Description
These Healthy Cinnamon Apple Cottage Cheese Bites are perfect for guilt-free snacking. Packed with wholesome ingredients like cottage cheese, rolled oats, and applesauce, they deliver a delicious balance of protein, fiber, and natural sweetness with a comforting hint of cinnamon. Baked into mini muffin-sized bites, they make for a convenient and nutritious snack or breakfast option that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Cottage Cheese (or substitute with ricotta)
- 1 cup Rolled Oats (or use quick oats for softer texture)
- 1/2 cup Applesauce (or grated apple)
- 1 large Egg (to bind ingredients)
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (or use nutmeg for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Honey or Maple Syrup (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (ensure freshness)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Add-ins
- 1/4 cup Chopped Nuts (like pecans or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup Mini Chocolate Chips or Raisins (for added sweetness)
- 1/2 cup Pumpkin Puree (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Chia Seeds or Ground Flaxseed (for extra fiber)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a mini muffin pan by lightly greasing it or lining it with paper liners to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, rolled oats, applesauce (or grated apple), egg, cinnamon, honey or maple syrup if using, baking powder, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Rest the Batter: Let the batter rest for 5 minutes. This allows the oats to absorb moisture and thicken the mixture slightly for better texture.
- Prepare for Baking: Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin pan cups, filling each almost to the top to ensure nicely sized bites.
- Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes or until the bites are set and lightly golden on top.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bites cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess and helps them hold their shape.
Notes
- You can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta for a slightly creamier texture.
- Using quick oats instead of rolled oats will yield a softer bite.
- Add pumpkin puree and chia seeds for added nutrition and fiber, but adjust moisture as needed.
- Optional sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can be omitted for a lower-sugar version.
- Store baked bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
