Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting breakfast that’s not only delicious but also full of protein, this Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake is for you! This dish combines the creamy goodness of cottage cheese with the sweetness of apples and the warmth of cinnamon, creating a dessert-like experience that’s healthy enough for any morning. It’s simple to make, filled with nutritious ingredients, and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Plus, it’s great for meal prep, so you can have a tasty breakfast ready to go all week long.

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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.

2. In a bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract.

3. Stir in the oats (or almond flour), ground cinnamon, and baking powder until well combined.

4. Fold in the diced apple pieces.

5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Servings and Timing

• Total Time: 50 minutes

• Yield: 6-8 servings

Variations

• Use Different Sweeteners: Swap out the maple syrup or honey for other sweeteners like agave syrup, coconut sugar, or stevia for a low-sugar option.

• Add Nuts or Seeds: For extra crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts, almonds, or chia seeds to the mix.

• Spices: Experiment with other spices like nutmeg or cloves for a deeper flavor.

• Dairy-Free Version: Use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative, such as cashew-based cottage cheese, to make this dish vegan-friendly.

• Fruit Variations: While apples are delicious, try other fruits like pears, berries, or bananas for a twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or heat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make it the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake it fresh in the morning.

2. Can I use non-dairy alternatives in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute dairy-free cottage cheese and use almond or oat milk as a replacement for eggs to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe can be made gluten-free by using almond flour instead of oats and ensuring the cottage cheese is free from gluten cross-contamination.

4. How do I know when the bake is done?

The bake is done when the top is golden and a toothpick or knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. Can I freeze this Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake?

Yes, you can freeze the bake. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.

6. What other fruits can I add to this recipe?

You can experiment with other fruits like pears, berries, or bananas. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces, like the apples, so they mix well into the batter.

7. Can I use something other than maple syrup?

Yes, honey, agave syrup, or stevia can be used as alternatives to maple syrup. Adjust the quantity based on your sweetness preference.

8. Can I add protein powder to this recipe?

Yes, you can add protein powder to boost the protein content even further. A vanilla-flavored protein powder would complement the flavors of the recipe well.

9. What if I don’t have baking powder?

If you don’t have baking powder, you can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to activate it.

10. How can I make this recipe lower in calories?

To lower the calorie count, you can reduce the amount of sweetener, use egg whites instead of whole eggs, and opt for a low-fat cottage cheese.

Conclusion

This Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, providing a satisfying breakfast that will fuel your morning. It’s packed with protein, easy to make, and versatile enough to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or reheated, this dish is bound to become a new favorite in your breakfast rotation!