Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe

I absolutely love this Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe because it’s like a cozy hug in food form—comforting, wholesome, and naturally sweetened with just a touch of maple syrup. It’s perfect for those mornings when you want something warm and nourishing that still feels a little special, without a ton of fuss. Plus, if you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate how this recipe sneaks in protein and fiber in a way that tastes indulgent but is genuinely good for you.

When I first tried this Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe, I was pleasantly surprised by the creamy texture combined with the tender, cinnamon-spiced apples. You’ll find that it’s wonderfully versatile—great for breakfast, a midday snack, or even a light dessert. It holds up well in the fridge for several days, making it a lifesaver for busy mornings when you want something ready to go.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • High Protein & Healthy: Cottage cheese adds creaminess and protein, keeping you full for hours.
  • Easy Prep: Minimal ingredients and just one bowl to mix make it a quick go-to.
  • Deliciously Flavorful: The cinnamon and fresh apples give it a warm, inviting aroma and taste.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Keeps well in the fridge, perfect for grab-and-go mornings or snacks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients come together beautifully, with the cottage cheese giving a creamy base and the apples bringing fresh sweetness. When shopping, pick a firm but sweet apple and opt for full-fat cottage cheese for the best texture.

  • Cottage cheese: Full-fat works best for a creamy, rich bake.
  • Eggs: They help bind everything together and add extra protein.
  • Apple: I recommend a crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness and texture.
  • Rolled oats or almond flour: Oats add fiber and chewiness; almond flour keeps it gluten-free and moist.
  • Maple syrup or honey: Natural sweeteners to keep it wholesome without refined sugar.
  • Ground cinnamon: The star spice here—adds warmth and autumn vibes.
  • Vanilla extract: Just a splash to enhance all the flavors.
  • Baking powder: Helps give the bake a nice lift and fluffiness.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love mixing this recipe up depending on the season and what’s in my pantry—feel free to play around with add-ins or swap the oats for your favorite grain.

  • Use pears instead of apples: One fall, I tried ripe Bartlett pears and it brought a softer, sweeter twist that my family really enjoyed.
  • Swap oats for almond or coconut flour: Keeps it keto-friendly and gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
  • Add chopped nuts or raisins: I often sprinkle pecans or walnuts on top for crunch, or mix in raisins for a juicy surprise.
  • Spices variation: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger for extra cozy flavor layers.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mix the Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish—this ensures your bake won’t stick and will come out easily. In a large bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until nice and smooth. This step is key because it creates that luscious creamy base that gives the bake its tenderness.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients and Apples

Next, stir in the rolled oats (or almond flour), ground cinnamon, and baking powder. Then fold in the finely diced apple pieces—this keeps the apples distributed evenly so every bite has that burst of fresh fruit. Make sure not to overmix, or the texture can get a bit dense.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden Perfection

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell wafting through your kitchen at this point? Absolutely irresistible—and always makes me wish I had more hands to share it with!

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Let the bake cool for a few minutes so it sets up nicely and slices without falling apart. I find it’s so much easier to cut once slightly cooled, and the flavors mellow beautifully. Serve warm for the best experience!

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe

  • Use Full-Fat Cottage Cheese: I used low-fat once and the texture turned out a bit dry, so full-fat keeps it moist and creamy.
  • Dice Apples Small: Smaller pieces distribute better and prevent lumps in the bake.
  • Don’t Skip Baking Powder: It might seem minor, but it gives the bake a light fluffiness that’s so satisfying.
  • Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on it near the end so it stays tender and doesn’t dry out.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I usually top it with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for tang and creaminess, and sometimes drizzle a little warmed almond butter on top for richness and crunch—my family always asks for extra nuts sprinkled on for texture!

Side Dishes

This bake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a side salad if you’re enjoying it as a brunch or light dinner. On cooler days, I like to serve it alongside a warm cup of chai tea or coffee—it’s such a comforting combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered slices in a pretty ceramic dish topped with cinnamon sticks and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a rustic, inviting look. It also makes a charming breakfast centerpiece during holiday mornings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe covered in the fridge for up to 5 days—just make sure it’s in an airtight container to keep it fresh and moist. It’s wonderful for reheating throughout the week.

Freezing

If I want to save some for later, I slice the bake, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave in short bursts to avoid drying it out. Adding a little extra topping like yogurt helps revive the creamy feel.

FAQs

  1. Can I use another fruit instead of apples in this bake?

    Absolutely! Pears work especially well for a similar sweet, tender texture. You can also use berries or peaches depending on the season, just adjust the cooking time slightly if using juicier fruits to avoid excess moisture.

  2. Is this recipe gluten-free?

    It can be gluten-free if you use almond flour instead of rolled oats. Rolled oats sometimes contain gluten cross-contamination unless labeled gluten-free, so swap accordingly based on your dietary needs.

  3. Can I make this Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe in advance?

    Yes! This bake actually tastes great the next day and keeps well refrigerated for about 5 days. It also freezes well if you want to prep in bulk and enjoy it later.

  4. What’s the best way to serve it?

    I recommend serving it warm with toppings like Greek yogurt, almond butter, or a handful of nuts. It pairs nicely with fresh fruit or a hot beverage for a balanced meal or snack.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe has become a favorite in my house because it’s as comforting as it is nourishing—plus, it’s incredibly simple to pull together. I hope you enjoy making it just as much as I do, and that it brings a little warmth and sweetness to your table, whether it’s a busy morning or a cozy weekend brunch. Trust me, once you try it, this bake will be one you’ll keep coming back to!

Print
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Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 146 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

A wholesome and comforting Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake combining creamy cottage cheese, sweet diced apples, and warm cinnamon with oats or almond flour for a nutritious breakfast or snack option. This baked dish is naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey and has a moist, tender texture.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cottage cheese
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 large apple, peeled and finely diced
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats or almond flour
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking powder


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prepare for baking.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the rolled oats or almond flour, ground cinnamon, and baking powder to the wet mixture until evenly incorporated.
  4. Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the peeled and finely diced apples to distribute them throughout the batter.
  5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform baking.
  6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the bake to cool slightly before slicing into portions and serving. Optional toppings like Greek yogurt, almond butter, or chopped nuts can be added for extra flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use full-fat cottage cheese for best texture and creaminess.
  • Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months for longer storage.
  • Optional toppings include Greek yogurt, almond butter, or chopped nuts to enhance flavor and add nutrients.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of recipe)
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 140mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

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