nuts or seeds and, if desired, a handful of mini chocolate chips to add texture and flavor.
- Form the Bites: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out the batter. Roll each portion between your hands to form smooth 1-inch balls. Place the bites evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the bites for at least 1 hour to firm up. Alternatively, freeze for 30 minutes to speed up setting, then transfer to the fridge. This chilling step ensures the bites hold their shape well.
- Store Properly: Place the protein bites in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 weeks and thaw at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before eating.
Notes
- Use low-fat cottage cheese if you want to reduce calories or full-fat for creamier bites.
- If batter is too runny, add more cocoa powder or protein powder gradually to reach the right thickness.
- If batter is too dry, add a splash of almond milk to loosen it up.
- Straining excess liquid from cottage cheese can help avoid overly wet batter.
- Freeze extra bites in a ziplock bag for convenient meal prep and thaw before eating for best texture.
- For extra flavor and texture, try rolling bites in shredded coconut, crushed nuts, or dust with cocoa powder before chilling.
- Flavor variations: Add 2 tablespoons peanut butter for a peanut butter swirl, 1–2 drops peppermint extract for mint chocolate, or blend in 1/4 cup frozen raspberries for berry bliss.
- The recipe yields about 12 protein bites using a tablespoon-sized scoop.
Keywords: no-bake, cottage cheese, protein bites, healthy snack, high protein, chocolate, brownie batter, quick snack, post-workout snack, easy recipe
