This Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. With juicy apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon, it’s super tasty!
I love how it feels like I’m eating dessert for breakfast! It’s quick to whip up, and who doesn’t want a cozy hug of a dish? Plus, it’s packed with protein from the cottage cheese!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith for tartness is a favorite of mine, but Honeycrisp adds sweetness. Feel free to mix varieties or choose your personal favorite! Pears could be a great alternative if you’re in the mood for something different.
Cottage Cheese: I prefer using full-fat for creaminess, but low-fat works too. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try replacing it with blended silken tofu for a similar texture.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is a must for that warm spice. You might substitute with pumpkin pie spice if you’re feeling festive, but you can’t beat the classic cinnamon flavor!
Sugar: Adjust the granulated sugar to your taste; honey or maple syrup makes great substitutes, too! They add a lovely depth of flavor—just remember to reduce the other liquids slightly if you choose one of these.
How Do I Make Sure My Bake is Perfectly Creamy?
The key to a creamy texture lies in mixing the cottage cheese properly. Use a fork or blender to break up chunks so it blends smoothly with the eggs and other ingredients. Be gentle when pouring the layers to keep their structure.
- Mix cottage cheese until creamy but don’t over-blend; some texture is good!
- Layer the apple mixture carefully; the apples provide moisture and flavor.
- Check for doneness: the top should be golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let it cool before slicing. This helps it hold together better when you serve it. Happy baking!
Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese (full fat or low fat)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: maple syrup or honey for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 35-45 minutes of baking. Allow an additional 10 minutes to cool before serving. Overall, you can have this delightful dish ready in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by turning your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a medium baking dish (about 8×8 inches) to prepare for the bake.
2. Sauté the Apples:
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add your thinly sliced apples. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon (about 1/2 teaspoon) and sauté for around 5 minutes, or until the apples are slightly soft and fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat and set it aside to cool a bit.
3. Mix the Cottage Cheese Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, the remaining cinnamon, flour, and salt. Mix everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Layer the Ingredients:
Pour half of the cottage cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Next, take the sautéed apple slices and arrange them evenly over this bottom layer. Pour the remaining cottage cheese mixture over the apples, smoothing the top gently.
5. Bake Your Dish:
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the bake is set, and the top turns a lovely golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the dish cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey if you like, and serve warm. Enjoy your cozy Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake!
This recipe combines the creamy goodness of cottage cheese with sweet apples and warm cinnamon – perfect for breakfast or a delightful dessert!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices due to their flavor balance, you can use any apple variety you prefer. For a sweeter outcome, opt for Fuji or Gala apples.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the cottage cheese with blended silken tofu to keep a similar texture. Just ensure that you add a bit of your favorite non-dairy milk to achieve the right consistency if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Sweeten This Bake Further?
Definitely! If you prefer a sweeter dish, feel free to increase the sugar slightly or drizzle additional maple syrup or honey on top before serving. Just taste as you go to find your ideal level of sweetness!