The Ultimate Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake (High-Protein Breakfast!)

Imagine a warm, cozy slice of breakfast bake that tastes like a combination of apple pie, cheesecake, and baked oatmeal, all while being secretly packed with protein. That, my friends, is the comforting, nourishing, and absolutely delicious magic of this Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake. This is, without a doubt, the most satisfying and wholesome meal prep breakfast you will make this season.

I promise you, there is no greater meal prep victory than having a pan of this waiting in your fridge. Each square is a perfect harmony of textures: the creamy, protein-rich base, the hearty chew of oats, and the tender, sweet bites of fresh apple, all perfumed with warm cinnamon. It feels like an indulgence, but it’s a powerhouse of nutrition.

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite breakfast, a recipe so simple and delicious, it’s destined to become a staple in your healthy-eating rotation.

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Why This Breakfast Bake is an Absolute Must-Try

You are going to be completely obsessed with the incredible flavor and texture of this simple bake. It’s a true breakfast game-changer. Here’s why:

• Tastes Like a Healthy Dessert: With the flavors of a warm apple bake and the creamy texture of cheesecake, this is a truly satisfying way to start your day that crushes sweet cravings.
• Packed with Protein to Keep You Full: The powerhouse combination of cottage cheese and eggs makes each slice incredibly satisfying and helps keep you energized all morning long.
• The Ultimate Meal Prep Breakfast: This recipe is designed to be made ahead! Bake it once and enjoy perfectly portioned, healthy, grab-and-go breakfasts for the entire week.

Recipe Snapshot

Your Shopping List for This Cozy Bake

This nourishing breakfast comes together with a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients.

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→ For the Apple Cinnamon Bake

• 2 cups cottage cheese → Full-fat is preferred for the richest, creamiest texture. Drain off any excess liquid.
• 3 large eggs → The key binder that gives this bake its wonderful, custardy structure.
• 1 large apple → Peeled and finely diced. A sweet, crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Gala is perfect.
• ½ cup rolled oats → Or use almond flour for a grain-free option. Adds a hearty, satisfying texture.
• ¼ cup maple syrup or honey → For a touch of natural, unrefined sweetness.
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon → The essential warm spice that makes this dish so cozy.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract → For a classic, warm flavor.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder → To give the bake a little lift and a lighter texture.
• Cooking spray or butter → For generously greasing the baking dish.

Let’s Get Baking! Your Step-by-Step Guide

Ready for the easiest, most delicious breakfast prep of your life? Grab a bowl and let’s get started.

Part 1: The Simple One-Bowl Batter

1. Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Keep whisking until the mixture is as smooth as you can get it and no yellow streaks from the eggs remain.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, cinnamon, and baking powder to the bowl. Stir with a spatula until everything is just combined. Let this batter rest for 3-4 minutes to allow the oats to start absorbing some of the liquid.
4. Fold in the Apples: Gently fold in your finely diced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

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Part 2: Bake to Golden, Puffy Perfection

5. Pour and Spread: Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out into a smooth, even layer.
6. Bake Until Set: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The bake is done when the top is a beautiful golden brown, the edges are pulling slightly away from the pan, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool Before Slicing!: This is a crucial step! Let the bake cool in the dish on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing into 9 squares. This allows it to set up properly for clean, beautiful slices.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, perhaps with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of extra maple syrup!

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High-Protein Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake

This high-protein Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake is the perfect healthy meal prep! It combines creamy cottage cheese, sweet apples, and hearty oats into a warm, custardy, and delicious make-ahead breakfast that tastes like dessert.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 9

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American

Calories: 145

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cottage cheese full-fat preferred, drain if very wet
• 3 large eggs
• 1 large apple peeled and finely diced (Honeycrisp or Gala)
• 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

Equipment

• 9×9-inch baking dish
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Add oats (or almond flour), cinnamon, and baking powder. Stir until just combined, then let the batter rest for 3-4 minutes if using oats.
4. Gently fold in the diced apples, distributing them evenly.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the bake cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing into 9 squares to allow it to set properly.

Notes

For a Smoother Texture: If you dislike the texture of cottage cheese curds, blend the cottage cheese, eggs, and maple syrup in a blender until smooth before mixing with the other ingredients.

Let it Cool: Allowing the bake to cool and set for 10 minutes before slicing is crucial for getting clean, sturdy squares.

Storage: Store cooled slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for the Perfect Breakfast Bake

These simple secrets will ensure your cottage cheese bake is a stunning success.

1. For the Smoothest Texture, Use a Blender. If you’re not a fan of the small-curd texture of cottage cheese, here’s a game-changing tip: blend the cottage cheese, eggs, and maple syrup in a blender until perfectly smooth before pouring it into a bowl and proceeding with the recipe. This creates an incredible, cheesecake-like consistency.
2. Use a Sweet, Crisp Apple. The type of apple you use makes a difference! A firm, sweet apple like a Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji will hold its shape and provide the perfect sweet flavor without getting mushy.
3. Don’t Skip the Rest Time (for Oats). If you’re using rolled oats, that short 3-4 minute rest period is important. It gives the oats a head start in absorbing moisture, which contributes to the wonderful, cohesive, cake-like texture of the final bake.

Keep It Fresh! Meal Prep & Storing Instructions

This recipe was practically designed for meal prepping. Here’s how to store it for delicious breakfasts all week.

• Refrigerator: Once the bake has cooled completely, you can cover the entire baking dish or transfer the pre-cut squares to an airtight container. It will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: This bake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw a slice overnight in the fridge.

FAQs: Your Apple Cinnamon Bake Questions, Answered!

Can I make this with a different fruit?

Absolutely! Finely diced pears would be a fantastic substitute for the apples. You could also try it with berries, like blueberries or raspberries, for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

This specific recipe is built around cottage cheese for its protein and structure. While you could try a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative, the results may vary. For a guaranteed dairy-free option, it would be better to seek out a recipe specifically developed with dairy-free ingredients like silken tofu.

What can I serve this with?

It’s delicious all on its own! But for an extra-special breakfast, you can top a warm slice with a dollop of Greek yogurt or labneh, a drizzle of maple syrup or nut butter, or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans for some crunch.

My bake seems a little watery. What happened?

This can sometimes happen if your cottage cheese has a lot of excess liquid (whey). To prevent this, you can drain your cottage cheese in a fine-mesh sieve for a few minutes before mixing. Also, using a very juicy apple can add extra moisture. Ensure you’re baking until the center is fully set.

Final Thoughts: Your Coziest, Healthiest Breakfast

There is nothing more satisfying than starting your day with a meal that tastes like a treat but is secretly fueling your body with wholesome, nourishing ingredients. This Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake is the perfect fusion of comfort food flavor and powerful nutrition. It’s a delicious, convenient, and cozy way to make your mornings a little brighter. I hope it becomes a beloved part of your breakfast rotation. Happy Baking!