If you’ve ever wished dessert could taste indulgent and fuel your body at the same time, these Cottage Cheese Pecan Pie Bars are going to be your new obsession. I still remember the first time I made them—it was one of those late evenings when my sweet tooth kicked in, but I didn’t want to undo my day of clean eating. Out of curiosity, I swapped the heavy cream for cottage cheese and crossed my fingers. The result? Pure magic: soft, nutty, and sweet, yet surprisingly light and nourishing.
These bars are the perfect mix of cozy pecan pie flavor with a boost of protein, making them a guilt-free snack or dessert you’ll want to make on repeat.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein-packed indulgence – thanks to cottage cheese and eggs, each bar has a protein boost that traditional pie bars lack.
- Guilt-free sweetness – naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, so you control the sugar level.
- Nutty & comforting – pecans add that classic pie crunch without making the recipe heavy.
- Quick & easy – just 5 simple steps and one bowl—no fancy equipment needed.
- Meal prep friendly – bake once, and you’ve got wholesome snacks for days.
Imagine enjoying the warm, caramel-like taste of pecan pie in a lighter, protein-rich version you can actually feel good about eating.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious Cottage Cheese Pecan Pie Bars:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup chopped pecans (plus extra for topping)
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these simple steps to bake your bars to perfection:
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, and honey (or maple syrup) until smooth. Add in the almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until the mixture is fully combined.
Pro tip: If you want an extra creamy texture, blend the cottage cheese first for a silky batter.
3. Add the Pecans
Fold in the chopped pecans, saving a handful to sprinkle on top for that beautiful golden crunch.
4. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top. Sprinkle the reserved pecans evenly over the surface. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. A toothpick should come out mostly clean.
5. Cool & Serve
Allow the bars to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve them warm for a cozy dessert or chilled for a refreshing snack.
Serving & Storage Tips
- Serve with a drizzle of extra honey, maple syrup, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat or enjoy cold: They’re just as tasty straight from the fridge as they are gently warmed.
Helpful Notes & Variations
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm, fall-inspired flavor.
- Make it dairy-free: Substitute cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream.
- Nut variations: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different crunch.
- Low-carb option: Skip the honey/maple syrup for an ultra low-sugar snack.
Cottage Cheese Pecan Pie Bars – Protein-Rich & Guilt-Free
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars (1 bar per serving)
Description
These protein-packed Cottage Cheese Pecan Pie Bars are a guilt-free treat perfect for any time of the day. With a crispy, nutty topping and a rich, creamy texture, these bars make the perfect low-carb dessert or snack!
Ingredients
1 cup cottage cheese
2 large eggs
½ cup almond flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
1 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
½ cup chopped pecans (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a bowl, whisk together cottage cheese, eggs, vanilla, and honey/maple syrup until smooth. Add almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until fully combined.
Step 3: Add the Pecans
Fold in chopped pecans, reserving a few to sprinkle on top.
Step 4: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle the reserved pecans over the surface. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until set in the center and lightly golden. A toothpick should come out mostly clean.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing into bars. Serve warm or chilled—perfect for a protein-rich snack or dessert!
Notes
Equipment Needed:
8×8-inch baking dish
Whisk
Mixing bowl
Spatula
Notes & Variations:
Sweetener: Adjust the sweetness by using 1–2 tbsp of honey or maple syrup. For a sugar-free version, use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit.
Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and flavor.
Dietary Tweaks: This recipe is naturally gluten-free thanks to the almond flour. To make it dairy-free, substitute the cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative like cashew cream.
Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or enjoy them cold.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Cuisine: American
FAQs about Cottage Cheese Pecan Pie Bars
1. Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
Yes! All-purpose flour works as a direct substitute, but almond flour keeps these bars gluten-free and adds a nutty taste.
2. What type of cottage cheese should I use?
Any kind works, but small curd cottage cheese blends more smoothly. If texture bothers you, blend it before adding to the batter.
3. Can I freeze Cottage Cheese Pecan Pie Bars?
Absolutely. Slice the bars, wrap them individually, and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
4. Are these bars suitable for breakfast?
Yes! They’re high in protein and lower in sugar, making them a balanced on-the-go breakfast.
5. Can I make them sweeter?
If you prefer a dessert-level sweetness, simply increase the honey or maple syrup to 3 tablespoons.
Nutritional Insight
Each bar (based on 9 bars, with 1 tbsp honey) is approximately:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fat: 7g
Not bad for something that tastes like pecan pie, right?
Final Thoughts
These Cottage Cheese Pecan Pie Bars prove that healthy eating doesn’t mean giving up dessert. They’re comforting yet light, sweet yet balanced, and best of all—they leave you feeling satisfied without the sugar crash.
Next time you’re craving something cozy but don’t want to derail your health goals, bake up a batch of these bars. I promise, your future self (and your sweet tooth) will thank you.
👉 If you try this recipe, let me know how you liked it! Did you enjoy them warm out of the oven or chilled from the fridge?
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Reader Favorites: Similar Recipes You’ll Also Love
Hey friend—if you’ve fallen for these Cottage Cheese Pecan Pie Bars, I have a few more favorites from the blog that I think might just become your next go-to treats:
➡️ Fluffy Cottage Cheese Cloud Bread – Low-Carb & Gluten-Free
A soft, airy delight made in just 30 minutes—perfect when you want something light yet satisfying.
➡️ High-Protein Cottage Cheese Breakfast Biscuit
Fluffy, savory, and loaded with protein—this low-carb biscuit is ready in under 15 minutes. Ideal for busy mornings when you still want a nutrition boost.
➡️ Fluffy Cottage Cheese Almond Flour Bagels – The Best High-Protein …
Think chewy, protein-rich bagels that won’t derail your diet—yet still deliver all the cozy bagel vibes.
Feeling like branching out? Here’s a fun dessert twist:
➡️ Cottage Cheese Banana Bread Mug Cake
Microwave-magic in under 5 minutes! A single mug and a fork stand between you and a delicious, warm snack.
I hope these recipes spark as much joy in your kitchen as they do in mine. If you’d like to explore even more, feel free to browse more recipes, or follow me on social media—I’d love to stay connected and share more cozy, feel-good creations with you.
