Thank you for stopping by, friend! Today, I’m sharing a muffin recipe that has been stealing the spotlight at my breakfast table — Cottage Cheese Apple Crumble Muffins. They’re high in protein, naturally sweetened, and perfectly moist. Imagine the cozy warmth of baked apples wrapped in a cinnamon-spiced oat flour batter, with creamy cottage cheese adding richness and a protein boost.

If you’re looking for a muffin that fuels your mornings without the sugar crash, you’re in the right place. And yes — they freeze beautifully, so you can meal-prep a batch for busy weeks.

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Overview of Recipe Content

What is it?
These muffins are the perfect marriage of comfort food and nutrition. They’re soft, slightly dense in that satisfying bakery-style way, and topped with a rustic crumble that makes every bite feel indulgent — without the guilt.

Why you’ll love them

High protein thanks to cottage cheese and eggs
No refined sugar (you can make them entirely sugar-free!)
Gluten-free friendly when using certified oat flour
Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert
Freezer-friendly for grab-and-go convenience

What they taste like
Warm, apple-pie sweetness meets creamy richness with a hint of vanilla. The oat flour gives them a hearty bite, while cinnamon wraps everything in a cozy hug.

Nutritional/Seasonal perks

Rich in protein & fiber
Lower sugar for balanced energy
Apples make them perfect for fall baking — but truly, these are delicious year-round.

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp maple syrup or sugar-free sweetener (optional)
1 cup oat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1 cup diced apple (peeled if desired)

For the Crumble Topping (optional but so worth it):

¼ cup oat flour
1 tbsp coconut oil or butter, melted
1 tbsp maple syrup or sweetener
Pinch of cinnamon

Tools Needed

Muffin tin & liners
Mixing bowls
Whisk & spatula
Measuring cups & spoons

Suggested substitutions/additions

Swap apples for pears or peaches
Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble
Stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder for an extra boost

How to Make Cottage Cheese Apple Crumble Muffins

Prep – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
Blend Wet Ingredients – In a blender or food processor, blend cottage cheese, eggs, vanilla, and maple syrup until smooth.
Mix Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Combine – Pour the wet mixture into the dry, stirring until just combined. Fold in diced apples.
Make the Crumble – In a small bowl, mix oat flour, melted coconut oil/butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon until crumbly.
Fill & Top – Divide batter into muffin cups. Sprinkle crumble evenly over each.
Bake – Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool & Enjoy – Let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.

What to Serve with Cottage Cheese Apple Crumble Muffins

Hot coffee or chai latte for a cozy breakfast
Greek yogurt and fresh berries for extra protein
A drizzle of warm almond butter for dessert vibes

Tips for Making It Perfect

Don’t overmix the batter — it keeps muffins tender.
Dice apples small so they cook through evenly.
For a taller muffin, fill liners almost to the top.
Blend cottage cheese well for a smooth texture.

Storage Instructions

Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

General Information

Cottage cheese in baking is a little kitchen secret my nonna swore by. It keeps baked goods moist and adds a natural richness without extra butter. Combined with apples, it creates a muffin that’s indulgent yet nourishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these without eggs?
Yes! Substitute with 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp flaxseed meal + 5 tbsp water).

2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of oat flour?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly denser.

3. Do I have to peel the apples?
Not at all — the peel adds extra fiber and rustic charm.

4. Can I add protein powder?
Absolutely. Replace ¼ cup oat flour with protein powder for an extra boost.

Conclusion

These Cottage Cheese Apple Crumble Muffins are moist, high-protein, and naturally sweetened — the kind of snack that makes you look forward to mornings. For more apple-inspired baking, try my Easy Apple Oatmeal Bars or Healthy Apple Pie Overnight Oats.

Happy baking, my friend! 🧡

Interactive Elements

Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below — I love hearing your feedback! 📸 Share your muffin pics on Pinterest at Poulef Recipes or tag me on Instagram.