Description
Moist, protein-packed mini bites made with cottage cheese, oats, apple, and warm cinnamon—an easy 1-bowl, kid-friendly snack that tastes like cozy fall muffins.
Ingredients
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (or 1 small apple, grated; about 1/2 cup)
1 large egg (or 1 flax egg: 1 Tbsp ground flax + 3 Tbsp water)
1 Tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
Optional add-ins: 2–3 Tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts, raisins, or mini chocolate chips
For the pan: cooking spray or mini muffin liners
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin pan or line with mini liners.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk cottage cheese, applesauce (or grated apple), egg, and honey/maple (if using) until mostly smooth.
3. Add rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and a pinch of salt; stir until evenly combined. Fold in any optional add-ins.
4. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes so the oats hydrate and the mixture thickens slightly.
5. Scoop batter into the mini muffin pan, filling each cup nearly to the top.
6. Bake 18–20 minutes, until set and lightly golden at the edges.
7. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to finish cooling. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For gluten-free bites, use certified gluten-free oats.
If using grated apple instead of applesauce, gently squeeze out excess juice for best texture.
Sweetness is mild as written—add another 1–2 teaspoons honey/maple or a few raisins if you prefer sweeter bites.
Avoid sticking by greasing the pan well or using liners; a small cookie scoop makes portioning easy and even.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days, or freeze up to 2 months. Rewarm briefly in the microwave or toaster oven.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cinnamon apple, cottage cheese bites, oat muffins, high protein snack, mini muffins, kid friendly