Apple Crumble Cottage Cheese Bake: A Cozy Fall Favorite

This Apple Crumble Cottage Cheese Bake came to life one chilly afternoon when I was craving something sweet but wholesome. With apples on the counter and cottage cheese in the fridge, I blended the two into a creamy, spiced dessert that’s now a family favorite. It’s layered like a trifle—cheesecake base, caramelized apples, oat crumble—and ready in no time. Whether you serve it in cute mason jars or one big dish, this fall treat is cozy, satisfying, and secretly packed with protein. If you love Cottage Cheese Apple Pie Bites, this is your next go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cottage Cheese Crumble

A High-Protein Apple Dessert That Tastes Like Pie

This apple crumble cottage cheese bake delivers a rich, cheesecake-style experience with a fraction of the effort. The cottage cheese and Greek yogurt combo gives the filling an ultra-smooth, creamy texture that’s packed with protein. It’s like biting into an apple pie whipped into a mousse, minus the heavy crust and refined sugar overload. Whether you’re enjoying it post-dinner or as a midday treat, it’s perfectly sweetened with maple syrup and naturally delicious.

Easy to Customize, Even Easier to Make

Don’t let the layers fool you—this dessert is so simple. You can prep it all in under 30 minutes and chill it while you get dinner ready. Have extra almond flour from making Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Cheesecake Bars? Use it in the crumble topping. Want it warm? Bake it in ramekins for 10 minutes and enjoy the cozy vibes. Whether you follow the base recipe or add your own twists like a caramel drizzle or chopped pecans, it’s as flexible as it is flavorful.

Apple Crumble Cottage Cheese Bake: A Cozy Fall Favorite

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A creamy, layered high-protein apple crumble made with cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, caramelized apples, and a golden oat topping. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or cozy gatherings.

• Total Time: 20 mins
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

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Cheesecake Layer:

1 ½ cups cottage cheese

½ cup plain Greek yogurt

3 tbsp maple syrup

1 tsp vanilla bean paste

Apple Layer:

1 medium apple (peeled and diced)

1 tbsp coconut oil or butter

2 tbsp maple syrup

1 tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp nutmeg

Pinch of salt

Crumble Topping:

½ cup rolled oats

¼ cup almond flour

2 tbsp coconut sugar

2 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter

½ tsp cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Cook the apples: Heat coconut oil in a skillet. Add apples, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for 5–7 minutes until soft and caramelized.

2. Toast the crumble: Mix oats, almond flour, sugar, oil, and cinnamon. Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes or air fry for 2–4 minutes.

3. Blend cheesecake base: Combine cottage cheese, yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla in a blender. Blend until smooth.

4. Assemble jars: Layer crumble, apple mixture, cheesecake base, more apples, and crumble in mini jars.

5. Chill and serve: Refrigerate 30 minutes before serving, or enjoy immediately.

Notes

To make it vegan, use dairy-free yogurt and vegan butter.

Replace almond flour with crushed cookies for a classic texture.

Yields six 4 oz jars or one small trifle dish.

• Author: Emily Frost
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Category: Dessert, Breakfast
• Method: Layered
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 jar (4 oz)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

How to Make Apple Crumble Cottage Cheese Bake: Step-by-Step & Simple

This Apple Crumble Cottage Cheese Bake is built with three main layers: a creamy cheesecake base, warm spiced apples, and a golden oat crumble. What’s amazing is how easily it comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients—no fancy equipment or complicated steps required.

Let’s break it down, starting with the ingredients you’ll need for each layer:

Cheesecake Layer:

• 1 ½ cups cottage cheese (Good Culture 2% low fat recommended)
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)

Apple Layer:

• 1 medium apple (peeled and diced)
• 1 tbsp coconut oil or butter
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Crumble Topping:

• ½ cup rolled oats
• ¼ cup almond flour
• 2 tbsp coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
• 2 tbsp coconut oil or butter, melted
• ½ tsp cinnamon

Now let’s assemble this delicious bake:

1. Cook the Apples: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the coconut oil, then add diced apples, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft and caramelized. Let cool slightly.
2. Toast the Crumble: Combine oats, almond flour, sugar, melted oil, and cinnamon. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 8–10 minutes (or 2–4 minutes in the air fryer), stirring halfway.
3. Blend the Cheesecake Base: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 30–45 seconds.
4. Assemble the Jars: In mini mason jars or small glasses, layer toasted crumble, apple filling, creamy cheesecake, more apples, and a final sprinkle of crumble on top.
5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set, or serve immediately for a warm version. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle with my coconut caramel sauce or pair with Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancakes for brunch.

