Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite desserts: the Lemon Raspberry Cottage Cheese Bake! It’s this beautiful blend of tart lemons and sweet, juicy raspberries that just bursts with flavor. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to dig in! What I love most is how light and fluffy it is, yet it feels indulgent at the same time. It’s a dessert that makes you feel good about treating yourself, and trust me, everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Ingredients for Lemon Raspberry Cottage Cheese Bake
2 cups cottage cheese (preferably low-fat)
1 cup fresh raspberries (washed and drained)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
3 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
How to Prepare Lemon Raspberry Cottage Cheese Bake
Now, let’s get into the fun part—making this delightful Lemon Raspberry Cottage Cheese Bake! First things first, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your bake cooks evenly and develops that lovely golden top. While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the cottage cheese, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Whisk it all together until it’s nice and smooth—this is where the magic begins!
Preheat and Mix Ingredients
Once your oven is preheated, it’s time to get mixing! Begin by tossing those cottage cheese, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract into a bowl. I like to use a whisk to really blend everything together until it’s creamy and well-combined. The smell of lemon will make your kitchen feel like a sunny day!
Next up, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps keep everything airy and fluffy! After that, gently stir in the flour and baking powder, but be careful not to overmix. Just combine until you don’t see any dry flour—this keeps the texture light and oh-so-delicious!
Fold in Raspberries
Now, this part is crucial: gently fold in those fresh raspberries. I usually use a spatula for this to keep the berries intact. You want to maintain their shape so every bite is a burst of raspberry goodness!
Bake and Cool
Finally, pour your mixture into a greased baking dish, making sure it’s evenly spread out. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and a light golden color appears around the edges. Let it cool for a bit before serving—trust me, the flavors will meld beautifully as it cools!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Lemon Raspberry Cottage Cheese Bake turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, use room temperature eggs; they blend more smoothly into the mixture and help create that lovely fluffy texture. Also, ensure your cottage cheese is well-drained—too much liquid can make the bake soggy, and we definitely don’t want that! Another little gem: don’t overmix when adding the flour and baking powder. Just fold until combined to keep everything light. Oh, and if you can, use fresh raspberries for that bright, juicy burst of flavor. You’ll thank me later!
Nutritional Information
Let’s chat about the nutritional side of this delightful Lemon Raspberry Cottage Cheese Bake! Now, keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying. Each slice packs in about 180 calories, with around 4 grams of fat and 10 grams of sugar. You’ll also get about 8 grams of protein, which is a nice bonus! It has approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of fiber, making it a light yet satisfying dessert. So, go ahead and indulge a little—you’re doing your body a favor with all that cottage cheese goodness!
Perfect for gatherings—everyone will be asking for seconds
Easy to make ahead of time, so you can relax and enjoy
FAQ About Lemon Raspberry Cottage Cheese Bake
Got questions about the Lemon Raspberry Cottage Cheese Bake? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some common queries!
Can I use frozen raspberries? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid adding excess moisture to your bake. You might notice they’re a bit softer, but they’ll still taste amazing!
How do I store leftovers? To keep your delicious bake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll last for about 3-4 days, but trust me, it’s so good you might not have any left!
Can I substitute cottage cheese with another dairy product? While cottage cheese adds a unique texture and flavor, you can try using ricotta cheese as a substitute. Just keep in mind that it will change the taste and texture a bit, but it can still be delicious!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Lemon Raspberry Cottage Cheese Bake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay delicious for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can serve it chilled or let it come to room temperature. If you prefer it warm, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat it; we want to maintain that lovely texture and flavor!
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