Fluffy Apple Cottage Cheese Cake (Mix It All and Bake Happiness!)

You know those recipes that make your kitchen smell like comfort itself? This Fluffy Apple Cottage Cheese Cake is one of them.

It’s the kind of cake that you can whip up in one bowl — no fuss, no fancy techniques, just mix and bake happiness! The result? A lightly sweet, tender, and moist cake with delicate apple slices nestled in a creamy cottage cheese batter.

This cake is a beloved European-style treat, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon coffee break. My nonna used to say, “If your cake has apples and cheese, it counts as breakfast,” — and honestly, I couldn’t agree more!

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Overview of Recipe Content

What Is Fluffy Apple Cottage Cheese Cake?

It’s a moist, airy cake made with cottage cheese and sliced apples for a soft, custardy texture. Think of it as part cheesecake, part coffee cake, part fluffy dream. It’s high in protein, low in fuss, and loved by everyone who tries it.

Why You’ll Love It

• One-bowl recipe: Just mix and bake!
• High in protein thanks to cottage cheese.
• Moist and light — never dense.
• Refined sugar optional — naturally sweetened apples do the magic.
• Perfect for breakfast or dessert.

What It Tastes Like

Soft, tender, lightly sweet, with a hint of vanilla and the gentle tang of cottage cheese balanced by juicy baked apples. It’s not overly rich — just wholesome, creamy, and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup (250 g) cottage cheese (whole milk or low-fat)
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for natural sweetness)
• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Filling & Topping

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, for dusting after baking

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl and whisk
• 9-inch springform or round cake pan
• Spatula
• Knife and peeler for apples

Substitutions

• Gluten-free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour.
• Dairy-free: Substitute cottage cheese with vegan ricotta or blended silken tofu.
• Sugar-free: Use erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.

How to Make Fluffy Apple Cottage Cheese Cake

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1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
3. Add flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. Mix gently until incorporated — don’t overmix.
4. Fold in half of the apple slices into the batter.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and arrange remaining apple slices on top in a fan pattern.
6. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar.

Serve warm or at room temperature — perfect with coffee, tea, or a dollop of Greek yogurt!

What to Serve with Fluffy Apple Cottage Cheese Cake

Pair this cozy cake with:

• A warm chai latte or cappuccino
• A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert

And try it alongside these delicious treats:

• Moist Almond Flour Banana Bread

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Blend the cottage cheese for a smoother texture if you prefer.
• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for balance.
• Avoid overbaking — you want the center tender, not dry.
• Dust with powdered sugar only once cooled.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Keep covered up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze slices individually for up to 2 months.

General Information

This cake draws inspiration from Eastern European cottage cheese desserts (like zapekanka), blending them with the soft sweetness of apple cakes. It’s light enough for breakfast yet indulgent enough for dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, ricotta works perfectly — it gives a silkier texture.

2. What apples are best?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji — firm varieties that hold up in baking.

3. Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling gives a softer texture, but you can leave the skin on for rustic charm.

4. Can I make it ahead?
Yes — it tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

5. Can I reduce the sugar?
Absolutely! This cake is forgiving — cut the sugar by ⅓ for a lighter sweetness.

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Conclusion

This Fluffy Apple Cottage Cheese Cake is simplicity at its best — creamy, light, fruity, and cozy all in one bite. It’s a mix-it-all-and-bake kind of happiness that’ll make your kitchen smell heavenly.

If you loved this, try my Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes or Apple Cinnamon Oat Pancakes!

Don’t forget to share your bake on Pinterest — I can’t wait to see your cozy creations!

Interactive Elements

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Nutritional Information

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Sugar
1 slice (1/10 cake)	195	9g	20g	9g	10g

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