Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake is a cozy dish that brings warmth and comfort to any mealtime. It’s a delightful mix of soft apples, rich cottage cheese, and sweet cinnamon flavors. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, this easy-to-make bake is sure to please your family.

Why You Will Love This Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake

This recipe is a hit with families for many reasons. It’s simple to throw together, using everyday ingredients you likely have on hand. Not only is it delicious, but it also provides a healthy twist with cottage cheese, giving you a satisfying bite. Plus, the baking time is just right for a busy morning or afternoon snack.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake

Making this dish is truly straightforward. Just mix the ingredients together, toss in the diced apples, and pop it in the oven. It’s that easy! You’ll have a warm, comforting bake ready to enjoy in under an hour.

What You Need

2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat preferred, drain if very wet)
3 large eggs
1 large apple (peeled and finely diced (Honeycrisp or Gala))
1/2 cup rolled oats or almond flour
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder

Step-by-Step

Preheat oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined, about 30 seconds until no yellow streaks remain. The mixture won’t be completely smooth due to cottage cheese curds.
Add oats (or almond flour), cinnamon, and baking powder to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined, then let batter rest for 3-4 minutes to allow oats to absorb liquid. Skip resting time if using almond flour.
Gently fold in diced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and use a spatula to spread evenly.
Bake for 35-40 minutes until top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Edges should pull slightly away from pan.
Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing into 9 squares. This cooling time prevents crumbling when cutting and helps it set properly.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake

This bake is delightful on its own but can be enhanced with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of additional maple syrup. It pairs well with fresh fruit or a sprinkle of nuts for added crunch. Serve it warm for breakfast or enjoy it as a cozy dessert with a cup of tea.

How to Store Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake

To keep your leftovers fresh, store any cut pieces in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 3–4 days. If you want to make this ahead, you can freeze the entire dish. Just wrap it tightly and pop it in the freezer. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Recipe Tips

Make sure to use cottage cheese with a nice texture; if it’s too wet, drain it first.
Let it cool a bit before slicing to maintain shape and avoid crumbling.
You can switch up the apples with berries or pears for a different flavor.
For extra sweetness, fold in some raisins or dried fruit.
This recipe is perfect for brunch with friends or as a simple weekday breakfast.

Variations & Swaps

Nutty Delight: Add crushed walnuts or pecans for a crunchy twist.
Berry Flavor: Use blueberries or raspberries instead of apples for a fruity variant.
Pumpkin Spice: Substitute pumpkin puree for part of the cottage cheese and add pumpkin spice for a seasonal option.

FAQs

Can I make this bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge, then bake it in the morning. Just allow a few extra minutes for baking if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze this bake. Seal it tightly in an airtight container and it will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How do I reheat this dish?
Simply warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual pieces for a quick snack.

What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you want a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based yogurt. It may alter the texture slightly but will still be delicious.

What’s the best way to serve this bake?
Serve it warm with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, alongside yogurt or a sprinkle of nuts. It’s also lovely with a side of fresh fruit for breakfast or dessert.