When I need a quick yet satisfying, nutritious snack, I turn to cottage cheese bark. It’s not just a good option; it’s a downright delicious one that’s perfect for that mid-afternoon hunger that’s rearing its head.
The bark is loaded with protein, so it makes a perfect base for something even more delicious. And the best part?
There are so many possible toppings for cottage cheese bark that you could eat it every day and still be surprised by what it serves up. I layer the bark with fruits, nuts, and—when I’m feeling something bordering on gluttony—a drizzle of good honey or chocolate.
Two of my favorite combinations are fruits and nuts.
The 19 Best Cottage Cheese Bark Recipes
1. Classic Vanilla Cottage Cheese Bark
What I relish about this snack is its soft and rich assemblage of sweetened cottage cheese, with just the right amount of vanilla, and a few drops of honey. Paired with the crunchy almond slices, sprinkled coconut, and the gems of fresh fruit that I’ve piled on top, it is a small, simple, and enormously satisfying dish.
I think of this as a kind of “satisfyingly old-fashioned” treat.
Ingredients
1 cup cottage cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup sliced almonds
2 tablespoons coconut flakes
1/4 cup mix of berries (blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries)
Steps
1. Blend together the cottage cheese, vanilla, and honey (or syrup) in a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the cottage cheese mixture evenly across the baking sheet in a thin, uniform layer.
3. Top the cottage cheese layer with almonds, coconut, and berries.
4. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer. Freeze the bark for 2 to 3 hours, or until solid.
2. Berry Bliss Cottage Cheese Bark
Finding new and inventive ways to enjoy healthy snacks is one of my greatest pleasures. And when I recently discovered this berry bliss cottage cheese bark, I knew I had to share it with you all.
It tastes indulgent while still being nutritious, and that’s because it combines the creamy smoothness of cottage cheese with the natural sweetness of honey and the deliciousness of fresh berries. A sprinkle of chopped nuts adds the appropriate amount of crunch to make this a truly delightful snack.
Ingredients
1 cup of cottage cheese
2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/2 cup of mixed fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)
2 tablespoons of chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
2 tablespoons of shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
Pinch of salt
Using a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper.
Spread an even layer of the cottage cheese mixture over the surface of the lined tray. The layer should be about 1/4 inch thick.
Sprinkle the fresh berries, chopped nuts, and shredded coconut over the top of the cottage cheese mixture.
Pop the tray into the freezer and let the mixture firm up.
Ensure that the concoction has frozen completely; then break it into bark pieces.
3. Chocolate Swirl Cottage Cheese Bark
When I want to find a rare and joyful treat, I go to my chocolate swirl cottage cheese bark. It is a creamy and delicious creation that has as its base my blended cottage cheese, honey, and vanilla extract.
Swirled into it is melted dark chocolate, with a hint of coconut oil to make it more molten and decadent. And to make it even more delightful, I sometimes throw in nuts or seeds.
Ingredients
one cup of cottage cheese
two tablespoons of either honey or maple syrup
one teaspoon of vanilla extract.
You’ll also need a half cup of dark chocolate chips (or if you’re feeling ambitious, chopped dark chocolate).
Instructions
1. In a food processor or blender, pureé the cottage cheese, honey, and vanilla extract until they’re smooth and creamy. Set aside for the moment.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the cottage cheese mixture over it to the thickness you like; don’t make it paper-thin so it’ll break into too many pieces when you cut it.
3. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate and coconut oil.
4. Heat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
5. Drizzle the chocolate over the top of the cottage cheese mixture and then, using a knife or toothpick, swirl the chocolate throughout the bark so it has a pretty marbled effect.
6. Freeze for at least 2 to 3 hours. Then, just break into pieces and serve, either barely sweetened with the taste of semidetached chocolate or with a dusting of sea salt and a handful of nuts or seeds on top.
4. Tropical Paradise Cottage Cheese Bark
A snack that takes me right to a sun-drenched beach is Tropical Paradise Cottage Cheese Bark. You know, part of the reason beach snacks are so good is that you’re allowed to indulge a bit when you’re in a tropical state of mind.
That said, this bark takes “indulgent” and somehow transforms it into something that feels, at least in my mind, both nutritious and refreshing.
