Rich. Creamy. Naturally sweet. Packed with protein.
Let’s Talk About These Bars
These Cottage Cheese Chia Fudge Bars are one of those treats that feel indulgent but are secretly loaded with good-for-you stuff.
We’re talking creamy cottage cheese, cocoa, chia seeds, and a hint of maple syrup.
They come together in a blender, no oven needed, and chill into the fudgiest little squares of joy.
I’ve made these for after-dinner snacks, mid-afternoon sweet cravings, even post-workout bites. They always hit the spot!
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (or any nut butter)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips
🍫 Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe started as a way to use up cottage cheese that wasn’t going to make it into dinner. I wasn’t expecting it to turn into something this delicious. But WOW. Now it’s on repeat. Here’s why:
- No baking required – just blend and chill
- Protein-packed from the cottage cheese and chia
- Fudge-like texture that feels like a treat
- Not too sweet – maple syrup gives it a soft, natural sweetness
- Easy to customize with what you’ve got in the pantry
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Cottage cheese gives creaminess and protein, and when blended, it acts like a creamy base – almost like a frosting but better-for-you.
- Chia seeds swell and hold everything together, helping the bars firm up in the fridge.
- Coconut oil solidifies when cold, turning the blended mixture into fudgy bars once chilled.
- Maple syrup keeps it sweet without overloading on sugar.
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- Blend until completely smooth – cottage cheese has a texture, and you want this to be super creamy.
- Use full-fat ingredients – low-fat versions won’t set up the same.
- Chill overnight if you can – they’ll get even firmer and fudgier.
- Line your pan with parchment – makes lifting and cutting clean and easy.
- Taste before chilling – want it sweeter or chocolatier? Adjust cocoa or syrup.
🔧 Tools You’ll Need
- Blender or food processor
- 8×8” pan
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
🔄 Substitutions and Variations
- Use almond butter instead of peanut butter
- Sub honey or agave for maple syrup
- Add shredded coconut or chopped nuts for texture
- Use ricotta cheese if you don’t have cottage cheese – just make sure it’s whole milk
- Skip chocolate chips if you want it even more wholesome
🕓 Make Ahead Tips
These bars are perfect to make ahead – they last up to 5 days in the fridge. I actually think they taste better on day 2!
👣 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Coconut Oil
Instructions:
In a small bowl, melt the coconut oil in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, until fully liquid but not hot.
Step 2: Add Everything to the Blender
Instructions:
In your blender or food processor, add:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- Melted coconut oil
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Pinch of salt
Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping the sides as needed.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Instructions:
Blend on high until the mixture is silky and smooth. It should look like thick, glossy chocolate pudding.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips (Optional)
Instructions:
Pour mixture into a bowl and gently fold in mini chocolate chips if using.
Step 5: Pour and Smooth into Pan
Instructions:
Line an 8×8 pan with parchment. Pour in the fudge mixture and spread evenly with a spatula.
Step 6: Chill
Instructions:
Place the pan in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully set.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Instructions:
Remove from fridge, lift out using parchment, and slice into 12 bars. Sprinkle with sea salt if you’d like!
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can freeze them too – just thaw in the fridge before eating.
📏 Servings & Time
Servings: Makes 12 bars
Total Time: 10 minutes prep + 4 hours chill
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Not blending long enough – texture matters! Make it silky.
- Using low-fat dairy – it won’t set properly.
- Skipping the chill time – it needs time to firm up.
- Overloading with add-ins – keep it simple for the best texture.
🍓 What to Serve With
- Fresh berries
- Hot coffee or iced latte
- Greek yogurt for extra protein
- Crushed nuts for crunch
❓ FAQ
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use a plant-based yogurt or silken tofu instead of cottage cheese.
Can I use flax seeds instead of chia?
Not really – chia is what helps this set. Flax won’t gel the same way.
Can I double it?
Totally! Use a 9×13 pan and adjust chill time slightly longer.
💬 Final Thoughts
These Cottage Cheese Chia Fudge Bars are one of those “how is this healthy?!” recipes. They’re simple, rich, and so satisfying. If you try them, come back and leave a comment! Let me know how they turned out or if you added your own twist. Happy blending!
