These High Protein Cottage Cheese Lemon Balls make a creamy and delicious no-cook dessert. Creamy, zesty, and naturally sweet—these cottage cheese lemon balls are everything you want in a healthy dessert or a sweet snack.
Made using just 4 ingredients, this refreshing, gluten-free treat is ideal for times when you want a guilt-free snack that still satisfies your sweet tooth.
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Table of contents
Whether you are into high-protein snacks, clean eating, or simply love lemon desserts, you are going to love these. They are perfect for anyone craving a healthy dessert without the guilt!
About Cottage Cheese Lemon Balls
These easy-to-make lemon balls are packed with protein, made without any refined sugar, and come together in just a few minutes. This high-protein dessert recipe is made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients like cottage cheese, lemon, honey, and coconut flour.
These lemon protein balls are soft, creamy, and full of bright citrus flavor. Plus, they are meal-prep friendly and great for anyone trying to eat clean. There’s no baking or cooking involved.
Making these balls is completely fuss-free. Just mix, roll, chill, and enjoy! These lemon balls keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
If you love lemon-flavored desserts like lemon flavoured coconut bars, lemon white chocolate cookies, lemon mousse, or lemon flavoured white chocolate truffles, then you will definitely love these cottage cheese lemon balls.
you will love how quick and easy these are. Try them once, and you will be hooked!
Why you will Love the Recipe
These Cottage Cheese Lemon Balls
✔ require no cooking or baking
✔ are super quick & easy
✔ are high in protein
✔ are perfect for post-workout or snack time
✔ are naturally sweetened with honey
✔ have a fresh lemon flavor
✔ are gluten-free
✔ are great for clean eating
✔ are perfect for meal prep
✔ stay fresh for 3–4 days
Ingredients
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Cottage cheese: This high-protein cheese gives a creamy texture to the balls and acts as a soft base.
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Coconut: Use desiccated coconut or coconut flour to give body and structure. I used coconut flour for a finer, more cake-like texture. It’s also used for rolling the balls.
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Lemon: Lemon juice is added to the cottage cheese mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor. Lemon zest is also mixed in and used for rolling to intensify the lemon taste.
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Honey: Acts as a natural sweetener. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste.
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Lemon extract: Optional but recommended—it enhances the bright lemon flavor.
Variations
Vegan Lemon Balls
To make these vegan, swap cottage cheese with thick vegan yogurt or cashew cream. Replace honey with a vegan sweetener like maple syrup or agave.
Nuts & Seeds
Add crushed nuts, chia seeds, or hemp seeds for a bit of texture.
Other Flavors
Not a fan of lemon? Swap it with orange juice and zest or use a dash of vanilla for a different twist.
Other Base Options
If you don’t like coconut, you can use oat flour for a soft, neutral flavor or almond flour for a nutty flavor and tender texture.
Serving Suggestions
They make a healthy dessert after lunch or dinner and a quick post-workout protein snack. You can also serve them as a refreshing sweet treat with afternoon tea, alongside Tiramisu Chia Pudding, Avocado Fudge, Eggless Orange Cake, or Banana Date Walnut Cake.
They are also a great grab-and-go bite for busy mornings—just pair them with a cup of hot coffee or chai and you’re set for the day.
Storage Suggestions
These cottage cheese lemon balls stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. They remain firm and flavorful when kept chilled. Since they can be stored in the fridge, they are a great option for meal prep.
Tips and Tricks to Make the Best Cottage Cheese Lemon Balls
1. Zest First: Always zest the lemon before juicing—it’s easier and keeps the lemon firm.
2. Mix Well: Mix and mash everything by hand to break down the cottage cheese and blend evenly.
3. Adjust Sweetness: Taste and adjust the honey as needed to suit your preference.
4. Coconut Control: You can use either coconut flour or desiccated coconut. Add gradually to control the texture.
5. Customize Texture: If the mixture is too sticky, add more coconut. If too dry, add a splash of lemon juice.
6. Chill Time: Chill the balls in the fridge to help them firm up properly.
Cottage Cheese Lemon Balls (Step-by-step photo instructions)
How to make Cottage Cheese Lemon Balls
- Zest the lemon to get 1 teaspoon of zest and squeeze the juice to get 2 teaspoons of juice.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, ½ cup desiccated coconut (or coconut flour), honey, lemon juice, and a few drops of lemon extract.
- Mix well with your hands while mashing the cheese. Taste the mixture and add more honey if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Add the lemon zest and gradually stir in the remaining ½ cup of desiccated coconut (or coconut flour). Mix until the mixture becomes firm enough to hold its shape, but not too dry.
- Scoop out small portions of the mixture, about 1 tablespoon each, and roll them into small balls with your hands. Once all the balls are shaped, place them on a plate and chill for 30 minutes to firm up.
- On a separate plate, combine the remaining ½ cup of desiccated coconut with 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Mix well. Roll each lemon ball in the coconut-lemon mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
- our high-protein cottage cheese lemon balls are ready! Enjoy these creamy, refreshing bites as a delightful snack or dessert. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Recipe Card
Cottage Cheese Lemon Balls [Recipe]
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 8 reviews)
| Prep time 🕐 | Cook time 🕐 | Total time 🕐 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 hours 5 mins | ||
| Category ☶ | Cuisine ♨ | Serves ☺ |
| Desserts | American | 12 |
| Nutrition Info ⊛ | Serving size ⊚ | |
| 72 calories | 1 |
INGREDIENTS
For Cottage Cheese Lemon Balls
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 lemon (for 2 teaspoons juice and 1 teaspoon zest)
- 4 tablespoons honey (or as needed)
- A few drops of lemon extract
- 1 cup desiccated coconut or coconut flour, divided in half
- Additional desiccated coconut and lemon zest for rolling
INSTRUCTIONS:
How to make Cottage Cheese Lemon Balls
- Zest the lemon to get 1 teaspoon of zest and squeeze the juice to get 2 teaspoons of juice.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, ½ cup desiccated coconut (or coconut flour), honey, lemon juice, and a few drops of lemon extract.
- Mix well with your hands while mashing the cheese. Taste the mixture and add more honey if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Add the lemon zest and gradually stir in the remaining ½ cup of desiccated coconut (or coconut flour). Mix until the mixture becomes firm enough to hold its shape, but not too dry.
- Scoop out small portions of the mixture, about 1 tablespoon each, and roll them into small balls with your hands. Once all the balls are shaped, place them on a plate and chill for 30 minutes to firm up.
- On a separate plate, combine the remaining ½ cup of desiccated coconut with 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Mix well. Roll each lemon ball in the coconut-lemon mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
- our high-protein cottage cheese lemon balls are ready! Enjoy these creamy, refreshing bites as a delightful snack or dessert. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
WATCH RECIPE VIDEO: Click the play button and video will load ...
NOTES:
- Always zest the lemon before juicing—it’s easier and keeps the lemon firm.
- You can use either coconut flour or desiccated coconut.
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Author: Anupama
Recipe Source Link: https://www.mygingergarlickitchen.com/cottage-cheese-lemon-balls/
