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Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake

Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake
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The Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake is a cozy and nourishing breakfast dish that combines creamy cottage cheese with tender apples and warm cinnamon spices. This protein-rich bake offers a balanced blend of sweet and spicy flavors with a tender, fluffy texture. Perfect for make-ahead meals or a comforting morning treat, it fills your kitchen with inviting aromas while providing a wholesome start to your day.

Ingredients

Scale

Dairy & Eggs

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fruits & Flavoring

  • 2 cups crisp apples (such as Fuji or Honeycrisp), washed, cored, and diced
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons cinnamon (divided)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey or brown sugar (adjust to taste)

Dry Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour or oats (or gluten-free almond or oat flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Optional Add-ins & Garnishes

  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for nutty crunch)
  • Greek yogurt or honey (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Wash, core, and dice your apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss them lightly with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and a small amount of your chosen sweetener to enhance their natural flavor and infuse them with warmth.
  2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, vanilla extract, and maple syrup (or your chosen sweetener) until creamy and smooth. This forms the rich, cohesive base of your bake.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and remaining cinnamon to ensure even distribution and a light texture in the final bake.
  4. Fold Ingredients Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to combine without overmixing. Fold in the prepared apples last to keep their texture intact. If using nuts, fold them in at this stage as well.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the batter into a greased glass or ceramic baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality cottage cheese and crisp apples greatly enhance the flavor and texture.
  • Don’t Overmix Batter: Stir gently to keep the bake tender and avoid a dense texture.
  • Adjust Sweetness: Taste your apples before adding sweetener, then adjust quantities as needed for a naturally balanced flavor.
  • Use a Glass or Ceramic Dish: These materials promote even baking and prevent over-browning on edges.
  • Test with a Toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center to check doneness—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bake is ready.
  • Storage: Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
  • Freezing: Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk to prevent dryness.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cinnamon bake, cottage cheese breakfast, high protein bake, gluten free breakfast, make-ahead breakfast, healthy breakfast

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/apple-cinnamon-cottage-cheese-bake/