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This rich and creamy peanut butter and raspberry cottage cheese bowl has become my go-to breakfast when I need something satisfying yet nutritious to power through busy mornings. The combination of protein-packed cottage cheese with the indulgent flavor of peanut butter creates a dessert-like experience that's actually good for you.
I started making this bowl during my fitness journey when I craved something sweet but needed more protein in my diet. Now it's become a staple that feels like having dessert for breakfast without any guilt.
Ingredients
- Low fat cottage cheese: provides the creamy base and packs an impressive protein punch
- Fresh organic raspberries: add natural sweetness and a bright pop of color
- No sugar added peanut butter: creates rich flavor and healthy fats for staying power
- Monk fruit with erythritol sweetener: gives sweetness without the calories of regular sugar
- Lily's Semi Sweet Baking Chips: offer chocolate flavor without added sugar
- Crushed peanuts: add a satisfying crunch and enhance the peanut butter flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Peanut Butter:
- Soften peanut butter in the microwave for about a minute if not already at room temperature. This ensures it will blend smoothly with the cottage cheese.
- Blend Base Ingredients:
- Add cottage cheese, softened peanut butter, sweetener and half of the raspberries to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture becomes completely smooth and creamy. This creates the perfect base texture.
- Incorporate Remaining Berries:
- Add the remaining raspberries to the food processor and pulse briefly. Keep them slightly chunky to provide bursts of berry flavor throughout each bite.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl. Top with extra fresh raspberries, crushed sugar free chocolate chips, and peanuts for added texture and visual appeal. These toppings transform a simple dish into something special.
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The secret to making this bowl truly exceptional is using really fresh raspberries. I once made this with berries from my garden, and the bright flavor completely transformed the dish into something magical.
Make It Your Own
This versatile recipe welcomes substitutions based on what you have available. Strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries work beautifully in place of raspberries. For the nut butter, almond or cashew butter creates equally delicious variations with slightly different flavor profiles. The monk fruit sweetener can be swapped for honey, maple syrup, or even a mashed banana if you prefer natural sweeteners.
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Storage Tips
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare this bowl up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator, but add the crunchy toppings just before serving to maintain their texture. The mixture might thicken slightly overnight, so you can add a splash of almond milk and give it a quick stir before enjoying.
Nutritional Benefits
This bowl offers more than just protein. The raspberries provide fiber and antioxidants, while the peanut butter contributes heart healthy monounsaturated fats. Cottage cheese delivers calcium for bone health along with its protein content. By using sugar free sweeteners and chocolate chips, you keep the carb count low while maintaining a sweet, satisfying flavor profile that supports balanced blood sugar levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use full-fat cottage cheese instead of low-fat?
Yes, full-fat cottage cheese works perfectly in this dish. It will create an even creamier texture and richer taste, though it will increase the calorie and fat content slightly.
- → What can I substitute for monk fruit sweetener?
You can substitute honey, maple syrup, stevia, or regular sugar depending on your dietary preferences. Adjust the amount to taste as different sweeteners vary in sweetness level.
- → How long does this cottage cheese bowl keep in the refrigerator?
This dish is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. However, you can store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The texture may change slightly and the raspberries might bleed color into the mixture.
- → Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen raspberries will work, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture. The texture may be slightly different, and they might color the mixture more than fresh berries.
- → What's the protein content of this bowl?
The bowl contains approximately 25-30g of protein, primarily from the cottage cheese and peanut butter, making it an excellent high-protein breakfast or snack option.
- → Can I prepare this without a food processor?
While a food processor creates the smoothest texture, you can hand-mix the ingredients. Use a fork to break down the cottage cheese as much as possible, then fold in the other ingredients for a more textured version.