High-Protein Lemon-Blueberry Cake

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Cottage cheese is the secret star ingredient in this stunning cake. While the cheesy flavor is muted by the fruit, the inclusion of cottage cheese adds protein and keeps the cake moist. The tart flavor of the lemon is balanced by sweet blueberries. Enjoy a slice of this cake for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Or try crumbling it up and stirring into a bowl of cottage cheese or yogurt.

Active Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 15 mins
Servings:
8
  • The combination of cottage cheese and fruit keeps the cake moist and flavorful.
  • Whole-wheat flour provides a source of fiber for sustained energy.
  • Fresh blueberries add antioxidants and a natural sweetness to the cake.
Ingredients for the high-protein lemon-blueberry cake separated in clear mixing bowls

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Liv Dansky, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour

  • ¾ cup whole-wheat flour

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 2 large lemons

  • ¾ cup 4%-fat cottage cheese

  • 2 large eggs

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar plus 1 tablespoon, divided

  • 2 cups fresh blueberries

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for pan

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with butter; line with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang on all sides.

    Loaf pan lined with parchment paper

    Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Liv Dansky, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

  2. Whisk all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, baking powder and salt together in a large bowl.

    Flour mixture in a clear mixing bowl and a whisk next to it

    Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Liv Dansky, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

  3. Grate both lemons to equal about 1/4 cup zest; place in a medium bowl. Juice 1 lemon to equal 2 tablespoons juice; add to the medium bowl. Slice the remaining lemon into thin rounds; remove seeds.

    Sliced lemon on a white cutting board

    Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Liv Dansky, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

  4. Add cottage cheese, eggs and 3/4 cup sugar to the bowl with the lemon zest and juice; whisk until combined.

    Cottage cheese and egg mixture in clear mixing bowl

    Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Liv Dansky, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

  5. Whisk the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in blueberries and melted butter.

    High-protein lemon-blueberry cake batter in a clear mixing bowl

    Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Liv Dansky, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

  6. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan; top with the lemon slices and the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar.

    High-protein lemon-blueberry cake batter in loaf pan, topped with lemon slices

    Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Liv Dansky, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

  7. Bake until the top is golden-brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 1 hour to 1 hour, 10 minutes. Let cool before slicing.

    High-protein lemon-blueberry cake baked in loaf pan, topped with lemon slices

    Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Liv Dansky, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Equipment:

9-by-5-inch loaf pan; parchment paper

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, June 2023

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

301 Calories
11g Fat
46g Carbs
7g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Serving Size 1 slice
Calories 301
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 46g 17%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 26g
Added Sugars 20g 40%
Protein 7g 14%
Total Fat 11g 14%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 72mg 24%
Vitamin A 413IU 8%
Vitamin C 12mg 13%
Vitamin D 25IU 6%
Vitamin E 1mg 4%
Folate 49mcg 12%
Vitamin K 8mcg 7%
Sodium 305mg 13%
Calcium 68mg 5%
Iron 1mg 6%
Magnesium 23mg 5%
Potassium 120mg 3%
Zinc 1mg 9%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.