Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Baked Oatmeal
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Warm cinnamon-spiced apples mix with a creamy baked oatmeal. This gluten-free recipe packs 14 grams of protein per serving, making it a great way to start the day. It’s also vegetarian, refined sugar free, high in protein and high in fiber.
When I’m on the go so much, I always need recipes that are going to help me save some time, but without having to sacrifice flavor.
So, when I know I have a busy morning and I’m in the mood for holiday flavors, this apple cinnamon cottage cheese baked oatmeal is my favorite recipe.
This recipe blends quick oats, applesauce, and blended cottage cheese. Top it all with delicious apple-cinnamon chunks and pecans.
Each slice delivers around 270 calories and 14 grams of protein, making it a healthy and filling breakfast.
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Pin ItIngredients and Substitutes
Unsweetened applesauce (2/3 cup) – Swap for mashed ripe banana or pumpkin puree.
Egg whites (1 cup) – Replace with 3 whole eggs if you don’t mind a richer, denser bake.
Cottage cheese, blended until smooth (1 cup) – Substitute with ricotta.
Milk (1 cup) – Use any milk you like, such as dairy, oat, almond, or soy.
Maple syrup (2 tbsp) – Switch with honey, agave, or a sugar-free version.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp) – Replace with vanilla bean paste or maple syrup extract.
Quick oats (3 1/2 cups) – I’ve only tested this with quick oats, so I can’t recommend a swap.
Cinnamon (2 1/2 tsp) – Try using pumpkin spice for a different flavor.
Salt (1 tsp)
Baking powder (2 tsp)
Baking soda (1 tsp)
Chopped apple (3 cups) – While you can also use pears, apples are the main ingredient in this recipe, so I recommend keeping them.
Pecans, roughly chopped (1/2 cup) – Swap with walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds.
TOPPING
Plain Greek yogurt, about 2 tbsp per serving (1 1/8 cups)
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Baked Oatmeal
Step 1. Preheat your oven to 375F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. Blend the cottage cheese until smooth, then transfer it to a large bowl.
Add the applesauce, egg whites, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
Step 2. Now, add the quick oats, 2 tsp cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir until all the ingredients are combined.
Step 3. Fold in 2 cups of the chopped apples.
Step 4. Let the mix sit for roughly 5 minutes so the oats can absorb some of the liquid. Pour the mix into the baking dish and spread it using a spatula.
Add the remaining 1 cup of chopped apples, ½ tsp cinnamon, and chopped pecans on top.
Step 5. Place it in the oven for 40-50 minutes, until the center is set and the top is slightly golden.
Step 6. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes, then cut into 9 pieces. Serve each one with 2 tbsp of Greek yogurt on top.
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Pin ItHow I Would Modify This Recipe
- Gluten-free version: This recipe is naturally gluten-free; just make sure that the oats are certified gluten-free.
- Add warmer flavors: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger alongside the cinnamon.
- Boosting the flavors: Fold in a handful of blueberries or chopped pears along with the apples.
My Tips & Tricks
- Let the batter rest: Let the batter rest at least 5 minutes before baking. This lets the oats absorb the liquid and creates a creamier texture.
- Choosing the right apples: Use a tart apple like Granny Smith to create a nice contrast with the maple syrup. However, use Honeycrisp if you want the recipe sweeter.
- Crispier top: Broil the baked oatmeal for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. Just make sure you watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
My Storage Tips
Place the individual servings in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also keep them in the freezer for up to 2 months (just don’t add the Greek yogurt on top).
To reheat, microwave in 30-second increments or bake at 350F for about 10 minutes.
Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Baked Oatmeal
Cals: 270 Protein: 14.2 Carbs: 36.3 Fat: 8.4
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup egg whites
- 1 cup cottage cheese blended until smooth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups quick oats
- 2 1/2 tsp cinnamon divided
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 3 cups chopped apple divided
- 1/2 cup pecans roughly chopped
Topping
- 1 1/8 cups plain Greek yogurt about 2 tbsp per serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Blend the cottage cheese until completely smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine the applesauce, egg whites, blended cottage cheese, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla.
- Add the quick oats, 2 tsp cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir until well combined.
- Fold in 2 cups of the chopped apples.
- Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes so the oats can absorb some of the liquid.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup chopped apples, remaining 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and chopped pecans over the top.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes, until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Let cool for 10–15 minutes, then cut into 9 pieces.
- Serve each slice with 2 tbsp Greek yogurt on top.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
