This Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake is a warm and cozy dish! It combines creamy cottage cheese with sweet apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a tasty treat.
Trust me, the aroma of baked apples fills the kitchen, and it’s hard not to sneak a bite before it’s ready! I love enjoying it for breakfast or even as a snack. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Using Fuji or Honeycrisp apples adds a nice sweetness and flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute with Granny Smith for a tart kick or Gala apples for a softer texture. Just make sure they’re firm for baking!
Cottage Cheese: I like using small curd cottage cheese for a smoother consistency, but medium curd works well too. If you want a dairy-free option, try ricotta or a soy-based cottage cheese. Just know it may change the final texture a bit.
Granulated Sugar: If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, feel free to use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like Stevia. Just adjust the amount to suit your taste. I often add a bit less sugar if the apples are sweeter!
Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon is key here for that cozy flavor. If you want to mix it up, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth. I love experimenting with spices in this kind of bake!
How Do I Get the Cottage Cheese Mixture Just Right?
The key to a great cottage cheese bake is combining the ingredients well. Here’s how to do it:
- Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing.
- Whisk the cottage cheese, eggs, and the other ingredients until smooth. If you prefer a less lumpy texture, you can blend the cottage cheese beforehand!
- Pour and layer carefully to maintain that lovely structure in the bake.
Remember, the bake will puff up during cooking, so don’t worry if it looks a bit full before it goes into the oven!
Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 2 large apples (such as Fuji or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
- 2 cups cottage cheese (small or medium curd)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus extra for topping
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for binding)
- Pinch of salt
For Greasing:
- Butter or non-stick spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful bake takes about 15 minutes to gather and prep your ingredients, and then 35 to 45 minutes in the oven. In total, you’ll be looking at around 1 hour, including the cooling time. Perfect to whip up while you enjoy your morning coffee!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8-inch round baking dish, or a similar size casserole dish, and lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray. This will help your casserole come out easily after baking!
2. Slice the Apples:
Wash, core, and thinly slice your apples. You want them thin enough so they soften during baking but not so thin that they fall apart. Set those aside while you prepare the rest of the mixture.
3. Mix the Cottage Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, optional flour, and a pinch of salt. Use a whisk or fork to mix everything together until you have a smooth mixture. This is the hearty part of your bake!
4. Layer the Mixture:
Pour half of the cottage cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, smoothing the top with a spatula. This forms the bottom layer of your bake.
5. Add the First Layer of Apples:
Take half of your sliced apples and arrange them over the cottage cheese mixture in a single layer. This adds a nice fruity layer and will bake beautifully!
6. Complete the Layers:
Now, pour the rest of your cottage cheese mixture over the apple layer and smooth it gently with a spatula. This will help encapsulate the apples in the creamy filling.
7. Top with Remaining Apples:
Arrange the rest of the apple slices on top of the final cottage cheese layer. Make it pretty; this will be the star of your dish!
8. Add Cinnamon and Bake:
Sprinkle a little extra ground cinnamon evenly over those apple slices. This will create a lovely aroma as it bakes. Place the dish in the preheated oven and set your timer for 35 to 45 minutes. It’s done when the bake is set and the top is golden brown!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the bake cool for a few minutes. This helps it set up a bit more before serving. Enjoy it while warm for a comforting breakfast treat or a sweet snack that everyone will love!
This delightful dish combines the creamy texture of cottage cheese with tender baked apples and the warm spice of cinnamon—a perfect cozy treat!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! Fuji and Honeycrisp are great for their sweetness, but you can also try Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Gala for a softer texture. Just make sure whatever apples you choose are firm enough for baking!
Can I Make This Bake Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute cottage cheese with ricotta or a dairy-free alternative like soy-based cottage cheese. Keep in mind that the texture might differ slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. It tastes great warmed up!
Can I Add Other Ingredients or Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch, or even some dried fruits like raisins for extra sweetness. You can also serve it with yogurt or a drizzle of honey on top for added flavor!
