Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake
If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like a warm hug, look no further than this Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake. This delightful dish combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon and apple with the creamy goodness of cottage cheese, making it a perfect way to start your day. Whether you’re whipping it up for a busy weekday morning or serving it at a cozy family brunch, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table!
What I love most about this Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake is how simple it is to make. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create something that not only tastes amazing but is also packed with protein. It’s like having dessert for breakfast, but without any guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare: This recipe comes together in just a few minutes and bakes while you sip your coffee or get ready for the day.
- Family-friendly: Everyone will enjoy the sweet and satisfying flavors—kids and adults alike!
- Make-ahead convenience: You can bake it ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Nutritious & filling: Packed with protein from cottage cheese and healthy carbs from oats, this dish will keep you energized.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make our Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake! These are things you may already have in your kitchen.
For the Base
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Flavor & Texture
- 1 large apple, peeled and finely diced
- 1/2 cup rolled oats or almond flour
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking powder
Variations
One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Add more fruit: Toss in some berries or sliced bananas for extra sweetness and flavor.
- Change the spices: Experiment with nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a unique twist.
- Make it dairy-free: Substitute dairy-free yogurt for cottage cheese if you’re looking for a non-dairy option.
- Sweeten it differently: Use agave nectar or coconut sugar instead of maple syrup for a different sweet profile.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish. This step is important because it ensures that your bake doesn’t stick and comes out nice and golden.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla until everything is well combined. This mixture will create a creamy base that binds all our delicious ingredients together.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Next, stir in your choice of rolled oats or almond flour along with the ground cinnamon and baking powder. Mixing these dry ingredients helps distribute the flavors evenly throughout the bake.
Step 4: Fold in Diced Apples
Gently fold in your diced apples until they’re evenly coated with the batter. The apples add moisture and natural sweetness, making every bite delightful.
Step 5: Pour into Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. This ensures that it cooks consistently and gives you that lovely golden top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean!
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Once baked, let your Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake cool slightly before slicing into squares. Serve warm—perhaps with a drizzle of extra maple syrup if you’re feeling indulgent!
Enjoy this delightful breakfast treat any day of the week!
Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake
You’re going to love how easy and delicious this bake is! Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
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Choose the right apples: Opt for a variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which add a delightful tartness and hold their shape during baking. This ensures a lovely texture in your final dish.
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Use fresh spices: Ground cinnamon can lose its potency over time. Freshly opened spices provide more flavor, making your bake taste even better. A fragrant spice can make all the difference!
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Don’t skip the resting time: Allowing the bake to cool slightly before slicing makes serving easier and helps intensify the flavors. It also prevents the slices from falling apart when you serve them.
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Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits like raisins for an extra flavor boost. They can enhance both the taste and texture of your bake, giving it a personal touch!
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake
Presenting this delightful dish is just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas on how to serve it up beautifully.
Garnishes
- Chopped nuts: A sprinkle of walnuts or pecans on top adds crunch and a lovely nutty flavor that complements the apple and cinnamon perfectly.
- Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternative: A dollop of yogurt adds creaminess and a refreshing contrast to the warm bake, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Side Dishes
- Fresh fruit salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits brings brightness and freshness to your breakfast table, balancing the warmth of the bake.
- Smoothie: Pairing with a green smoothie made from spinach, banana, and almond milk offers a nutrient-packed drink that complements your protein-rich bake.
- Coconut chia pudding: This creamy pudding adds an exotic flair while being rich in omega-3s, making for a wholesome breakfast spread.
- Herbal tea: A warm cup of chamomile or peppermint tea pairs beautifully with this dish, providing a soothing beverage option alongside your hearty breakfast.
Enjoy serving this Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake as part of a cozy morning gathering or simply as a comforting start to your day!

Make Ahead and Storage
This Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for those busy mornings or snack times.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the bake to cool completely before storing.
- Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Freezing
- Cut the bake into individual portions for easy freezing.
- Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on high for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
If you’re curious about this recipe, here are some common questions that might help!
Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?
Absolutely! You can substitute honey or agave nectar, or even use a sugar-free sweetener if you prefer.
What can I pair with my Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake?
This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a drizzle of extra maple syrup.
How long does the Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes! Substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) and use a plant-based cottage cheese alternative.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this delightful Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake as much as I do! It’s such a comforting way to start your day while packing in protein and flavor. Whether it’s for breakfast or a nutritious snack, I’m sure you’ll find it just as special as I do. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations!
Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 9 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in a warm and comforting breakfast with this easy-to-make Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake. Combining the sweetness of apples with the aromatic flavor of cinnamon, this nutritious dish is a delightful way to kickstart your day. Not only is it packed with protein from cottage cheese, but it also features wholesome oats for added fiber, making it both satisfying and guilt-free. This family-friendly recipe is perfect for busy mornings or a cozy brunch, and you can even prepare it ahead of time for convenient meal prep. Enjoy a slice warm, perhaps topped with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of yogurt for an extra treat!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup rolled oats or almond flour
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla until combined.
- Stir in rolled oats or almond flour, ground cinnamon, and baking powder until evenly mixed.
- Fold in diced apples gently until coated with the batter.
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown; a toothpick should come out clean when inserted.
- Let cool slightly before slicing into squares; serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
