Cozy Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake – High Protein & Gluten-Free

Looking for a healthy breakfast that satisfies your sweet tooth and powers your morning? This Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake might just become your next obsession. It’s sweet, protein-rich, and perfect for make-ahead meals.

If you’re more of an oat-lover, you may also enjoy this hearty Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake, which brings a warm, spiced bite with classic fall flavors.

Not just for sweets, cottage cheese is also an underrated hero in savory dishes. Try it in this high-protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Recipe for a weeknight dinner that’s creamy and satisfying.

What Makes Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake So Special

  • Protein-packed (11g per slice)
  • Naturally sweetened
  • Meal-prep friendly

If you love high-protein mornings, check out these make-ahead High Protein Pancake Sausage Muffins for a portable breakfast that’s both savory and sweet.

For apple-forward bakes that scream autumn, don’t miss the rich Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf. It’s a comforting cousin to today’s bake.

And for dessert lovers or sourdough fans, this Sourdough Discard Apple Crisp is a clever way to repurpose discard with a sweet reward.

Nutritional Profile (Per Slice)

  • Calories: ~145
  • Protein: 11g
  • Carbs: 10g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Fat: 7g (2.5g saturated)
  • Fiber: 1.5g

Ingredients Needed For Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake

Here’s the base recipe for 6–8 servings:

  • 2 cups cottage cheese (preferably full-fat or 2%)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 large apple, peeled and finely diced (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended)
  • ½ cup rolled oats or almond flour
  • ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
  • 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking powder

How To Make Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
  2. Whisk together cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla.
  3. Stir in oats/almond flour, cinnamon, and baking powder.
  4. Fold in the chopped apples.
  5. Pour into baking dish and spread evenly.
  6. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool slightly, then slice and serve warm or store.

Tips to Avoid Mistakes

  • Drain cottage cheese if it’s watery (10–15 mins in a sieve).
  • Use firm apples (Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp) to avoid excess moisture.
  • Let mixture rest before baking to help oats absorb liquid.
  • Don’t overmix, this keeps the bake light and fluffy.

Storage & Meal Prep

This bake is make-ahead friendly:

  • Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze individually for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes.

Customization Options

Want to put your own spin on it? Try these:

  • Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cottage cheese (like Forager or Good Culture).
  • Egg-Free: Use flax eggs (1 tbsp flax + 2.5 tbsp water = 1 egg).
  • Low-Sugar: Use monk fruit, stevia, or skip sweetener entirely.
  • Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans.
  • Extra spice: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or a dash of clove.

Dietary-Friendly Swaps

  • Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats or almond flour.
  • Low-Carb: Go for almond flour and a sugar-free sweetener.
  • Kid-Friendly: Reduce syrup and add more apples for natural sweetness.
  • Vegan: Use flax eggs and dairy-free cottage cheese alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

Single serving of apple cinnamon cottage cheese bake on a white plate, topped with whipped cream and cinnamon, styled with apples and blue linen.

You can serve this bake:

  • With a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon
  • Drizzled with almond butter
  • On a brunch board with fruit and parfaits
  • Chilled or warm, tastes great either way!

Recipe Variations

Feeling creative? Here are some fun twists:

  • Pumpkin Spice: Replace apples with pumpkin puree and add pumpkin pie spice.
  • Blueberry Vanilla: Swap apples for fresh or frozen blueberries.
  • Carrot Cake Style: Add grated carrots and a dash of nutmeg.

Frequently About Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake

Can you taste the cottage cheese?

Nope! The texture blends in and it tastes creamy, not cheesy.

Is this good for weight loss?

Yes! It’s high in protein, low in sugar, and very filling.

Can I make it egg-free?

Yes, try flax eggs. The texture will be softer but still delicious

How do I avoid a soggy center?

Drain your cottage cheese and use firm apples. Bake until the top is golden.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Bake it in advance and refrigerate or freeze slices.

What’s the best type of apple to use?

Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji, they’re firm and not too watery.

Final Thoughts: A Recipe You’ll Come Back To

This Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake checks all the boxes:

  • Comfort food that’s healthy
  • High-protein and low-glycemic
  • Customizable for any dietary need
  • Perfect for kids and adults alike

Whether you’re trying to eat clean, prep your week, or just crave a cozy breakfast, this bake has you covered. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked.

Print
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Top view of a golden-brown apple cinnamon cottage cheese bake in a square glass dish, styled with eggs, cinnamon sticks, and a blue towel on a wooden table.

Cozy Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake – High Protein & Gluten-Free


  • Author: MERIEM
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x

Description

A warm and comforting Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake that’s perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack. High in protein, naturally sweetened, and gluten-free, this easy recipe is ideal for meal prep and cozy mornings.


Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cottage cheese, full-fat or 2% preferred
3 large eggs
1 large apple, peeled and finely diced (Honeycrisp or Gala recommended)
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

Optional toppings: Greek yogurt, almond butter, chopped nuts


Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Stir in the oats or almond flour, cinnamon, and baking powder until fully combined.
Fold in the diced apples.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or refrigerate for later.

Notes

Use full-fat cottage cheese for best texture and flavor.
To prevent sogginess, drain excess liquid from the cottage cheese before using.
Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes to allow oats to absorb moisture.
Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
For a dairy-free option, use plant-based cottage cheese.
To make it lower in sugar, omit syrup and rely on apple’s natural sweetness.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 145
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1.5g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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