Glazed cottage cheese bars

Ingredients

Cheese mass

400 grams (14.1 ounces) cottage cheese 9%
50 grams (1.8 ounces) butter
50 grams (1.8 ounces) condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Caramel

150 grams (5.3 ounces) brown sugar
35 grams (1.2 ounces) butter
25 grams (0.9 ounces) honey
25 grams (0.9 ounces) water
1 sachet (10 grams) vanilla sugar
100 grams (3.5 ounces) cream 33%

Gourmet glaze

200 grams (7 ounces) milk chocolate
70 grams (2.5 ounces) vegetable oil
30 grams (1.1 ounces) chopped hazelnuts

Equipment

Blender
A high-speed blender will ensure your cottage cheese mass is perfectly smooth. Make sure to scrape down the sides to get even blending.
Saucepan
A heavy-bottomed saucepan works best for making caramel as it distributes heat evenly, preventing burning.
Whisk
A silicone or balloon whisk is perfect for incorporating the vanilla cream into the caramel smoothly.
Baking Sheet and Parchment Paper
Use parchment paper to line your baking sheet; it makes removing the frozen bars a breeze.
Microwave-Safe Bowl
Great for melting chocolate quickly and evenly. Remember to stir the chocolate every 15 seconds to avoid overheating.

Instructions

Step 1

Here’s a recipe for sweet cottage cheese bars, glazed with milk chocolate and hazelnuts. Everyone loves sweet cottage cheese snacks. But the composition of the ready-made ones is not very healthy. So why buy them when you can make a much tastier version yourself?

Step 2

For a creamier texture, you can use a food processor instead of a blender. Mash all the cheese mass components with a blender into a homogeneous curd mass.

Step 3

To make the caramel, bring the butter, sugar, and honey to a boil. Once the mixture boils, reduce the heat and cover the saucepan with a lid; let it simmer for 5 minutes. The caramel should be a nice golden color.

Step 4

Stir frequently to prevent burning, and don't leave the caramel unattended. Warm up the cream and vanilla sugar. Pour the vanilla cream into the caramel in a thin stream while stirring constantly; cook the caramel for another 4-6 minutes. It will still seem quite liquid, but it will thicken as it cools. Remove the caramel from the heat and let it cool.

Step 5

Using a round nozzle helps in achieving uniform bars. Form the bars using the round nozzle and freeze them.

Step 6

Frying nuts enhances their flavor and crunch. Fry the chopped hazelnuts in a dry frying pan to bring out their taste. Melt the chocolate and mix it with vegetable oil and the fried nuts. Bon Appetit!

Servings

Once your sweet cottage cheese bars are ready, there are numerous enjoyable ways to serve them! 😋

Classic Delight: Serve these bars chilled straight from the fridge for a refreshing, creamy treat. The chocolate glaze and hazelnuts give them a satisfying crunch. Perfect for a quick snack or a light dessert.

Accompanied by Coffee: Pair these delightful bars with a hot cup of cappuccino or espresso. The rich, creamy texture of the bars complements the bold flavors of the coffee, making for a fantastic afternoon pick-me-up. ☕

With Fresh Fruits: Serve alongside a medley of fresh berries or sliced fruit for a more balanced snack. The fruity tang is a great counterpoint to the sweet, creamy bars. 🍓

Dessert Platter: For a more extravagant presentation, place these bars on a dessert platter alongside an assortment of other mini desserts like macarons or fruit tarts. They’ll be the star of any gathering!

Variations

Want to enjoy these bars but have dietary restrictions? No problem! Here are some options:

Gluten-Free Variation: 🌾🚫 Ensure all your ingredients, particularly the vanilla extract and chocolate, are certified gluten-free. The rest of the recipe remains unchanged.

Vegan Variation: 🌱 Swap the cottage cheese for a dairy-free alternative like almond or soy-based cream cheese. Replace the butter and cream in the caramel with coconut oil and coconut cream respectively. Opt for dairy-free chocolate for the glaze.

Faq

How can I make sure my caramel doesn’t burn?
Keep a close eye on the caramel and cook it on medium heat. Using a heavy-bottomed saucepan helps avoid hotspots that can cause burning.
What’s the best way to melt chocolate without burning it?
Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in short 15-second intervals and stirring each time until smooth.
Can I make the bars without hazelnuts?
Absolutely! You can leave out the hazelnuts or substitute them with other nuts like almonds or walnuts for a different twist.
How should I store these bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Yes, dark chocolate works wonderfully and adds a more intense chocolatey flavor. You can also use white chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste.
How do I achieve the perfect texture for the cottage cheese mass?
Blend the cottage cheese until completely smooth and homogenous. If your blender leaves some lumps, you can pass the mixture through a fine sieve for a silky texture.