This Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake is a warm and cozy dish perfect for breakfast or a snack. It combines creamy cottage cheese with sweet apples and a hint of cinnamon—yum!
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just mix everything together, bake, and enjoy a slice that feels like a hug in food form. Perfect with a little drizzle of honey on top! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I love using Fuji or Gala for their sweetness and juiciness, but you can swap in Granny Smith for a tart flavor. Any baking apple will work; just choose a variety you enjoy!
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese makes this bake creamy and delicious. If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-fat works too. Greek yogurt can also be a nice substitute for a tangy twist!
Sweeteners: Honey adds a lovely natural sweetness, but maple syrup is a great alternative, especially for a different flavor profile. If you’re watching sugar intake, consider using a sugar substitute like stevia.
Rolled Oats: I usually use rolled oats for texture, but oat flour is also an excellent choice if you prefer a smoother bake. You can make your own by blending oats in a blender until fine!
How Do I Ensure a Perfectly Baked Cottage Cheese Bake?
Getting that deliciously set texture is key! Follow these tips for a perfect bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so the bake cooks evenly from the start.
- Ensure that your eggs and cottage cheese are well-mixed; this helps achieve that creamy texture.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when the bake is ready.
- Let it cool for at least 10 minutes after baking. This helps it set properly, making it easier to slice and serve.
With these tips in hand, you’re set for a delightful homemade dessert that’s sure to please everyone!
Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 3 medium apples (such as Fuji or Gala), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 ½ cups cottage cheese (preferably full-fat or small curd)
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup rolled oats or oat flour
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or non-stick spray for greasing the baking dish
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 35-45 minutes of cooking time. Total, you’ll need about 1 hour to have this delicious bake ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a round 8-inch (20cm) baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prep the Apples:
Peel, core, and slice the apples. Set aside a few slices to decorate the top of your bake later. Chop the remaining apple slices into small pieces for mixing into the batter.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cottage cheese, eggs, rolled oats (or oat flour), honey (or maple syrup), ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture until it’s well blended and smooth. It’s okay if it’s a little lumpy from the cottage cheese—that adds to the texture!
4. Combine with Apples:
Gently fold the chopped apple pieces into the cottage cheese mixture until they’re evenly mixed throughout. This way, every bite will be deliciously fruity!
5. Pour and Decorate:
Pour this apple and cottage cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish. Smooth out the top for an even bake. Then, arrange the reserved apple slices in a pretty pattern on top to make it look beautiful.
6. Sprinkle with Cinnamon:
For an extra burst of flavor and aroma, sprinkle a little more cinnamon on top of the apple slices before baking.
7. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. It’s ready when it’s set, slightly golden on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This helps the bake set further. If you’d like, dust it with powdered sugar for a lovely finish before serving.
9. Enjoy!
Slice it up and serve warm for a cozy breakfast, delightful snack, or even dessert. Enjoy the wonderful aroma and flavors of this comforting Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake!
This dish combines tender apple slices with a creamy, subtly spiced cottage cheese base that’s perfectly moist and filling. The oats add a gentle texture, while the cinnamon provides a warm and inviting aroma—perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Fuji and Gala apples are sweet and juicy, you can also use Granny Smith for a tart kick, or Honeycrisp for a balance of sweetness and crunch. Choose any baking apple you enjoy!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
Can I Make This Bake Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this bake gluten-free, simply use gluten-free oats instead of regular rolled oats or oat flour. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
You can modify the sweetness by using less honey or maple syrup according to your taste preferences. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more or include some dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for natural sweetness!