Easy Variations & Storage Tips for Apple Crumble Cottage Cheese Bake

One of the best things about this Apple Crumble Cottage Cheese Bake is how versatile it is. Whether you’re making it for dessert, breakfast, or meal prep, there are countless ways to customize it. From ingredient swaps to storage hacks, here’s how to make this cozy favorite work for your lifestyle and pantry.

Custom Swaps for Every Diet & Taste

Need to make it dairy-free? Simply use plant-based yogurt and vegan butter in both the cheesecake layer and crumble. It still comes out rich, smooth, and satisfying. Don’t have almond flour? Crushed cookies or graham crackers give it a more traditional apple crisp feel. You can also toss in chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for crunch. For a stronger fall flavor, add a dash of cloves or use spiced applesauce in place of fresh apples.

Want to build it in a bigger dish instead of jars? Go for it—just layer it in a small trifle bowl or loaf pan and scoop to serve. It’s just as lovely and great for feeding a crowd, like my Morning Glory Cottage Cheese Bake, which also scales beautifully.

How to Store & Make Ahead Like a Pro

This apple crumble cottage cheese bake stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make the layers ahead and assemble right before serving to keep the crumble crisp. You can also prep individual jars the night before—just cover and refrigerate.

If you’re planning a fall brunch spread, these jars pair perfectly with Flourless Blueberry Cottage Cheese Cake for a high-protein dessert board.

Avoid freezing, as the texture of cottage cheese changes once thawed. However, the crumble and apple mixture can be made and frozen separately for easy assembly later.

Health Benefits & Cozy Ways to Serve Apple Crumble Cottage Cheese Bake

The beauty of this Apple Crumble Cottage Cheese Bake isn’t just its taste—it’s the nutritional boost that comes with every spoonful. If you’re trying to eat more protein, reduce added sugar, or sneak in fruit in fun ways, this recipe fits right in. Here’s how it stacks up nutritionally and how to serve it so it always feels fresh and fun.

A Protein-Packed, Naturally Sweetened Dessert

Unlike traditional apple crumble, this version uses cottage cheese and Greek yogurt to deliver a creamy texture with real benefits—think about 10–15 grams of protein per serving, depending on how you build it. Maple syrup adds natural sweetness without going overboard, while apples bring fiber and natural sugars.

Rolled oats and almond flour make the crumble hearty and gluten-friendly (if using certified GF oats). Plus, with cinnamon and nutmeg rounding out the flavor, this dessert has all the cozy vibes of fall classics—minus the sugar crash.

If you’re already into Cinnamon Pecan Cottage Cheese Muffins, this is another recipe that brings both nourishment and nostalgia in one bite.

Serving Ideas to Keep It Fresh & Fun

This Apple Crumble Cottage Cheese Bake is ideal for brunches, desserts, or even snack prep. Serve it in mini jars for individual portions or layer it in a dish for an easy spoon-and-serve style dessert. Want to turn it into a showstopper? Add a swirl of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of maple caramel or nut butter on top.

It also pairs perfectly with cozy drinks—think spiced chai or hot apple cider—and makes a lovely dessert option for holidays alongside Everything Bagel Cottage Cheese Bites.

For kids, serve it as a “dessert parfait,” layered in clear cups so they can see the colors and textures. It’s one of those rare treats that feels indulgent but is filled with nourishing ingredients, making it a win for both flavor and function.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Crumble Cottage Cheese Bake

Conclusion: A Simple, Sweet Way to Enjoy Fall Flavors

This Apple Crumble Cottage Cheese Bake brings the warmth of fall baking into a fresh, creamy, and nourishing dish. Whether you’re layering it for dessert, prepping it for breakfast, or sharing it with friends at brunch, it’s easy to love. With simple ingredients and that comforting cinnamon-apple combo, it’s a wholesome treat that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.

If you’re into recipes like Cottage Cheese Apple Pie Bites or Caramel Apple Pie, this bake is a must-try. It fits perfectly into your cozy-season menu—and once you taste it, you might just make it all year long.

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