Cottage Cheese Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf – Flourless & High-Protein

Friends, thank you so much for stopping by today—I’m thrilled to share a recipe that’s become a favorite in my kitchen: Cottage Cheese Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf. This flourless, high-protein loaf is bursting with bright lemon flavor, speckled with crunchy poppy seeds, and made with cottage cheese for a creamy, tender crumb. It’s the perfect recipe when you want something wholesome but still indulgent.

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Overview of Recipe Content

This loaf is part breakfast, part snack, and fully comforting. It fits beautifully into a meal prep routine, makes a great afternoon coffee companion, and even works as a healthier dessert.

Why you’ll love it:

• Flourless and gluten-free (when made with almond flour).
• High in protein thanks to cottage cheese and eggs.
• Naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup.
• Moist, tender, and brightened by lemon zest and juice.
• Easy to make in one bowl!

What it tastes like:
Imagine a lemon pound cake that’s lighter, less sweet, and with a subtle tang from cottage cheese. The poppy seeds add a delightful crunch that keeps each bite interesting.

Ingredients you’ll need (makes 1 loaf):

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• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup oat flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Tools you’ll need:

• Mixing bowl
• Hand whisk or blender (for smoother cottage cheese texture)
• Loaf pan
• Parchment paper

Suggested substitutions & additions:

• Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a slightly tangier loaf.
• Swap oat flour for almond flour if gluten-free.
• Add blueberries for a fruity twist.
• Drizzle with a simple lemon glaze for a sweeter finish.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf

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1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Blend the cottage cheese until smooth (optional, but makes the texture silky).
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, honey/maple syrup, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla.
4. Stir in the cottage cheese until fully combined.
5. Add the oat/almond flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds. Mix gently until smooth.
6. Pour the batter into your loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let it cool before slicing—this helps it set and keeps it moist.

The aroma when this loaf bakes is absolutely irresistible—bright citrus with just a hint of sweetness.

What to Serve with Cottage Cheese Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf

• A hot cup of chamomile tea or cappuccino.
• Fresh berries on the side.
• A dollop of Greek yogurt with honey drizzle for extra protein.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Don’t skip the zest—it’s where the real lemon punch comes from.
• Blend cottage cheese if you prefer a smooth crumb.
• Cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.
• Store in the fridge for best texture.

Storage Instructions

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze slices individually for quick grab-and-go snacks (up to 2 months).
• To reheat, warm in the microwave for 20 seconds or toast lightly.

General Information

Lemon poppy seed cakes have roots in European baking traditions, where citrus and seeds were often used in celebratory breads. This version is updated with cottage cheese and oat flour, making it a more nourishing, protein-packed choice. Perfect for springtime baking when lemons are at their brightest!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this loaf dairy-free?
Yes! Swap cottage cheese for a dairy-free yogurt.

Is it gluten-free?
Yes, if you use almond flour instead of oat flour.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just use a larger pan or bake two loaves.

Can I turn this into muffins?
Yes, reduce bake time to 18–20 minutes.

Conclusion

This Cottage Cheese Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf is everything I love in a recipe: nourishing, bright, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re making it for Sunday brunch or as a weekday treat, it’s sure to bring a little sunshine to your table.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love these:

• Flourless Chocolate Protein Brownies
• Protein Cookie Dough

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Interactive Elements

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave me a comment or tag me on Pinterest with your beautiful loaf.

Nutritional Information (per slice, based on 10 slices)

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Sugar	Fat	Fiber
140	10g	12g	5g	6g	2g

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