🍏 Cinnamon Apple Cottage Cheese Bites – Soft, Sweet, and Protein-Packed

Recipe Card

Servings & Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: 25–28 minutes
Yield: 12 mini bites
Dietary Badges: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Refined Sugar-Free Option

Ingredients

Apple (small, diced)
Cottage cheese
Egg
Oat flour or all-purpose flour
Honey or maple syrup
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Baking powder
Vanilla extract
Salt

Instructions

Preheat & Prep – Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease mini muffin tin.
Mix Wet – Whisk egg, cottage cheese, vanilla, and honey (or maple syrup) until smooth.
Add Dry – Stir in flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Fold in Apple – Gently fold in diced apple pieces.
Bake – Fill each muffin cup ¾ full and bake 15–18 minutes until golden and set.
Cool & Serve – Cool 5 minutes in pan, then transfer to wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oat flour.
Sweetness can be adjusted—add more honey or syrup if preferred.

Introduction

If you love cozy flavors and quick, healthy snacks, these Cinnamon Apple Cottage Cheese Bites are for you. They combine the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of apple, and the creamy richness of cottage cheese into a portable, protein-packed treat. Perfect for breakfast-on-the-go, post-workout fuel, or a guilt-free dessert, they’re as nourishing as they are delicious.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Prepare the Batter
Grease your mini muffin tin to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together egg, cottage cheese, vanilla, and honey or maple syrup until smooth.

2. Mix in Dry Ingredients
Add flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir gently until just combined.
Tip: Don’t overmix—the bites will be more tender.

3. Add the Apple
Fold in diced apple pieces, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

4. Bake
Spoon batter into each muffin cup, filling about ¾ full. Bake 15–18 minutes or until tops are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

5. Cool & Enjoy
Let sit in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Enjoy warm for a soft texture or cool for a firmer bite.

Ingredient Details & Substitution Tips

Cottage Cheese: Adds creaminess and protein; can swap with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
Flour: Oat flour keeps it whole-grain; all-purpose works for a lighter texture.
Sweetener: Use honey for floral notes, maple syrup for a richer caramel tone.
Apple: Any crisp, sweet variety works well—Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp.
Spices: Cinnamon is the star; nutmeg adds depth. Try adding a pinch of ginger for extra warmth.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

Nutty Boost: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans.
Extra Fruity: Add 2 tbsp raisins or dried cranberries.
Dessert Twist: Drizzle with dark chocolate after cooling.
Serving Ideas: Enjoy plain, with a drizzle of nut butter, or alongside a warm cup of tea.

Storage & Make-Ahead Info

Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Make-Ahead: Batter can be prepared the night before, stored covered in the fridge, then baked in the morning.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these without eggs?
A: Yes, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).

Q: Can I use applesauce instead of diced apple?
A: Yes, swap with ¼ cup applesauce for a smoother texture, but note the bites will be slightly denser.

Q: Are they good cold?
A: Absolutely—they firm up nicely in the fridge and make a great chilled snack.

Personal Note

I started making these as a way to use up leftover cottage cheese, and now they’ve become a staple snack in my kitchen. They’re soft, lightly sweet, and just the right size for a quick bite between meals. The combination of apple and cinnamon makes them taste like little portable apple pies—without the guilt.

Author
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Rabia

Chef & Food Blogger at menuatthetable.com

Rabia has been a chef in Dubai for over eight years and loves exploring different types of food. Through the blog Menu at the Table, Rabia shares the best places to eat in Dubai for every cuisine. Whether you want street food or a fancy restaurant, Rabia helps you find the perfect spot to enjoy delicious meals.