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Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Cake Bars

Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Cake Bars
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Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Cake Bars are a moist and tender fall dessert combining creamy cottage cheese with warm pumpkin and spices. These bars offer a delightful twist on traditional pumpkin treats, providing comforting flavors, added protein, and a soft, flavorful texture perfect for any time of day or holiday gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking mix for gluten-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or electric mixer to blend until smooth and creamy, ensuring the cottage cheese is well incorporated without large lumps.
  2. Sift and Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. This keeps the mixture light and evenly distributes the spices throughout the dry ingredients.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula to combine. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb, stopping once all flour is just incorporated.
  4. Bake the Bars: Pour the batter evenly into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Notes

  • Make sure eggs and cottage cheese are at room temperature for smoother batter.
  • Sifting the dry ingredients prevents clumps and creates even spice distribution.
  • Fold ingredients gently to avoid overmixing and tough bars.
  • Use freshly ground spices for the best flavor.
  • Test for doneness a few minutes before the timer to avoid drying out.
  • To garnish, dust with powdered sugar, cream cheese glaze, or chopped toasted nuts.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerate up to a week.
  • Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
  • Reheat in microwave for 15-20 seconds or oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Cake Bars, pumpkin dessert, fall dessert, moist pumpkin bars, cottage cheese bars, gluten-free pumpkin bars, protein pumpkin dessert

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/cottage-cheese-pumpkin-cake-bars/