This Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake is a warm and cozy treat! With sweet apples, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and creamy cottage cheese, it’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Trust me, the delicious smell of this bake will fill your kitchen and make everyone want to gather around. I love having it topped with a little honey—so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using Honeycrisp or Fuji for their sweet flavor and firm texture. If you want a tart twist, Granny Smith works well too! You can also swap fresh apples for unsweetened applesauce; just use about 1 cup to replace the same volume.
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat gives the best creamy texture, but low-fat works, too, if that’s what you have. You could also use ricotta cheese for a slightly different flavor. Just keep in mind it’ll be a bit thicker.
Milk: While I love using whole milk for richness, you can swap it out for almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option. If you desire a creamier result, heavy cream can replace milk completely.
Brown Sugar: You can adjust the sweetness to your taste! If you don’t have brown sugar, granulated sugar works. For a healthier twist, try maple syrup or honey, adding it to taste.
How Do I Ensure My Bake is Perfectly Cooked?
The cooking time is key to achieving that golden-brown top and set custard. Here are some pointers to ensure success:
- Preheat your oven before baking; this helps with even cooking.
- Don’t skip cooling: Allow it to sit for about 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps the custard set further.
- Check for doneness with a knife inserted in the center. If it comes out clean, your bake is ready!
Enjoy your bake warm, and don’t hesitate to serve it with extra toppings, like yogurt or a sprinkle of nuts, for added texture!
Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 3 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat preferred)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk (or cream for richer texture)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar (or to taste)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar or additional brown sugar for sprinkling on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 40-45 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at around 55-55 minutes before you can enjoy this lovely dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9-inch round baking dish or pie dish and grease it lightly with some butter to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Custard:
In a mixing bowl, crack in the eggs and use a whisk or fork to beat them until they’re slightly frothy. Then add the cottage cheese, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a bit lumpy; that’s just the cottage cheese showing its character!
3. Layer the Bake:
Pour half of the custard mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Next, take half of your sliced apples and arrange them on top of the custard layer. Now, pour the remaining custard over the apples, and then top it all off with the rest of the apple slices, arranging them nicely for a lovely presentation.
4. Add Some Sweetness on Top:
If you want a nice caramelized finish, sprinkle a little extra brown sugar or granulated sugar evenly over the top. This will add a sweet touch as it bakes!
5. Bake and Cool:
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the custard is set. When it’s done, carefully take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the bake into generous portions and serve it warm. For a special treat, drizzle each serving with honey or maple syrup. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a cozy dessert!
Enjoy your Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Bake! It’s a warm delight that’s sure to please everyone at your table.
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Fuji are great choices for sweetness and texture, you can use any type of apple you like. Granny Smith will add a tart flavor, while Gala or Braeburn can bring a nice sweetness. Just make sure to adjust the sugar to your taste!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative like almond or cashew cream, and use a plant-based milk such as almond milk or oat milk. Just ensure you get a non-dairy version that has a similar creamy consistency.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added crunch or even some raisins or cranberries for extra sweetness. Just be cautious with additional sugar as these ingredients may contribute sweetness as well!