Description

These Cinnamon Apple Cottage Cheese Bites are delightful mini snacks that combine creamy cottage cheese with the natural sweetness of apples and warm cinnamon spice. Perfect as a healthy breakfast option or a nutritious snack, these bites are easy to make, fluffy, and packed with wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully warm. 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.
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 and uniform texture.
Rest Batter: Allow the batter to sit for 5 minutes at room temperature. This resting period lets the oats absorb moisture, resulting in fluffier bites once baked.
Fill Muffin Pan: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin pan, filling each cup nearly to the top but avoiding overcrowding to promote even baking and prevent sticking.
Bake: Place the muffin pan into the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. The bites are done when tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Watch closely near the end and extend baking 2-3 minutes if needed for perfect golden tops.
Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bites cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling helps the bites firm up and improves texture for eating.

Notes

You can substitute applesauce with grated fresh apple for more texture and freshness.
Using whole milk cottage cheese enhances the flavor and richness of the bites.
Choose sweet, firm apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best taste.
Honey or maple syrup is optional and can be omitted to reduce sweetness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
These bites can be enjoyed warm or cold, making them versatile snacks.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 mini bites (approximately 60g)
Calories: 120 kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 3.5g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: cinnamon apple bites, cottage cheese snack, healthy mini muffins, baked oats bites, gluten-free snack, easy breakfast bites