Ingredients
2 cups of cottage cheese
1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/2 cup of pineapple chunks
1/2 cup of diced mango
1/4 cup of shredded coconut
2 tablespoons of chopped macadamia nuts
1 tablespoon of chia seeds
Instructions
1. Blend the cottage cheese, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, pour the mixture and spread it with a spatula to your preferred thickness.
3. Distribute the pineapple chunks, diced mango, shredded coconut, and chopped macadamia nuts over the top.
4. Sprinkle chia seeds over all.
5. Freeze for at least 3 hours, until set.
6. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container in the freezer until serving.
5. Peanut Butter Crunch Cottage Cheese Bark
I’ve found an unusual combination of smooth cottage cheese and peanut butter, sweetened just right with honey, and you hear me? Just right.
It transforms this mixture into something that’s giving you soft-serve vibes but without the ice cream machine—more on that later. All sorts of textures and flavors in this dish make it texture-happy and flavor-happy.
You get chocolate chips, which are just lovely and dark and rich; you get a little bit of drizzle and a nice crunch from the granola; and then, because this isn’t a dessert for the faint of heart, we also called on some chopped nuts to make this nice and nutty.
Ingredients
1 cup of cottage cheese
1/4 cup of smooth peanut butter
2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/4 cup of chopped nuts (like almonds or peanuts)
1/4 cup of granola
1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips
Directions
1. Blend the cottage cheese with the peanut butter, syrup, and vanilla extract until it’s nice and creamy.
2. Spread the cream over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Top it with chopped nuts, granola, and chopped chocolate.
4. Freeze the mixture for two to three hours. Once it’s “bark solid,” chop it into chunks and serve.
6. Almond Joy Cottage Cheese Bark
I love keeping this guilt-free treat on hand. It combines creamy cottage cheese with the sweet flavors of honey and vanilla, yet somehow, it manages to taste even better than the sum of its ingredients.
That’s because it adds shredded coconut, chopped almonds, and dark chocolate to the mix, almost like they’re putting the finishing touches on an already pleasant mosaic. When you taste it, it feels like you have reprieve from the nonstop demands of life, but it’s also better for you than most desserts.
Ingredients
1 cup of cottage cheese
1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/4 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup of chopped almonds
1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips or chopped-up dark chocolate
Instructions
Put the cottage cheese, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla in a blender or food processor, and blend them until the mixture is perfectly smooth.
Then take a sheet of parchment paper and spread this mixture onto it.
Try to make the cottage cheese mixture 1/4 inch thick and allow the paper to catch any overflow that might happen.
Once you’ve done this, sprinkle the unsweetened shredded coconut evenly overtop of the cottage cheese mixture, followed by the chopped almonds and the dark chocolate.
7. Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bark
I adore crafting simple yet delectable snacks such as Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bark. This snack combines the creamy consistency of cottage cheese with the just-about-right sweetness of honey (or a drizzle of maple syrup) and the not-so-secret ingredient that really makes this treat shine: fresh lemon juice and lemon zest (the latter of which I usually double to achieve the level of “lemony” I like best).
Ingredients
Two cups of cottage cheese
Two tablespoons of honey or maple syrup
One tablespoon of lemon juice
Zest from one lemon
One teaspoon of vanilla extract
One-quarter cup of almonds or other nuts
One-quarter cup of mixed, chopped dried fruits (such as cranberries or apricots)
Instructions
In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, honey (or maple syrup), lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and pour the cottage cheese mixture onto it. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Next, sprinkle the chopped almonds and dried fruit evenly over the top of the cottage cheese mixture, and press them down lightly with a spatula to help them stick.
Place the pan in the freezer for at least 3 hours, until the mixture is completely solid.
Once it’s frozen, break the bark into pieces of whatever size you like; be forewarned that it will shatter a little bit, which is part of the fun of making it. You can also cut it into pieces with a sharp knife if you want.
8. Matcha Green Tea Cottage Cheese Bark
I adore crafting one-of-a-kind snacks, and this delightful nibble pulls together the following ingredients: cottage cheese; a whisper of honey or maple syrup—a flavor that makes this treat really pop; and matcha green tea powder, with its toasted, umami flavor that dovetails with chocolate and makes for a great “aha” moment in creative snacking. And don’t forget about the nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate chips—those are your next-level resource for a satisfying, crunchy snack.
