Cottage cheese in a dessert sounds improper.
I do know. I assumed the identical factor after I noticed this recipe trending. However after making these 50+ occasions, I can affirm… you actually can not style the cottage cheese. In any respect.
What you CAN style is wealthy, fudgy brownie batter that in some way packs 6 grams of protein per ball.
Why This Recipe Works
Cottage cheese turns into utterly invisible when blended. It simply provides creaminess and protein.
The mix of cocoa powder and chocolate protein powder creates that genuine brownie taste. Almond flour provides construction with out making them dry.
Better part? No baking. No ready. Combine, roll, eat.
Elements You Want
The Base:
Elective Chocolate Coating:
- 1/2 cup darkish chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Mix Your Base
Add cottage cheese, peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla to your meals processor.
Mix for 30 seconds till utterly clean. No lumps allowed – that is essential for texture.
Step 2: Add Dry Elements
Add protein powder, cocoa powder, almond flour, and salt.
Pulse till it kinds a thick dough. It ought to stick collectively when pressed however not be moist.
Too dry? Add a teaspoon of water. Too moist? Add extra almond flour.
Step 3: Roll Into Balls
Scoop 1-1.5 tablespoons of dough per ball. I take advantage of a small cookie scoop for uniform dimension.
Roll between your palms till clean. Place on a parchment-lined plate.
You must get precisely 12 balls from this recipe.
Step 4: Chill
Freeze for quarter-hour or refrigerate for half-hour.
This companies them up and improves the feel dramatically. Don’t skip this step.
Step 5: Elective Chocolate Coating
Soften chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second microwave bursts.
Dip every ball, letting extra drip off. Return to parchment.
Refrigerate 5 extra minutes to set the chocolate.
Why Cottage Cheese Is the Secret Weapon
Cottage cheese has casein protein, which digests slowly and retains you full longer.
One serving accommodates 14 grams of protein naturally. When blended in a meals processor, it creates an extremely creamy texture with out including oil or butter.
Plus, it’s wealthy in calcium, B nutritional vitamins, and selenium. You’re mainly consuming a multivitamin disguised as brownie batter.
Storage Pointers
Fridge: Retailer in an hermetic container for as much as 7 days. They really get higher after day 2.
Freezer: Freeze for as much as 3 months. They turn out to be like fudgy truffles when frozen – some folks want them this manner.
Room temperature: Good for 2-3 hours (excellent for lunchboxes or gymnasium luggage).
Vitamin Info (Per Ball)
- Energy: 110
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fats: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
Evaluate that to a store-bought protein ball: normally 150+ energy, 3g protein, and 12g sugar.
These have double the protein for fewer energy. Math that truly is sensible.
Recipe Variations
Peanut Butter Cup Model
Use PB2 powder as an alternative of cocoa for half the quantity. Tastes like Reese’s.
Mint Chocolate
Add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract. Dip in darkish chocolate. Mainly wholesome Skinny Mints.
Birthday Cake
Use vanilla protein powder as an alternative of chocolate. Add sprinkles. Children go loopy for these.
Additional Protein (8g per ball)
Add an additional half scoop of protein powder and a couple of tablespoons Greek yogurt.
Extra Protein Ball & In a single day Oats Recipes
Can’t get sufficient protein treats? Right here’s your subsequent obsession record:
Birthday Cake Batter Protein Balls – The funfetti model that tastes like cake batter. Identical no-bake technique, utterly totally different taste. Good for when chocolate isn’t your temper.
Chai Spiced Protein Vitality Balls – Heat spices meet protein energy. These style like a chai latte in ball type. Cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger make them addictively cozy.
Brownie Batter Protein In a single day Oats – When you love these protein balls, you want the in a single day oats model. Identical brownie taste however in a spoonable breakfast type. 25g protein to begin your day.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Protein In a single day Oats – Fall flavors meet in a single day oats perfection. Tastes like pumpkin cheesecake with 28g protein. The key pudding combine hack makes them unimaginable.
Liquid Protein Choices
Generally you need to drink your protein as an alternative:
The Maple Pecan Protein Shake brings cozy fall vibes. Our Caramel Iced Espresso Protein Shake combines caffeine with features. And the Pumpkin Spice Protein Espresso Shake is mainly PSL meets protein powder.
Widespread Questions
Can I style the cottage cheese?
No. Completely not. As soon as blended with chocolate and peanut butter, it disappears utterly.
What if I don’t have a meals processor?
A high-powered blender works. The Hamilton Seaside processor I take advantage of prices below $40 although.
Can I take advantage of Greek yogurt as an alternative?
Sure, however the texture shall be barely totally different. Use thick Greek yogurt, not common.
Are these kid-friendly?
My children suppose they’re getting sweet. They don’t know they’re consuming cottage cheese and protein powder.
Can I make them greater?
Positive. Make 8 bigger balls as an alternative of 12. Every could have about 9g protein.
Professional Suggestions for Good Protein Balls
Use room temperature cottage cheese. It blends smoother than chilly.
Don’t over-process. As soon as the dough comes collectively, cease. Over-mixing makes them dense.
Moist your palms barely when rolling. Prevents sticking.
Make a double batch. They disappear quick. Belief me on this.
High quality components matter. Good cocoa powder and actual peanut butter make them style costly.
When to Eat These
Pre-workout for fast vitality. Publish-workout for protein. Afternoon snack to keep away from the merchandising machine.
I hold 3 in my gymnasium bag always. They’ve saved me from many poor meals selections.
My children get them in lunchboxes. My husband steals them for dessert. I eat them for breakfast after I’m working late.
There’s actually no improper time for a brownie batter protein ball.
The Backside Line
These protein balls shouldn’t work. Cottage cheese in dessert seems like a Pinterest fail ready to occur.
However they’re genuinely scrumptious. Like, hide-them-from-your-family scrumptious.
Six grams of protein. Minimal sugar. Tastes like brownie batter. No baking required.
Make a batch tonight. By tomorrow, you’ll be planning your second batch.
The cottage cheese secret is out. Your snack recreation won’t ever be the identical.