Name: Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
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

Jump to Recipe

If you are looking for a comforting, nutritious, and irresistibly delicious morning treat, the Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake is going to be your new favorite. This bake brings together the creamy tang of cottage cheese, the natural sweetness and tender crunch of fresh apple, and the warm, aromatic hug of cinnamon. Every bite feels like a cozy embrace, making it an exceptional way to start your day or even enjoy as a wholesome snack. The Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake is simple to prepare, wholesome, and packed with flavors that feel just like home.

Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this bake shine, and the great news is that you probably already have most of them on hand. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from adding moisture and texture to infusing the dish with natural sweetness and spice.

2 cups cottage cheese: Provides creamy texture and a good protein boost to keep you full longer.
3 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the bake.
1 large apple, peeled and finely diced: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle, crisp texture that complements the softness inside.
1/2 cup rolled oats or almond flour: Gives the bake structure; oats add heartiness while almond flour keeps it gluten-free and tender.
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey: Sweetens the dish naturally with lovely floral undertones.
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Delivers that irresistible warmth and classic fall flavor we all crave.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the other flavors, adding depth and a subtle sweetness.
1 tsp baking powder: Helps the bake rise nicely, resulting in a light, fluffy texture.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bake will cook evenly right from the start. Next, grease a 9×9-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and to encourage a golden crust around the edges.

Step 2: Mix the Cottage Cheese and Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisking well is important here because you want a smooth mixture where all these rich, creamy components are well combined—this creates the luscious base for your bake.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Add the rolled oats (or almond flour, depending on your choice), cinnamon, and baking powder to the wet mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly, making sure the oats or almond flour are evenly distributed and the cinnamon is spread well for that consistent, warming flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Fold in the Apples

Now, fold in the finely diced apples with care. These little bursts of sweetness should be evenly scattered throughout the batter, so every square of the bake boasts pockets of juicy apple goodness.

Step 5: Pour and Level the Batter

Pour your mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. This step ensures an even cook and a perfectly uniform bake, with a delightful golden top once done.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top and the perfect test of a clean toothpick inserted in the center. This signals that the Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake is perfectly cooked through without any gooey spots.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the bake to cool slightly before slicing. This resting time helps it set better, making it easier to cut neat squares and enhancing the overall texture and flavor experience.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra maple syrup on top adds a pretty finish and a touch of sweetness, making this bake look as good as it tastes. Toasted nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon can bring a lovely crunch and aroma to the table, elevating every bite.

Side Dishes

This bake shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh berries or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess and tang. For a refreshing balance, a cup of your favorite herbal tea or a rich coffee perfectly complements the warm spices and creamy texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake into bite-sized cubes for a brunch platter or serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert twist. You can even turn leftovers into a parfait layered with granola and fresh fruit for a quick and tasty breakfast the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled preserves its creamy texture and flavor so you can enjoy it as a quick breakfast or snack without any hassle.

Freezing

If you want to save it for longer, this bake freezes beautifully. Cut it into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap then place in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its delightful taste or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop a slice into the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or warm it gently in the oven at 325°F until just heated through. Reheating this way helps retain the moistness and preserves that cozy flavor we all love in the Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apple for the bake?

Absolutely! Crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best because they hold their shape well during baking, adding a satisfying texture and fresh tartness that balances nicely with the sweetness.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes! Simply substitute the rolled oats with almond flour or another gluten-free baking flour to keep the bake gluten-free without compromising on taste or texture.

Can I make this bake vegan-friendly?

While this recipe relies on eggs and cottage cheese for its structure and flavor, you could experiment with vegan substitutes like flax eggs and plant-based cottage cheese, but results may vary in texture and firmness.

How sweet is this bake? Do I need to add extra sugar?

This bake has a gentle, natural sweetness from the apples and maple syrup or honey. It’s not overly sweet, which makes it a perfect balanced breakfast or snack. You can add a drizzle of syrup on top if you want a sweeter finish.

Can I prepare this recipe the night before and bake it in the morning?

Yes, you can assemble the bake and store it covered in the fridge overnight. When ready, just bake it fresh in the morning. This makes for a fantastic time-saving breakfast option on busy days.

Final Thoughts

The warm, inviting flavors and wholesome ingredients of the Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake create an unforgettable dish that feels like a little hug in food form. It’s a versatile, easy recipe that fits perfectly into busy morning routines or relaxing weekend brunches. I can’t recommend it enough — give this recipe a try, and I promise it will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection and your heart.

Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake is a wholesome and delicious breakfast or snack option featuring creamy cottage cheese combined with fresh apples, warm cinnamon, and a hint of natural sweetness from maple syrup. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a comforting texture with a nutritious boost from oats or almond flour, perfect for a cozy morning or a healthful treat any time of the day.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the rolled oats (or almond flour as a gluten-free option), ground cinnamon, and baking powder into the wet mixture, ensuring an even distribution of all components.
Fold in Apples: Carefully fold the finely diced peeled apples into the batter, spreading them evenly to maintain a consistent texture in each bite.
Pour & Spread: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula to create a uniform thickness for even baking.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
Cool & Serve: Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly in the baking dish before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

You can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave syrup to adjust sweetness and flavor.
For a gluten-free version, use almond flour instead of rolled oats.
Fresh apples add moisture and natural sweetness; tart apple varieties will create a nice balance.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.
Consider adding chopped nuts or raisins for added texture and taste.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American