Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars

Why Make This Recipe

Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars are a delightful treat perfect for any season, especially fall! They combine the rich flavor of pumpkin with the creamy texture of cottage cheese, making them both delicious and packed with protein. Plus, they are simple to make and can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. With the warmth of pumpkin spice, these bars are sure to bring comfort to your day!

How to Make Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese (blended until smooth)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1/4 cup neutral oil (like canola or melted coconut oil)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup oat flour (or blended oats into a powder)
• 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans or walnuts, light cream cheese glaze

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan.
2. Blend the cottage cheese in a food processor or blender until smooth.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, blended cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup, oil, and vanilla extract until combined.
4. In another bowl, stir together the flours, pumpkin spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Add toppings if desired.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let it cool completely before slicing into bars. Serve warm with Greek yogurt or whipped cream. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How to Serve Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars

You can serve these bars as a sweet snack or a dessert. They are great on their own, but you can also top them with Greek yogurt or whipped cream for an extra treat. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.

How to Store Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars

To store the bars, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Tips to Make Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they’re combined for the best texture.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for a good rise.
• Customize: Feel free to add mini chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor and texture.

Variation

You can swap out the cottage cheese for Greek yogurt if you want a different flavor. You can also add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works great for this recipe. Just ensure it is unsweetened.

2. Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.

3. Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! Once completely cooled, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to 3 months.