Cinnamon Apple Cottage Cheese Crumble Bake

The scent of warm cinnamon drifting through the kitchen is enough to slow down even the busiest morning. As this Cinnamon Apple Cottage Cheese Crumble Bake rises in the oven, sweet apples soften, oats turn tender, and the top develops a lightly golden finish that promises comfort in every bite. It’s soft yet hearty, naturally sweet with brown sugar, and layered with cozy fall flavor.

But what truly makes this Cinnamon Apple Cottage Cheese Crumble Bake special is the hidden creaminess. The cottage cheese melts seamlessly into the batter, adding richness and protein without overpowering the classic apple-cinnamon flavor. The result is a bake that feels indulgent yet nourishing — and there’s one simple trick that makes the texture absolutely perfect.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Packed with protein from eggs and cottage cheese
• Soft, tender texture with bursts of juicy apple
• Naturally sweet and warmly spiced
• Perfect for breakfast meal prep or cozy brunch
• Made with simple pantry staples
• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
• Delicious warm or chilled straight from the fridge

If you love baked oatmeal recipes, healthy apple breakfasts, or protein-packed morning bakes, this Cinnamon Apple Cottage Cheese Crumble Bake checks every box.

Ingredients

• 2 eggs – Provide structure and help the bake set properly.
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese – Adds moisture, creaminess, and protein.
• 1/3 cup brown sugar – Brings warm sweetness with a hint of molasses flavor.
• 1 cup milk – Creates a smooth batter and soft texture.
• 2 cups rolled oats – Form the hearty base of the crumble bake.
• 1 1/2 cups diced apple – Add natural sweetness and juicy texture.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon – Infuses warm spice throughout.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bake rise slightly and stay tender.

Step-By-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a square baking dish thoroughly.
Proper greasing prevents sticking and ensures clean slices later. A light coating of oil or butter works perfectly.

2️⃣ In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, milk, and cottage cheese until smooth.
Whisk well to break up any cottage cheese curds so they blend into the mixture. The smoother this mixture, the creamier your final texture will be.

3️⃣ Stir in the rolled oats, cinnamon, and baking powder until fully combined.
Make sure the baking powder is evenly distributed so the bake rises uniformly. The mixture will look slightly loose, but the oats will absorb liquid as it rests.

4️⃣ Gently fold in the diced apples.
Distribute them evenly so every slice has tender apple pieces. Try not to overmix, which can make the batter dense.

5️⃣ Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Use a spatula to smooth the top for even baking. An even layer ensures the center cooks at the same rate as the edges.

6️⃣ Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set.
You’ll know it’s ready when the middle no longer jiggles and the top looks lightly golden. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.

7️⃣ Allow to cool before slicing into squares.
Cooling helps the structure firm up, making clean cuts easier. The texture will continue setting as it rests.

Can you already imagine slicing into it while it’s still slightly warm?

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Dice apples evenly so they soften at the same rate.
• Don’t skip greasing the pan — oats can stick easily.
• Avoid overbaking; dry edges mean too much moisture loss.
• Let it cool at least 10 minutes before cutting to prevent crumbling.
• Whisk the wet ingredients thoroughly to avoid pockets of cottage cheese.

One common mistake is under-mixing the wet ingredients, which can leave visible curds. Another is cutting too soon, which causes the bake to fall apart.

Variations & Customizations

For extra texture, sprinkle a small handful of additional rolled oats on top before baking. This creates a slightly chewy crumble finish.

If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can drizzle a little maple syrup over each slice when serving. This keeps the base recipe intact while enhancing sweetness.

For a brunch-style presentation, serve it warm with a spoonful of yogurt on the side. The contrast between creamy and hearty is beautiful.

You can also bake this Cinnamon Apple Cottage Cheese Crumble Bake in individual ramekins for perfectly portioned servings. Reduce the baking time slightly and watch for the centers to set.

If you enjoy a stronger spice profile, add a light dusting of cinnamon on top just before serving.

How would you serve yours — warm with coffee or chilled as a grab-and-go breakfast?

Storage & Make Ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor actually deepens overnight as the cinnamon continues to infuse.

To freeze, allow the bake to cool completely. Slice into portions, wrap individually, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

For reheating, microwave individual slices for 30–60 seconds until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes for a freshly baked texture.

This makes Cinnamon Apple Cottage Cheese Crumble Bake ideal for weekly meal prep. Bake once, enjoy all week.

FAQ

Can I make Cinnamon Apple Cottage Cheese Crumble Bake ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely. Bake it fully, let it cool, and refrigerate. It reheats beautifully and maintains its texture for several days.

Is baked oatmeal with cottage cheese healthy?

This recipe provides protein from eggs and cottage cheese, fiber from oats, and natural fruit sweetness from apples. It’s balanced and satisfying, making it a wholesome breakfast option.

Why is my baked oatmeal too soft in the middle?

If the center is undercooked, it likely needed a few more minutes in the oven. Ovens vary, so always check that the center is set and no longer jiggly before removing.

Can I freeze Cinnamon Apple Cottage Cheese Crumble Bake?

Yes. Slice, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen.

How do I know when it’s fully baked?

The edges will be lightly golden and the center firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out mostly clean.

Nutrition & Time Table

Detail	Amount
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cooking Time	40 minutes
Total Time	50 minutes
Calories	255 kcal
Protein	14 g
Carbohydrates	40 g
Fat	7 g

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