Name: Frozen Cottage Cheese Bark Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 bananas, sliced; 2 cups cottage cheese; 2-3 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 tablespoons peanut butter, divided; 3 tablespoons chocolate chips, melted; 2 tablespoons peanuts, chopped; 3 tablespoons granola; Flaky sea salt (optional)

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Introduction

If you’re looking for a refreshing, protein-packed treat, this Frozen Cottage Cheese Bark is a perfect choice. Combining creamy cottage cheese, sweet bananas, and rich peanut butter, it’s both nutritious and delicious. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and ideal for a cool snack anytime.

A stack of four unevenly cut white frozen dessert bars sits on a white plate with subtle ridges. Each bar has a creamy texture with pieces of banana embedded within the thick white layer. The top of each bar is sprinkled with crushed nuts and granola clusters, and thin dark chocolate streaks run across the surface, adding contrast. Small pieces of the toppings have fallen around the base of the stack. The background features a soft white marbled texture, giving a clean and simple look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 bananas, sliced
2 cups cottage cheese
2-3 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons peanut butter, divided
3 tablespoons chocolate chips, melted
2 tablespoons peanuts, chopped
3 tablespoons granola
Flaky sea salt (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Arrange the banana slices in a 5×7 rectangle shape, using slices from two bananas.
Step 2: In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, two tablespoons of peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting sweetness by adding more honey if desired.
Step 3: Pour the blended mixture evenly over the banana slices, spreading it out in a rectangular shape with a spatula to cover them completely.
Step 4: Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of peanut butter over the top. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth, then drizzle the melted chocolate in a zigzag pattern on the bark.
Step 5: Optional: use a toothpick to create a fun pattern by dragging it in lines one way, then crossing those lines diagonally.
Step 6: Sprinkle granola, chopped peanuts, and a small pinch of flaky sea salt over the top. Be cautious with the salt since cottage cheese is naturally salty.
Step 7: Freeze the bark for at least two hours or until completely frozen.
Step 8: Once frozen, break the bark into chunks by hand or cut into uniform pieces with a knife. Store in a freezer-safe container or gallon Ziploc bag for up to three months.
Step 9: Before serving, let the bark sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly. This improves the texture, making it creamy and ice-cream-like rather than hard.

Tips & Variations

Use almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different nutty flavor.
Swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option.
Add fresh berries on top before freezing for extra fruitiness.
Toast the chopped peanuts lightly to enhance their crunch and flavor.
Adjust the sweetness gradually to suit your taste preferences.

Storage

Store the frozen cottage cheese bark in an airtight freezer-safe container or a gallon Ziploc bag. It keeps well for up to three months. When ready to eat, allow it to thaw at room temperature for 5-10 minutes for a softer, creamier texture similar to ice cream.

How to Serve

The image shows several square pieces of a dessert scattered on a white marbled surface. Each piece has a white base layer with swirls of dark chocolate and caramel on top, creating a marbled effect. Crushed nuts and granola are sprinkled generously over each square, adding texture and contrast with golden brown and beige colors. Some crumbs and small nut pieces are scattered around the squares, giving a casual and natural look to the arrangement. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of cottage cheese?

While regular yogurt can work, it may make the bark softer and less creamy. Cottage cheese provides a thicker texture and higher protein content, making it ideal for this recipe.

How do I prevent the bananas from browning?

To minimize browning, use ripe but firm bananas and freeze the bark soon after assembling. The frozen layer also helps slow oxidation and keeps the bananas fresh tasting.