Cinnamon Apple Cottage Cheese Bites Recipe

Introduction

Cinnamon Apple Cottage Cheese Bites are a delightful and nutritious snack perfect for any time of the day. With the warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of apple, these mini bites combine wholesome ingredients into a soft, flavorful treat that’s easy to make and enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240g) cottage cheese, preferably small curds and whole milk for best flavor
• 1 cup (90g) rolled oats
• 1/2 cup (120ml) applesauce or small grated apple (use sweet, firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp (1.5g) ground cinnamon, good quality
• 1 tbsp (21g) honey or maple syrup (optional)
• 1/2 tsp (2g) baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to warm fully. Grease the mini muffin pan with non-stick spray or oil, or line it with mini muffin liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, rolled oats, applesauce or grated apple, egg, cinnamon, honey or maple syrup if using, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This ensures the flavors meld evenly and the texture is uniform.
3. Step 3: Allow the batter to sit for 5 minutes at room temperature. This resting period lets the oats absorb some moisture, resulting in fluffier bites after baking.
4. Step 4: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin pan, filling each cup nearly to the top. Avoid overcrowding the cups to help the bites bake evenly without sticking together.
5. Step 5: Place the muffin pan into the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. The bites are done when the tops appear lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Ovens vary, so monitor closely towards the end of baking and add 2-3 more minutes if necessary for golden tops.
6. Step 6: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bites cool in the pan for a few minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling allows the bites to firm up and develop a better texture for handling and eating.

Tips & Variations

• For added texture and flavor, fold in a small handful of chopped nuts or raisins before baking.
• Use fresh grated apple instead of applesauce for a chunkier texture and more natural sweetness.
• Try swapping cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg for a different warm spice profile.
• If you prefer a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg and use a plant-based yogurt instead of cottage cheese.

Storage

Store the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven until heated through. They also freeze well—place cooled bites in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use flavored or low-fat cottage cheese?

It’s best to use plain, whole milk cottage cheese with small curds for the best texture and flavor. Flavored or low-fat versions may alter the taste and consistency of the bites.

Can I make these bites without oats?

Oats provide structure and moisture absorption. If you want to omit oats, try substituting with almond flour or finely ground nuts, but results may vary in texture.

Cinnamon Apple Cottage Cheese Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 122 reviews

Delicious and nutritious Cinnamon Apple Cottage Cheese Bites, perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast. These mini bites combine creamy cottage cheese, oats, sweet apples, and warm cinnamon, baked to golden perfection for a soft, flavorful treat.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 to 20 minutes
• Total Time: 28 to 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 mini bites 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1 cup (240g) cottage cheese, preferably small curds and whole milk for best flavor
• 1 cup (90g) rolled oats
• 1/2 cup (120ml) applesauce or small grated apple (use sweet, firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp (1.5g) ground cinnamon, good quality
• 1 tbsp (21g) honey or maple syrup (optional)
• 1/2 tsp (2g) baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to warm fully. Grease the mini muffin pan with non-stick spray or oil, or line it with mini muffin liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, rolled oats, applesauce or grated apple, egg, cinnamon, honey or maple syrup if using, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This ensures the flavors meld evenly and the texture is uniform.
3. Rest Batter: Allow the batter to sit for 5 minutes at room temperature. This resting period lets the oats absorb some moisture, resulting in fluffier bites after baking.
4. Fill Muffin Pan: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin pan, filling each cup nearly to the top. Avoid overcrowding the cups to help the bites bake evenly without sticking together.
5. Bake: Place the muffin pan into the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. The bites are done when the tops appear lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Ovens vary, so monitor closely towards the end of baking and add 2-3 more minutes if necessary for golden tops.
6. Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bites cool in the pan for a few minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling allows the bites to firm up and develop a better texture for handling and eating.

Notes

• Use small curd, whole milk cottage cheese for the best flavor and texture.
• Sweet, firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji work best if using grated apple instead of applesauce.
• Honey or maple syrup is optional; omit for a less sweet version.
• Mini muffin liners aid in easy removal and cleanup but are not necessary if the pan is well greased.
• Ensure a toothpick comes out clean to confirm bites are fully baked.

Keywords: cinnamon apple bites, cottage cheese snacks, healthy mini muffins, baked oat bites, breakfast snack