Description
Healthy Cinnamon Apple Cottage Cheese Bites are perfect for a guilt-free snack, combining the creamy texture of cottage cheese with the natural sweetness of apples and a warm hint of cinnamon. These mini bites are packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and optional fiber boosters, making them a nutritious treat that’s easy to prepare and bake in muffin form.
Ingredients
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 Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a mini muffin pan by greasing it or lining it with paper liners to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal of the bites.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, rolled oats, applesauce (or grated apple), egg, cinnamon, optional honey or maple syrup, baking powder, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated creating a thick batter.
- Rest the Batter: Let the batter rest for 5 minutes. This allows the oats to absorb moisture and the baking powder to activate slightly, improving the texture of the bites.
- Fill the Muffin Pan: Scoop the batter into the prepared mini muffin pan, filling each cup almost to the top to ensure the bites have a good size and height after baking.
- Bake the Bites: 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. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bites to cool in the pan for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess and ensures a perfect texture.
Notes
- You can swap cottage cheese for ricotta if you prefer a milder flavor and creamier texture.
- Using quick oats will yield softer bites compared to rolled oats.
- The sweetener is optional depending on your taste preference and sweetness of the applesauce.
- Adding pumpkin puree and chia seeds or ground flaxseed boosts fiber and adds moisture without altering flavor significantly.
- Store the baked bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- They make excellent grab-and-go snacks or a quick breakfast option.