Introduction

This Cottage Cheese Apple Pie Bowl is a quick, nutritious breakfast or snack that combines the creamy tang of cottage cheese with sweet, spiced apples. It’s like having apple pie in a bowl—without the crust! Simple to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for busy mornings or a wholesome treat.

A white speckled bowl filled with a creamy white cottage cheese base, topped with small clusters of golden brown granola spread unevenly over the surface. On top of the granola, light yellow pear chunks are scattered, some slightly overlapping. In the center, a small pile of dark brown pecans adds texture and color contrast. A light drizzle of amber honey pools around the fruit and nuts, glistening and adding a sticky sheen. The whole dish is sprinkled lightly with a fine dusting of cinnamon, visible as a soft brown powder over the pears and granola. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a grey textured cloth partially seen behind it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup cottage cheese
½ apple, diced (any sweet variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji)
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
1 tbsp chopped pecans (or walnuts)
2 tbsp granola (for crunch)
Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the diced apple, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir well to coat the apples evenly and set aside.
Step 2: Place the cottage cheese in a serving bowl. Top with the spiced apple mixture, then sprinkle with chopped pecans and granola for added texture and crunch.

Tips & Variations

Use a tart apple variety for a tangier contrast, or choose sweeter apples for a more dessert-like flavor.
Swap maple syrup for honey to suit your taste preference or dietary needs.
For extra warmth, gently sauté the diced apples with cinnamon before mixing to soften them.
Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra depth of flavor.

Storage

Best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the apple mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep the granola separate and add just before serving to maintain its crunch. Leftover assembled bowls should be eaten within a few hours as the granola will become soggy.

How to Serve

A bowl filled with a thick layer of white cottage cheese covers the bottom, topped with small granola clusters scattered around, and several chunks of light yellow pear pieces evenly spread on top. In the center, a small pile of whole pecans is arranged, and everything is drizzled with a golden syrup. There is a light dusting of brown cinnamon powder over the fruit and granola. The bowl is white with small dark speckles, placed on a white marbled surface, beside a textured gray cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use flavored cottage cheese instead of plain?

It’s best to use plain cottage cheese so you can control the sweetness and spices in the bowl. Flavored versions may alter the taste and balance of the dish.

Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet?

This recipe uses cottage cheese, which is a dairy product. You could try substituting with a dairy-free yogurt or a plant-based ricotta alternative for a similar texture, though the flavor will differ.

Cottage Cheese Apple Pie Bowl Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 89 reviews

This Cottage Cheese Apple Pie Bowl is a quick and nutritious breakfast or snack option that combines creamy cottage cheese with sweet diced apple, warm cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla and maple syrup. Topped with crunchy pecans and granola, it’s a deliciously wholesome way to enjoy all the flavors of apple pie without baking.

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

½ cup cottage cheese
½ apple, diced (any sweet variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji)
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
1 tbsp chopped pecans (or walnuts)
2 tbsp granola (for crunch)
Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

Prepare the Apple: Dice half an apple into small bite-sized pieces. Choose a sweet variety such as Honeycrisp or Fuji for natural sweetness and crisp texture.
Mix Cottage Cheese Base: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup cottage cheese with ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors.
Add Sweetener: Drizzle ½ tablespoon of maple syrup or honey over the cottage cheese mixture and stir gently to blend the sweetness throughout.
Combine Ingredients: Fold the diced apple gently into the cottage cheese mixture to incorporate the fruit without breaking it down too much.
Add Crunchy Toppings: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of chopped pecans or walnuts and 2 tablespoons of granola over the bowl for added texture and flavor.
Serve: Enjoy immediately as a protein-packed, flavorful breakfast or snack that mimics the taste of apple pie in a healthy, no-cook bowl.