These Keto Lemon Poppy Seed Cottage Cheese Bars are a tasty and healthy treat! Made with creamy cottage cheese, fresh lemon juice, and crunchy poppy seeds, they’re light and refreshing.
Who knew a snack could be this good and good for you? I love having these bars as a sweet pick-me-up during the day. Plus, they’re super easy to make—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Almond Flour: This is the base for the crust. It gives a nice nutty flavor and keeps the bars crunchy. If you need a nut-free option, try using sunflower seed flour instead.
Erythritol: This sugar substitute helps keep the recipe keto-friendly. You can use monk fruit sweetener or stevia if you prefer. Just remember, sweetness levels can vary, so adjust to taste.
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese is perfect for creaminess! If you’re a fan of smooth textures, consider using ricotta instead for a different taste and consistency.
Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds add crunch and a lovely flavor. If you’re not a fan, chia seeds could be a fun alternative; they add a similar texture.
Coconut Flour: This is optional, but it can help thicken the filling. If you don’t have it, you can omit it, but the filling might be softer.
How Do You Blend Cottage Cheese Smoothly?
Getting a smooth filling is crucial for these bars. Start by blending the cottage cheese alone first. This step breaks it down before adding the other ingredients. Here’s how:
- Add cottage cheese to the blender and blend until creamy. Scrape down the sides if needed.
- Once smooth, add eggs, lemon juice, sweetener, and vanilla, and blend until combined.
- Lastly, mix in poppy seeds. This keeps the seeds intact and ensures your filling still has texture.
A few blending passes can make a big difference in achieving that creamy filling you want!
Keto Lemon Poppy Seed Cottage Cheese Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup powdered erythritol (or your favorite keto sweetener)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp lemon zest
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese (full fat)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup powdered erythritol (or your favorite keto sweetener)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1/4 cup coconut flour (optional, for thickening and texture)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, plus 30-35 minutes of baking time. Don’t forget to chill the bars afterwards for at least 3 hours or overnight, so they set properly. Overall, you’ll have refreshing lemon bars ready in about 4 hours, but they are worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges; it’ll make it easier to lift the bars out later!
2. Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix the almond flour, powdered erythritol, and lemon zest together. Then, add the melted butter and stir until it forms a crumbly dough. It should look a bit like wet sand.
3. Bake the Crust:
Evenly press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Make sure it’s spread out well! Pop it in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Once done, remove it and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
4. Blend the Filling:
In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese and blend until it’s nice and smooth. Then, add in the eggs, powdered erythritol, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Blend again until everything is fully mixed and creamy.
5. Add Poppy Seeds:
Now, toss in the poppy seeds along with the coconut flour (if using). Just pulse a few times to mix them in evenly—this gives your filling that delicious crunch!
6. Combine and Spread:
Carefully pour the filling over the cooled crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the top. Make it nice and smooth!
7. Bake Again:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 30-35 minutes. The edges should look set and the center should be slightly jiggly when you take it out.
8. Cool and Chill:
Let the bars cool at room temperature for a bit. Afterwards, cover them and pop them in the fridge for at least 3 hours or overnight to set completely. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to slice.
9. Slice and Serve:
Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice them into squares. If you like, you can garnish with thin lemon slices and extra lemon zest for a bright touch. Serve chilled and enjoy your delightful keto treat!
These bars are a refreshing snack with a lovely citrus twist, perfect for anyone following a keto lifestyle. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Sweetener?
Absolutely! While erythritol is great for a keto diet, you can use monk fruit sweetener or stevia as alternatives. Just be sure to adjust the measurement according to the sweetness level of your chosen sweetener.
How Do I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These bars actually taste even better the next day once the flavors meld, so don’t hesitate to prepare them in advance!
Can I Freeze These Bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well! After they’re completely chilled, slice them and wrap each piece in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
What Can I Use Instead of Cottage Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese or cream cheese for a different texture and flavor. Just make sure they are full-fat options to maintain the creamy consistency!