Ingredients
1 cup of cottage cheese
2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of matcha green tea powder
1/4 cup of mixed nuts and seeds (e.g., almonds, pumpkin seeds)
1/4 cup of dried cranberries or goji berries
2 tablespoons of dark chocolate chips or cacao nibsPlease rephrase the following passage:
Instructions
Use a blender or food processor to give the cottage cheese the consistency you want.
Add the honey (or maple syrup) with the vanilla, and give it another whir until everything is smooth. You’re done with the first part of the bark.
Now line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and use a spatula to spread the cottage cheese mixture into an even 1/4-inch layer.
For the topping, you can use any nuts or seeds you have on hand.
To make it look pretty, I arranged the nuts and seeds in stripes. Nestle the dried cranberries inside the nuts, then sprinkle some more dead center.
Finally, sprinkle some bits of dark chocolate here and there. The whole thing goes into the freezer until it is good and hard, then emerges in bark form: firm enough to shatter with your hands.
9. Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bark
Treat yourself to something delicious with this frozen snack that stars creamy cottage cheese swirled with sweet honey and a hint of vanilla. The delicate flavors of this cool and refreshing snack speak for themselves, but there’s so much more to enjoy.
Ingredients
One cup of cottage cheese
One tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
One teaspoon of vanilla extract
One medium apple, chopped up nice and fine
One teaspoon of ground cinnamon
One-fourth cup of walnuts or pecans, finely chopped
One-fourth cup of raisins (or use dried cranberries—optional)
Instructions
Blend the cottage cheese, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt in a blender or food processor until they are smooth and creamy.
In a bowl, mix the blended mixture with the chopped apple, cinnamon, nuts, raisins, or cranberries and spread it evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Put the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until the bark is firm.
You can cut the bark into pieces and serve it directly from the freezer as a cold, crisp dessert that still manages to taste quite light and refreshing.
10. Espresso Infused Cottage Cheese Bark
I love the notion of coffee-flavored cottage cheese. This snack, which has all the makings of a perfect post-workout protein boost, is getting a rich, coffee-infused makeover thanks to instant espresso powder.
The brownie batter version—cream, cocoa, and nut butter—has nothing on this. The flavors of the cottage cheese, sweetened with honey or maple syrup and a touch of vanilla, do the heavy lifting here.
A drizzle of melted dark chocolate just takes this over the edge into dessert territory.
Ingredients
Cottage cheese, 2 cups
Honey or maple syrup, 2 tablespoons
Powder of instant espresso, 1 tablespoon
Vanilla essence, 1 teaspoon
Dark chocolate, chopped or morsels, 1/2 cup
Assorted nuts (optional), 1/4 cup
Sea salt (a pinch)
Instructions
Using a blender or food processor, mix the cottage cheese, honey or maple syrup, instant espresso powder, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is creamy.
Pour it onto a sheet of parchment paper set over a baking sheet. Spread it out into an even layer about 1/4 inch thick.
Now take your dark chocolate and chop it up into small pieces, or just use dark chocolate chips.
Distribute the chopped chocolate evenly across the layer of cottage cheese.
If you’re using nuts, chop them coarsely and sprinkle them over the top. Add a sprinkle of sea salt if you like. Stick the whole thing in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until the bark is solid.
11. Cherry Almond Cottage Cheese Bark
Combining the creamy texture of cottage cheese with honey and vanilla is an extremely refreshing and delightful way to make a snack. I love how the almonds add a nice crunch to the mix.
The combination of dried and fresh cherries makes for a very nice snack, too—not just because they taste great together, but because the two kinds of cherries’ contrasting textures really keep things interesting.
Ingredients
1 cup of cottage cheese
1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/4 cup of chopped almonds
1/4 cup of dried cherries
1/4 cup of fresh cherries, pitted and halved
1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips (optional)
A pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Blend the cottage cheese until it is smooth and creamy.
2. Add the honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the blended cottage cheese; mix well.
3. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spread the cottage cheese mixture evenly.
4. Sprinkle the almonds, dried cherries, fresh cherries, and chocolate chips (if using them) on top.
5. Put the baking sheet in the freezer for 2–3 hours or until the cottage cheese mixture is fully set and completely frozen.
6. Break the frozen cottage cheese into pieces and serve immediately, or store the pieces in an airtight container in the freezer until you feel like breaking the pieces out to serve them.
