Description

These Cinnamon Apple Cottage Cheese Bites are a delightful and healthy snack or breakfast option, blending creamy cottage cheese with sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and wholesome oats. Baked to golden perfection in mini muffin form, they offer a soft, fluffy texture with a balance of protein and natural sweetness, making them perfect for on-the-go or a quick nourishing treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Creamy Base

1 cup (240g) cottage cheese, preferably small curds and whole milk for best flavor

Dry Ingredients

1 cup (90g) rolled oats
1/2 tsp (1.5g) ground cinnamon, good quality
1/2 tsp (2g) baking powder
Pinch of salt

Fruit and Sweetener

1/2 cup (120ml) applesauce or small grated apple (use sweet, firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji)
1 tbsp (21g) honey or maple syrup (optional)

Binding Agent

1 large egg

Instructions

Preheat and prepare pan: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully warm. Grease a mini muffin pan with non-stick spray or oil, or line it with mini muffin liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
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 the mixture until smooth and well blended to ensure even flavor distribution and consistent texture.
Rest the batter: Let the batter sit at room temperature for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the oats to absorb moisture, resulting in a fluffier texture once baked.
Fill the muffin pan: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin pan, filling each cup nearly to the top. Avoid overcrowding to help the bites bake evenly and not stick together.
Bake the bites: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. The bites are done when the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If needed, add 2-3 more minutes to achieve golden tops, checking closely near the end of baking.
Cool and serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bites to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling firms up the bites and improves 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 grating fresh apple instead of applesauce.
Honey or maple syrup is optional and can be adjusted based on your sweetness preference.
Mini muffin liners make removing bites easier and reduce cleanup.
Leftover bites can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 bites (approx. 60g)
Calories: 110 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 115mg
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 40mg

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