Chocolate cheese bars
CHOCOLATE CHEESE BARS
These CHOCOLATE CHEESE BARS, crafted with naturally sweet dates and velvety cottage cheese, are set to become your new favorite guilt-free treat, perfectly satisfying your sweet tooth with wholesome indulgence. By swapping out refined sugar for dates and blending them with protein-packed cottage cheese, you get a rich, indulgent filling that’s dipped in melted chocolate for the ultimate finish. They’re perfect for a quick snack, a post-dinner dessert, or even a fun activity to make with the kids.Dates are nature’s candy—packed with natural sugars, fiber, and minerals like potassium and magnesium, they add sweetness without the blood sugar spikes of refined sugar. They also bring a caramel-like depth that pairs beautifully with chocolate. Cottage cheese, often overlooked in desserts, is a nutritional gem: high in protein, low in carbs, and wonderfully creamy when blended. It creates a smooth, cheesecake-like filling that feels indulgent but keeps things light. Dipping the logs in melted dark chocolate adds a satisfying snap and a touch of decadence, making these treats a wholesome yet luxurious option.These bars are the perfect mix of healthy and indulgent. The date and cottage cheese filling is creamy, naturally sweet, and packed with nutrients, while the dark chocolate shell adds a satisfying crunch and rich flavor. They’re kid-friendly, adult-approved, and endlessly customizable—try rolling them in chopped almonds or adding a pinch of cinnamon to the filling for a twist. Plus, they’re no-bake, making them a fuss-free option for any occasion.Whether you’re sneaking one as a midday pick-me-up or serving them at a gathering, these CHOCOLATE CHEESE BARS will disappear fast. Give them a try, and let me know how you like them—or if you’ve got a fun variation to share. Bon appétit!
Equipment
- silicone molds or you can use cupcake liners
Ingredients
- 1 cup dark chocolate
- 1 TBSP butter or coconut oil
- 1.5 cup full-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates soaked, drained and chopped very finely
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
OPTIONAL
- flaky sea salt
- crushed nuts
- cocoa powder
Instructions
- If your dates are firm, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften, then drain and chop them very finely. This makes blending easier and ensures a smooth filling.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the dates, cottage cheese and vanilla extract. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed—about 1-2 minutes. The mixture should be thick and spreadable, like a soft dough. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of cottage cheese; if too wet, add another chopped date.
- Melt the chocolate in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring in the butter or coconut oil until fully combined and smooth.
- Using a clean spoon, lightly coat the inside of your molds with a thin layer of chocolate. Repeat this process twice for your preferred thickness. Make sure to reserve some chocolate for the top layer.Place the molds in the refrigerator to set for about 5-10 minutes.
- Remove the chilled molds from the fridge and fill them with the cottage cheese mixture, leaving a little space at the top. Reheat the reserved chocolate over low heat until just melted, then brush it over the filling to seal the treats.Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, crushed nuts, or a dusting of cocoa powder if desired.
- Return the molds to the fridge to set for at least 30 minutes to ensure they firm up completely. For easier removal, transfer the molds to the freezer for 15 minutes before gently popping the treats out.Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
