This Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake is a warm and cozy dish! It combines soft cottage cheese, sweet apples, and spicy cinnamon to create a tasty treat that’s packed with protein.
It’s like having apple pie for breakfast without the guilt! I love serving it warm, maybe with a drizzle of honey on top. It’s perfect for those chilly mornings or as a sweet snack! 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I love using Fuji or Honeycrisp apples for their sweetness, but any firm apple will work. For a tart twist, try Granny Smith. You can also substitute with pears for a different flavor.
Cottage Cheese: Small curd cottage cheese gives a nice texture, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese for a creamier result. Needing a dairy-free version? Use tofu blended until smooth!
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is key here! If you love more spice, consider adding a bit of nutmeg or allspice alongside it. For a twist, try apple pie spice which combines several spices together.
Granulated Sugar: I use regular sugar, but you can easily swap it for brown sugar for added molasses flavor. For a low-calorie option, a sugar substitute like stevia works too.
How Do You Get the Apples Perfectly Soft?
The secret to soft apples in this bake is in the preparation! Pre-tossing the apple slices with lemon juice not only keeps them from browning but also helps soften them during baking.
- Make sure to slice your apples thinly, ideally about 1/8 inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly.
- Layering them between the batter allows the apples to bake and release their juices, making them tender.
- Don’t skip the baking time! The full 40-45 minutes helps the flavors meld together and ensures your apples turn out beautifully soft.
Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 2 large apples (such as Fuji or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd preferred)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon butter, for greasing the baking dish
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Honey or maple syrup, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and 40-45 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The total time you’ll need is around 1 hour, making it an easy and rewarding bake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, lightly butter a 7-inch round baking dish or any similar sized ovenproof dish. This will keep your bake from sticking!
2. Prepare the Apples:
If you like, peel the apples, then core and slice them thinly. In a bowl, toss these slices with lemon juice and half of the ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon). This keeps them from browning and adds flavor!
3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and slightly frothy. This will help your bake rise beautifully!
4. Combine All Ingredients:
Next, stir in the cottage cheese, the remaining cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon), flour, and a pinch of salt. Mix only until everything is combined; don’t worry if the batter feels a bit thick.
5. Layer in the Baking Dish:
Pour half of the cottage cheese batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then, arrange half of the apple slices on top of the batter to layer the flavors.
6. Add More Batter and Apples:
Pour the remaining batter evenly over the apples, and place the last half of the apple slices on top. You’re building a delicious layered cake!
7. Bake it Up:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. If you like, dust the top with powdered sugar and drizzle with honey or maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness!
9. Enjoy Your Bake:
Serve warm to share the lovely flavors of this cozy dish. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dessert. Enjoy every delicious bite of your Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Fuji and Honeycrisp are sweet and great choices, you can also use tart apples like Granny Smith for a bit of zing. Feel free to mix and match for more flavor!
Can I Prepare This Bake in Advance?
Yes, you can prep it ahead! Assemble the bake, cover it, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I Substitute Cottage Cheese?
Definitely! If you don’t like cottage cheese, consider using ricotta for a creamier texture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, blended tofu works well and still gives a nice consistency.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or oven. Add a splash of milk to freshen it up if needed!
