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
Scale
- 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