12. Nutella Hazelnut Cottage Cheese Bark
I found a delightful snack that effortlessly combines the creamy and crunchy elements that Nutella and honey have in spades. I would never have thought to serve cottage cheese as a base for such deliciousness, but it makes for a much healthier base to sandwich spreadable amounts of the rich, chocolate-hazelnut spread.
Top with mini chocolate chips and the snack has just the right amount of sweet and salty to make a person feel pretty darn good both mentally and physically.
Ingredients:
1 cup cottage cheese
2 tablespoons Nutella
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup hazelnuts, chopped
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
A pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
1. In a food processor, blend the cottage cheese, Nutella, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Spread the mixture evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts evenly over the top. Do the same with the mini chocolate chips.
4. Lightly sprinkle sea salt over the top.
5. Place the baking sheet in the freezer. Let the bark set for at least two hours, or until it is firm.
6. Break the bark into pieces. Serve it from the freezer immediately, or keep it in an airtight container in the freezer for future snacking.
13. Pumpkin Spice Cottage Cheese Bark
I love crafting one-of-a-kind takes on seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice. My version features an ultra-creamy blend of cottage cheese, pumpkin puree, and maple syrup, with a dash of pumpkin spice for good measure.
It’s the ideal frozen treat to enjoy this time of year, especially with the optional addition of pecans for a little bit of crunch.
Ingredients
2 cups of cottage cheese
1 tablespoon of pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon of maple syrup
1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/4 cup of chopped pecans (optional)
A pinch of sea salt
Instructions
1. Drop all the ingredients, except the pecans, into a blender or food processor and blend until the mixture is very smooth. This will be your “bark.”
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and pour the pumpkin-cottage cheese mixture onto it.
3. Using the back of a spoon, spread the mixture thinly and evenly over the parchment paper until it is about 1/4 of an inch thick.
4. Sprinkle the pecans over the top of the “bark” and press them in gently with your palm or the back of a spoon.
5. Freeze until solid.
14. Honey Walnut Cottage Cheese Bark
I think the honey walnut cottage cheese bark is an interesting mix of textures and flavors. You have this creamy base of cottage cheese that has been sweetened with honey and enriched with a bit of vanilla extract.
That forms the base of the frozen treat. Then you have these freeze-dried strawberries, which add a different kind of texture and a flavor component that I wouldn’t expect and that I really like.
Also, sprinkle a few mini chocolate chips over the top.
Ingredients
1 cup of cottage cheese
2 tablespoons of honey
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/2 cup of walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips
1/4 teaspoon of sea salt
Instructions
1. In a food processor, combine cottage cheese, honey, and vanilla extract.
2. Process until the mixture is smooth.
3. Line a parchment sheet with this mixture as spread evenly.
4. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts, dark chocolate chips, and sea salt evenly across the top of the surface.
5. Freeze for 2 hours until firm, or as long as you like (up to 2 days).
15. Mint Chocolate Chip Cottage Cheese Bark
I adore experimenting with unusual pairings, and this recipe offers an electrifying variation of a traditional dessert. The base is from cottage cheese, elevated to creaminess by processing it with honey and a whisper of peppermint.
These three ingredients offer an incredible range of textures and flavors. And if that isn’t enough, the bark gets a topping of mini chocolate chips for even more delectable splendor.
List of Ingredients
Cottage Cheese — Two cups (16 ounces).
Honey or maple syrup
Vanilla Extract and Peppermint Extract — One and one-half teaspoons in total.
Chocolate — half-cup of mini chips, and another half if you want them on top too.
Instructions
To achieve a smooth, creamy texture, blend the cottage cheese using a blender or food processor. Then, mix in honey or maple syrup, the extracts, and a few drops of food coloring if you’re a fan of that hallmark mint-chocolate “green.”
Spread the mélange onto a baking sheet or dish that’s lined with parchment paper and then sprinkle (or swirl in) chocolate chips—and maybe even some crushed peppermint candies if you’re feeling extra artisanal—over the top.
Freeze for at least a couple of hours and then break into pieces.
16. Spicy Chai Cottage Cheese Bark
I’ve discovered a delightful treat—Spicy Chai Cottage Cheese Bark. It is a fusion of creamy cottage cheese and fragrant chai spices.
There is also a hint of heat from cayenne in this bark. To balance it all out, Spicy Chai Cottage Cheese Bark is sweet (thanks to some drizzled honey) and crunchy (thanks to the chopped almonds).
