If there’s one thing fall always delivers, it’s that irresistible urge to crack open a can of pumpkin puree and see where the magic takes you. But let’s be real—sometimes you want something that’s not a pie, not a muffin, and definitely not a sugar bomb. Enter this Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Dessert: part cozy bake, part protein-packed powerhouse, and completely crave-worthy.
This recipe is my answer to those chilly mornings when I want a little treat that still feels wholesome. It’s warm, lightly sweet, spiced just right, and full of the things we love about fall—pumpkin, cinnamon, and comfort in every bite. Whether you’re hunting for What To Make With Pumpkin Puree Healthy, craving High Protein Fall Treats, or simply need a pick-me-up that doubles as both breakfast and dessert (yes, please), this one’s got you covered.
The Story Behind the Bake
So here’s the scoop. Last October, I had two things sitting in my fridge: half a tub of cottage cheese (leftover from our pancake experiments) and a lonely can of pumpkin puree. I didn’t want another smoothie, and my kids had already staged a protest against oatmeal. Desperate for something new, I started tinkering.
The result? A soft, custard-like bake that tastes like a mash-up of cheesecake and pumpkin pie—without all the sugar or crust fuss. From that very first bite, my family was hooked. Now, it’s a staple in my rotation of Cottage Cheese Recipes Baking, and honestly, it might even rival my classic blueberry cottage cheese bake.
What Makes This Recipe So Irresistible?
- Protein-packed goodness – Thanks to cottage cheese and eggs, this bake checks the box for High Protein Low Carb Recipes Using Cottage Cheese.
- Wholesome sweetener – Naturally sweetened with maple syrup or brown sugar (no processed junk here).
- Customizable texture – Use oats for a heartier bite or almond flour for a lighter, low-carb option. Perfect if you’re exploring Low Carb Pumpkin Puree Recipes.
- Pumpkin spice heaven – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bring those nostalgic fall vibes.
- Ridiculously easy – One bowl. No fancy mixers. No complicated steps.
Basically, this is the kind of Pumpkin And Cottage Cheese Dessert you can whip up on a whim and still look like you’ve got your life together.
Ingredient List (with a little personality)
Here’s what you’ll need to make your new favorite bake. Chances are, most of this is already in your kitchen:
- Cottage cheese (2 cups) – The hero of the dish, creamy and full of protein.
- Pumpkin puree (1 cup) – Not pie filling, just pure pumpkin. This is where you sneak in those Recipes That Use Pumpkin Puree.
- Eggs (3 large) – They bind everything and add extra protein power.
- Maple syrup or brown sugar (½ cup) – Just enough sweetness without overdoing it.
- Rolled oats or almond flour (½ cup) – Pick your texture vibe: nutty or hearty.
- Pumpkin pie spice (2 tsp) – AKA fall in a jar.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp) – Subtle but essential.
- Baking powder (1 tsp) – For a little lift.
How to Make It (Simple Steps = Happy You)
- Mix it up – In a big bowl, whisk cottage cheese, eggs, pumpkin puree, sweetener, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spice it right – Stir in baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and oats/almond flour.
- Bake it – Pour into a greased 9×9 dish and bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes. Toothpick comes out clean = done!
- Cool & slice – Let it rest before cutting. (Trust me, it holds together better this way.)
Optional pro move: Toss in a handful of chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips before baking.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate swirl – Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top before baking.
- Nutty crunch – Stir in walnuts or pecans for texture.
- Dairy-free hack – Use almond-based cottage cheese and flax eggs. Texture changes a bit, but flavor stays awesome.
- Breakfast-style – Serve warm with Greek yogurt for the ultimate Fall High Protein Breakfast.
Best Way to Serve It
- Breakfast: Slightly warm, topped with yogurt and maybe a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Snack: Chilled, cut into bars for grab-and-go energy.
- Dessert: Add whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a dollop of nut butter for extra indulgence.
This bake is so versatile, it’s like the little black dress of Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Dessert recipes. Dress it up, keep it casual—it works every time.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overbake. Pull it out when the center is just set—too long and it gets dry.
- Use real pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling = way too sweet here.
- Cool completely before slicing. I know, waiting is hard, but it’s worth it.
Quick Tips for Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store slices in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual pieces and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Meal prep win: Mix the batter the night before, then bake fresh in the morning. Instant fall vibes!
FAQs
Q: Is this healthy enough for breakfast?
A: Absolutely! High in protein, naturally sweetened, and packed with pumpkin = yes to breakfast.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yep! Just swap cottage cheese for a dairy-free version and use flax eggs.
Q: Can I double it?
A: For sure—just bake in a 9×13 pan and add 10–15 minutes to the baking time.
Q: What’s the texture like?
A: Think cheesecake meets custard meets pumpkin pie. Creamy, soft, and cozy.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just another pumpkin bake. It’s the ultimate balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition—a Pumpkin And Cottage Cheese Dessert that doubles as a snack, dessert, or Fall High Protein Breakfast. It’s the kind of dish you’ll keep coming back to, especially when those chilly mornings hit.
If you’ve been scrolling through Pinterest for Cottage Cheese Recipes Baking or High Protein Low Carb Recipes Using Cottage Cheese, this is your sign to stop searching and start baking.
So grab your pumpkin puree, open that tub of cottage cheese, and get baking. You’re about to fall (pun intended) in love with your new favorite High Protein Fall Treat.
PrintSweet & Healthy Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Dessert for Fall Lovers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
Description
Think of this bake as pumpkin pie’s healthier, high-protein cousin. With creamy cottage cheese, warm spices, and just the right touch of sweetness, it’s the kind of dish that works equally well as breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a lighter dessert. The best part? It comes together in one bowl with simple, everyday ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (16 oz) cottage cheese – creamy and protein-packed
- 3 large eggs – help bind everything together
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not the pre-sweetened pie filling)
- ½ cup rolled oats or almond flour – choose based on your texture and dietary preference
- ½ cup maple syrup or brown sugar – for gentle sweetness
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice – fall in every bite
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds depth and warmth
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – gives the bake a light lift
Instructions
- Get your oven ready. Heat to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or parchment.
- Mix the wet base. In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, eggs, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Add the dry ingredients. Stir in oats or almond flour, pumpkin spice, and baking powder until well incorporated.
- Transfer to the dish. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface.
- Bake to perfection. Place in the oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is firm and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool before slicing. Allow the bake to rest before cutting into squares—it sets better this way.
Notes
- Serving Ideas
- Add a dollop of Greek yogurt for breakfast.
- Dust with cinnamon and top with whipped cream for a simple dessert.
- Drizzle with extra maple syrup if you’ve got a sweet tooth.
- Storage Notes
- Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual portions and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg