Keto Lemon Poppy Seed Cottage Cheese Bars

High Protein Lemon Poppy Seed Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate keto dessert if you are looking to treat yourself without breaking your goals. Each bar has just 2.8g net carbs and packs 5.8g protein, all from whole food simple ingredients and no protein powder needed. 

Creamy, citrusy, and lightly sweet with a pop of crunch from the seeds, these bars are a total game-changer for the low carb, gluten-free, and diabetic-friendly crowd.

Whether you’re meal prepping, cutting sugar, or simply obsessed with cottage cheese (aren’t we all?), these no-bake cheesecake bars are here to satisfy with zero guilt.

Why You’ll Love It

• High in protein – 5.8g per bar without any protein powder for a boost of protein.
• Keto-friendly & low carb – Just 2.8g net carbs per serving.
• No-bake & easy – No oven, no fuss, just chill and slice.
• Naturally sweetened – Sugar-free using Swerve or your fave keto sweetener.
• Zesty lemon flavor – Bright, fresh, and loaded with real lemon juice and zest.
• Creamy + crunchy – Silky cheesecake filling with a buttery almond flour base and little pops of poppy seeds.
• Meal prep friendly – Make ahead and keep in the fridge or freezer for whenever those cravings hit.

This recipe has that refreshing lemon flavor with a subtle crunch from poppy seeds, plus a buttery almond flour crust that holds it all together. It’s like a cozy lemon hug with a protein punch. Perfect for anyone who wants a sweet treat without sabotaging their goals.

Ingredients

Crust Layer

• Almond flour
• Swerve or erythritol
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Cheesecake Layer

• Full-fat cottage cheese
• Cream cheese (room temperature)
• Swerve or erythritol
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Poppy seeds
• Vanilla extract
• Gelatin
• Water

Instructions

• Make the crust: In a bowl, mix almond flour, sweetener, melted butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until it feels like wet sand.
• Press into a loaf pan (lined with parchment paper for easy removal). Chill in the fridge while you make the filling.
• Blend the cottage cheese in a food processor or blender until completely smooth.
• Add the cream cheese, sweetener, lemon juice, lemon zest, poppy seeds, and vanilla. Blend until creamy.
• Bloom the gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over water. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then microwave for 10–15 seconds until melted. Stir until smooth.
• Add the gelatin to your cheesecake mixture and blend one more time to combine.
• Pour the batter over the crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
• Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best texture.
• Slice into 12 bars and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Use a food processor to get the cottage cheese ultra smooth.
• Don’t skip blooming the gelatin—it makes the bars hold their shape.
• Chill overnight for the firmest slice and best flavor.
• Line your loaf pan with parchment paper to make slicing clean and easy.

Ingredient Swaps

• Swap almond flour with coconut flour (use less, it’s more absorbent).
• Use monk fruit, allulose or other sugar free sweetener instead of Swerve if you prefer.
• Can’t find poppy seeds? Add chia seeds for a fun texture twist.
• Add a dash of lemon extract for a stronger citrus punch.

Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze bars individually wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
• Let thaw in the fridge before enjoying.

What to Serve With

Top It Off:

• Traditional Keto Lemon Curd or High Protein Keto Lemon Curd or lemon glaze – Spoon some on top for a bold citrusy finish.
• Sugar-free whipped cream – Light, fluffy, and perfect for extra indulgence without extra carbs.
• Fresh berries – Add raspberries or blueberries for a refreshing pop of color and sweetness.

Make It a Full Meal:

• Start with Keto Chicken Gyro Casserole – Juicy, flavorful, and loaded with Mediterranean spices.
• Serve with Keto Mediterranean Cauliflower Broccoli Rice – A light and herby side dish that pairs beautifully with chicken.
• End your meal with a cheesecake bar and a scoop of Keto Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream for the perfect sweet finish.

Quick Snack Pairing:

• Enjoy with coffee and a side of 1-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Chips for a sweet-meets-savory snack plate.

Conclusion

These keto lemon poppy seed cheesecake bars are the perfect feel-good dessert for anyone following a low-carb or high-protein diet. Easy to make, creamy, zesty, and totally satisfying—without protein powder, gluten, or sugar. They’re proof that healthy can taste amazing. 

More Keto Recipes to Try

• Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust
• Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies
• Cottage Cheese High Protein Snacks

FAQ

Q: Can I use fat-free cottage cheese?
A: I don’t recommend it. Full-fat gives the best creamy texture and more flavor.

Q: Can I swap cottage cheese for ricotta in the filling?
A: You can, but it won’t set as firmly. Ricotta has a different texture and more moisture, so the bars may turn out softer and more delicate. If you still want to use ricotta, try mixing it with cottage cheese or using it as a topping instead—one reader loved it that way layered with meat and mozzarella!

Q: Can I make this without a food processor?
A: Yes! Just blend the cottage cheese really well in a blender until smooth.

Q: Can I use agar-agar instead of gelatin?
A: You can try, but it may not set the same way. Test a small batch first.

Q: Why are my bars soft and not holding their shape?
A: That usually means not enough gelatin or using low-fat cottage cheese or cream cheese, which adds too much moisture. Always chill at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Q: How do I get clean slices?
A: Use a sharp knife, wipe between cuts, and make sure the bars are fully chilled before slicing.

Q: Are these bars freezer-friendly?
A: Yes! Freeze them individually wrapped for quick, ready-to-go treats.