It is, in short, a unique snack that may just be a little too hard to resist.
Ingredients
Two cups of cottage cheese
A couple of tablespoons of either honey or maple syrup (it’s your call)
A teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
A teaspoon of chai spice blend
A teaspoon of good-quality cinnamon
A quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper
A quarter cup of sliced almonds
A quarter cup of dried cranberries or raisins
Instructions
1. First, lightly stir (with a heavy spoon or spatula) the honey into the cottage cheese.
2. Next, blend the spices and cayenne into the cheese. Push everything to the center of the bowl so you have about half an inch of cheese around.
2. Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray.
3. Press the raisins and almonds, onto the top of the cottage cheese mixture.
4. Sprinkle with sea salt, if using.
5. Freeze for 2–3 hours, or until the bark is completely set.
6. Break into pieces and serve. (Note: This recipe makes about 8 servings.)
17. Raspberry Coconut Cottage Cheese Bark
I take great pleasure in crafting snacks that are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. One of my recent snack endeavors offered an opportunity to mix some favorite flavors and textures: creamy cottage cheese, sweet honey (or maple syrup), and aromatic vanilla extract are the base of this not-so-secret recipe.
Then, you could say, I have taken the liberty to go to town with the mix-ins. Fresh raspberries, toasted coconut, and chopped almonds add a delightful crunch (and some more nutrition) to this not-so-average cottage cheese treat.
Ingredients
1 cup cottage cheese
2 tablespoons honey (or sub maple syrup)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup fresh raspberries
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
2 tablespoons chopped almonds (or nuts of your choice)
Optional: sea salt
Instructions
1. Using a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese, honey, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray.
3. Press the raspberries, then the coconut and almonds, onto the top of the cottage cheese mixture.
4. Sprinkle with sea salt, if using.
5. Freeze for 2–3 hours, or until the bark is completely set.
6. Break into pieces and serve. (Note: This recipe makes about 8 servings.)
18. Cranberry Pistachio Cottage Cheese Bark
I adore making one-of-a-kind, healthful goodies, and one that I concoct is a delightful bark that pairs the creaminess of cottage cheese with honey, vanilla, and some good-for-you add-ins—like dried cranberries and pistachios. Yes, a nearly equally simple and straightforward companion recipe exists, although it is definitely not the main attraction in this show.
Ingredients
1 cup of cottage cheese
2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/4 cup of dried cranberries
1/4 cup of chopped pistachios
1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips or shavings (optional)
Instructions
1. Combine the cottage cheese, honey, and vanilla extract in a food processor, and blend the mixture until it is smooth.
2. Spread the smooth cottage cheese layer onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, with a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. Sprinkle the dried cranberries and chopped pistachios over the layer of cottage cheese.
4. If you have chosen to use dark chocolate chips or shavings, distribute them evenly over the top for added flavor.
5. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer, and allow it to sit for at least 2-3 hours, or until the “bark” is completely firm.
6. Break the bark into pieces once it has set, and store the pieces in an airtight container in the freezer.
19. Blueberry Vanilla Cottage Cheese Bark
The sensationally scrumptious Blueberry Vanilla Cottage Cheese Bark is what I reach for when there’s a hankering for a deliciously healthy and energizing bite. This surprisingly simple dish combines sweetened creamy cottage cheese with fresh blueberries and an almost absurd amount of crunchy, nutty toppings to make a unbelievably drool-worthy dessert that is, in fact, a totally legit snack.
Ingredients
Two cups of cottage cheese
two tablespoons of honey or maple syrup
one teaspoon of vanilla extract,
a cup of fresh blueberries
two tablespoons of sliced almonds
Chia seeds
Instructions
For easy removal of the bark, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a blender or a food processor, put the lone ingredient, cottage cheese, and then blend until smooth and creamy.
Pour the cottage cheese mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.
Use the back of a spoon to spread out the cottage cheese mixture into an even layer about one-fourth of an inch thick.
Sprinkle the fresh blueberries right on top. Add almonds, chia seeds, or a little of both, if you like.
Then place the baking sheet into the freezer and let the bark freeze for at least 3 hours.
After 3 hours or when the bark is frozen solid, take it out of the freezer, break it into pieces, and store the bark or bark pieces in an airtight container and keep it in the freezer until you eat it.
