Easy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bark

By Rachel Mansfield
Updated July 31, 2025
1 review

This High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bark is a family favorite for a healthy snack that satisfies your sweet tooth but also has protein in it.

Okay okay okay… I can’t even tell you how excited I am about this cottage cheese bark right now. This is one of those recipes that totally blew my mind the first time I made it – and it’s officially on repeat over here. You only need a few simple ingredients, it takes like 5 minutes to whip up, and it tastes like a frozen peanut butter banana cheesecake situation… but with nourishing ingredients that leave you feeling good.

We’ve been calling this our “frozen bark snack plate” around the house lately because it’s been a go-to after school treat for my kids and also my new favorite post-lunch sweet bite. If you’re into frozen yogurt bark, this is kind of like the creamy, protein-packed cousin that’s secretly loaded with good-for-you ingredients like cottage cheese, banana, peanut butter, and a little drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

And trust me – even if you think you’re not a cottage cheese person, this recipe is going to change your mind. When you blend it all together, it gets so smooth and luscious and totally dessert-worthy. Plus, the combo of banana and peanut butter? I mean, come on. That will never not hit.

Let’s dive in!

What is Cottage Cheese Bark?

So what is cottage cheese bark anyway? Think of it like frozen yogurt bark, but instead of using yogurt as your base, you blend up cottage cheese with a few flavor-boosting ingredients and freeze it into a bark that’s creamy, sweet, and packed with protein.

It’s the perfect make-ahead snack or dessert to keep stashed in your freezer. You can break it up into pieces and snack on it straight from the tray, and it’s totally customizable with all your favorite toppings. I’m talking melted peanut butter, chocolate chips, chopped banana, granola, crushed nuts, coconut flakes – you name it.

This version is naturally sweetened with banana and honey (or maple syrup if you want it plant-based), and it has that magical combo of sweet + salty + creamy + crunchy that I am always looking for in a snack.

And yes – it’s totally kid-approved.

The Ingredients You Need:

This cottage cheese bark is made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients – probably ones you already have in your kitchen. Here’s the full list:

Cottage cheese – I love using full-fat cottage cheese for this to make it super creamy and satisfying. But if you prefer low-fat, that totally works too. Just make sure you’re using a plain, unsweetened kind. You can use any brand you like – just go with one that has minimal ingredients.
Banana – This adds natural sweetness and a creamy texture when blended. Plus, banana and peanut butter is just always a yes in our house.
Peanut butter – You can totally use your go-to nut butter here – almond, cashew, sunflower seed butter, anything goes. I personally love the classic peanut butter flavor paired with banana and chocolate.
Honey or maple syrup – Either one works for a touch of sweetness. If you’re making this for your toddler or a baby under 1, skip the honey and go for maple syrup instead.

Toppings (aka the best part!):

Once you have your base blended and poured into your tray, the fun begins with toppings. We’ve been doing:

Mini chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks
Sliced banana
Swirls of creamy peanut butter
Crushed peanuts (for a little crunch)
Granola (because it’s amazing with the creamy frozen base)

The sky’s the limit with toppings here. Just be sure to add them before freezing so they set right into the bark.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Bark:

This recipe couldn’t be easier. Here’s how to make it:

✨ Step 1: Blend your base

Add the cottage cheese, banana, peanut butter, and honey or maple syrup to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy – no lumps. This should only take about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Pro tip: Scrape down the sides to make sure everything gets blended evenly. It should have a whipped, yogurt-like texture.

✨ Step 2: Spread it out

Line a small baking sheet (like a quarter or half sheet pan) with parchment paper. Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture onto the tray and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer, about ¼ to ½ inch thick.

✨ Step 3: Add toppings

Now for the fun part – decorate your bark with whatever toppings your heart desires. Drizzle on extra peanut butter, scatter chocolate chips, lay down some banana slices… let your inner snack artist shine.

✨ Step 4: Freeze

Pop the tray into your freezer for at least 3 hours, or until the bark is fully set and frozen solid. You want it to be easy to break into pieces without being too icy.

✨ Step 5: Break + snack!

Once it’s frozen, lift the bark out of the tray using the parchment paper and break it into chunks or slices. Store in a freezer-safe container or bag and keep frozen until ready to snack.

Why I Love This Snack (and My Kids Do Too)

I am so here for anything that makes snack time easier, more satisfying, and a little more exciting. And this cottage cheese bark checks all the boxes.

It’s:

✅ High in protein (thanks, cottage cheese!)
✅ Naturally sweetened
✅ Packed with healthy fats
✅ Creamy, crunchy, sweet, and salty all in one
✅ Fun to customize
✅ Super kid-friendly (seriously, Ezra calls this “banana ice cream bark”)

And I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking for ways to sneak in a little extra protein, especially in the afternoons when I’m chasing the kids around or trying to power through that 3pm slump.

This bark has become my go-to for those moments when I want something sweet but also want to feel good after eating it. I love that I can throw it together in a few minutes and keep a stash in the freezer for the whole week.

Cottage Cheese = Secret Snack Hero

Let’s just take a minute to give cottage cheese the standing ovation it deserves. It’s one of those foods that people either love or feel super meh about, but I’m here to tell you it’s a game-changer – especially when you blend it.

It’s creamy, high in protein, super versatile, and takes on any flavor you pair it with. I’ve been using it in smoothies, pasta sauces, dips, and now this bark – and I swear it adds the best texture every single time.

If you’ve been skeptical about trying it, start here. You won’t even know it’s in there. It tastes like peanut butter banana cheesecake. Total win.

Make It Your Own:

This recipe is super customizable, so don’t be afraid to play around. Here are a few ways you can switch it up:

Make it chocolatey: Add 1-2 tablespoons of cacao powder to the blender for a chocolate peanut butter version.
Go tropical: Swap the banana for mango or pineapple and top with coconut flakes.
Add crunch: Top with crushed granola, cacao nibs, or chopped nuts.
Boost it up: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder or collagen to the blender mix.
Make it dairy-free: Try it with a plant-based cottage cheese alternative (they’re popping up everywhere lately!).

How to Store Cottage Cheese Bark

Once your bark is fully frozen and broken into pieces, just store it in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. I like to keep parchment between layers so they don’t stick together.

It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months, but good luck making it last that long. Ours is usually gone in about two days over here.

If you’re packing it in a lunchbox or snack bag, I recommend wrapping a piece in parchment and popping it in a cooler bag with an ice pack to keep it frozen until ready to eat.

More Easy Freezer Snacks You’ll Love:

If you’re into this cottage cheese bark, you have to try these other freezer-friendly favorites from the blog:

I can’t wait for you to try this one. Whether you’re looking for a quick high-protein snack, an easy kid-approved treat, or just something new to do with that tub of cottage cheese sitting in your fridge – this recipe is so it.

Make sure to tag me on Instagram if you make it – I love seeing your creations and all the fun topping combos you come up with. 🫶

Cottage cheese bark is officially the MVP of snack time, and I hope you love it as much as we do!