If you love peanut butter and jelly but want something cool and refreshing, this PB+J Frozen Cottage Cheese Bark is your new go-to snack.
It’s creamy, high in protein, and has that perfect mix of salty-sweet flavor.
The best part? You only need a handful of ingredients and a few minutes to put it together — your freezer does the rest.
Why I Love This Recipe
I first made this on a hot afternoon when I wanted something sweet but didn’t feel like baking. It turned out to be the easiest, most satisfying snack I’ve had in ages. It’s creamy, cold, and has that nostalgic PB+J flavor that just makes you smile.
- Only 5 ingredients
- Naturally high in protein
- Super customizable — use any nut butter or jam
- Freezer-friendly for grab-and-go snacks
- Feels like dessert but it’s secretly healthy
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 tbsp peanut butter (creamy or natural)
- 2 tbsp berry jam (strawberry, raspberry, or mixed berry)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 2 tbsp crushed peanuts or chopped nuts
- 1/4 cup fresh or frozen berries
Pro Tips
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest texture.
- Spread the mixture evenly so it freezes uniformly.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper — it makes lifting the bark easy.
- If your jam is too thick, warm it for a few seconds so it swirls easily.
- Let it sit at room temp for 2–3 minutes before eating for perfect texture.
Tools You’ll Need
- Blender or food processor
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Spoon for swirling
Substitutions and Variations
- Almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter
- Sugar-free jam for a lower-sugar option
- Add mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence
- Swap berries for chopped banana or apple pieces
- Try Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a smoother finish
Make Ahead Tips
- Make a big batch and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Line layers with parchment paper to keep the pieces from sticking.
- You can blend and spread the mixture a day ahead, then freeze overnight.
Makes: 6–8 pieces
Total Time: 10 minutes prep + 2 hours freeze time
Step 1: Blend the Base
In a blender or food processor, combine 1 cup cottage cheese and 1 tbsp honey (if using). Blend until completely smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds.
Step 2: Spread the Base
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture onto the sheet and use a spatula to spread it into an even rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
Step 3: Add Peanut Butter and Jam
Dollop 2 tbsp peanut butter and 2 tbsp berry jam over the spread. Use the back of a spoon to swirl them together into the cottage cheese base, creating a marbled PB+J pattern.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Sprinkle 2 tbsp crushed peanuts and 1/4 cup fresh or frozen berries evenly over the top. Gently press them in so they stick to the surface.
Step 5: Freeze
Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until completely firm.
Step 6: Break and Serve
Once frozen solid, lift the bark from the parchment and break it into pieces. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the freezer.
Leftovers & Storage
Keep leftover bark in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best texture, let a piece sit for 1–2 minutes before eating.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Blending the cottage cheese makes it creamy, almost like yogurt, and freezing it creates a solid bark texture without needing extra fat. The natural sugars in honey and jam prevent it from becoming icy, while the peanut butter adds richness and flavor contrast.
Macros (Per Piece)
- Calories: ~110
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 8g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
Common Mistakes
- Spreading too thick — it won’t freeze evenly
- Not blending enough — chunky texture ruins the smooth base
- Using runny peanut butter — it won’t swirl nicely
- Forgetting parchment paper — it’ll stick and break unevenly
What to Serve With
- A hot cup of coffee or tea
- A smoothie or protein shake
- Fresh fruit for a balanced snack
FAQ
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Yes! It’ll be smoother and a bit tangier.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Totally — it adds great texture.
Do I have to add honey?
No, it’s optional. The jam gives enough sweetness for most people.
Can I store it in the fridge instead of the freezer?
No, it’ll get too soft. Keep it frozen for the best crunch.
Hope You Love It
This PB+J Frozen Cottage Cheese Bark is one of those snacks that feels fun to make and even better to eat. Try it once, and you’ll probably want a batch waiting in your freezer all the time!