Introduction

This Cottage Cheese Apple Pie Bowl is a quick, healthy treat that tastes like dessert but feels like breakfast. Creamy cottage cheese pairs perfectly with warm cinnamon-spiced apples and crunchy nuts, creating a comforting and nourishing bowl you’ll love anytime.

A white speckled bowl filled with three visible layers: the bottom layer is creamy white cottage cheese with a soft, lumpy texture, the middle layer shows small clusters of brown granola scattered on top, and the top layer is made of light yellowish pear chunks arranged around a few whole pecans in the center, all drizzled with golden honey and lightly dusted with brown cinnamon powder. The bowl rests on a gray textured cloth over a white marbled surface. 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 skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced apple with cinnamon, vanilla, and maple syrup for 2–3 minutes until the apples are slightly softened.
Step 2: Spoon the cottage cheese into a bowl and top it with the warm cinnamon apples.
Step 3: Sprinkle the top with granola, chopped pecans, and a pinch of sea salt to add extra crunch and balance.
Step 4: Drizzle with a little extra maple syrup if desired, then enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a creamier texture, stir the vanilla extract into the cottage cheese before assembling.
Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
Use honey instead of maple syrup for a different but equally delicious sweetness.
Try adding a sprinkle of ground nutmeg or ginger to the apples for extra warmth.

Storage

This bowl is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat the sautéed apples gently in a skillet or microwave before serving to restore their warmth. The granola is best added right before eating to keep its crunch.

How to Serve

A white speckled bowl filled with one main thick layer of creamy white cottage cheese, topped with a second layer of golden brown granola scattered evenly. Over the granola, there are chunks of light yellow-green pear pieces in a loose circle, with a few whole pecans placed in the center. The whole topping is lightly drizzled with honey, showing amber glassy streaks, and dusted softly with brown cinnamon powder. The bowl rests on a gray knitted cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of cottage cheese?

Cream cheese or ricotta can be used as alternatives, but they will change the texture and richness of the bowl. Cottage cheese provides a nice balance of creaminess and protein.

What if I don’t have granola on hand?

You can substitute granola with toasted oats, crushed cereal, or even chopped toasted nuts to maintain the crunchy texture.