Yum! These Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars are moist, creamy, and full of cozy fall flavors — plus they’re packed with protein thanks to cottage cheese. A perfect balance between dessert and a wholesome snack.

Table of Contents hide

1 Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars

1.2 Instructions

1.2.1 1. Prep

1.2.2 2. Make the Pumpkin Cake Batter

1.2.3 3. Make the Cottage Cheese Layer

1.2.4 4. Assemble the Bars

1.2.5 5. Bake

1.2.6 6. Serve

1.3 Tips & Variations

Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Spice Cake Bars

Ingredients

For the Cake Layer:

1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour (or whole wheat for healthier bars)

1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt

2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or 1 ½ tsp cinnamon + ¼ tsp nutmeg + ¼ tsp ginger + pinch of cloves)
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a natural option)
½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)

2 large eggs
1 cup (240 g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cottage Cheese Cream Layer:

1 cup (225 g) cottage cheese (blended until smooth)
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar (or honey/maple syrup)

1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Make the Pumpkin Cake Batter

In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin spice.
In another bowl, whisk sugar, oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla until smooth.

Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.

3. Make the Cottage Cheese Layer

Blend cottage cheese in a blender/food processor until creamy.
Mix with sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.

» MORE: Lemon Zest Cake Recipe

4. Assemble the Bars

Pour 2/3 of the pumpkin batter into the pan and spread evenly.
Add the cottage cheese mixture on top, spreading gently.
Spoon the remaining pumpkin batter over in dollops and swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.

5. Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

6. Serve

Enjoy plain, or top with a dusting of powdered sugar, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple glaze.

Tips & Variations

Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese if you prefer a smoother tang.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
For extra indulgence, drizzle with cream cheese frosting.

Would you like me to also give you a high-protein healthy version (using oat flour + no refined sugar) for a guilt-free snack bar?