If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that packs a serious nutritional punch, this Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Bake is your new best friend. This Easy & High-Protein Fall Treat combines the cozy flavors of pumpkin pie spice with the creamy richness of cottage cheese, creating a warm and satisfying bake that’s perfect for chilly mornings or a wholesome dessert. It’s simple, nourishing, and truly captures the essence of fall in every bite, making it a must-try when the leaves start to change.

Easy & High-Protein Fall Treat Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of wholesome ingredients, this recipe keeps things delightfully straightforward while highlighting each component’s unique contribution to taste, texture, and autumnal appeal.

2 cups (16 oz) cottage cheese: The heart of the dish providing a creamy texture and a high-protein boost to keep you energized.

3 large eggs: Binding everything together while adding richness and structure.
1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling): Infuses vibrant color and that unmistakable fall flavor.

½ cup rolled oats or almond flour: Adds a subtle nuttiness and wholesome body to the bake.
½ cup maple syrup or brown sugar: Sweetens naturally, balancing savory and spicy notes perfectly.

2 tsp pumpkin pie spice: The ultimate fall seasoning blend that transforms this bake into an aromatic delight.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Deepens flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
1 tsp baking powder: Gives the bake a light, tender rise for the perfect texture.

How to Make Easy & High-Protein Fall Treat

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish. This ensures your pumpkin bake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly into a golden perfection.

Step 2: Whisk Together Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the creamy cottage cheese, fresh eggs, pumpkin puree, sweet maple syrup, and fragrant vanilla extract. Whisk these together until smooth and well integrated. This mixture forms the luscious base of your Easy & High-Protein Fall Treat.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Next, stir in your rolled oats or almond flour, the signature pumpkin pie spice, and baking powder. Each of these adds crucial texture and flavor notes: oats or almond flour bring body, the spice blend offers warmth, and baking powder lightens the bake beautifully.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the complete mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top gently with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center sets firmly and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. This step locks in that irresistible seasonal flavor with a high-protein twist.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow your pumpkin cottage cheese creation to cool before slicing. This resting time helps it set up nicely, making each slice neat and satisfying to serve. Your Easy & High-Protein Fall Treat is now ready to brighten your day!

How to Serve Easy & High-Protein Fall Treat

Garnishes

Elevate your pumpkin bake with a dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped pecans for that extra crunch. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey adds creaminess and freshness. These simple garnishes can turn a humble dish into a stunning seasonal centerpiece.

Side Dishes

This fall treat pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to create a balanced meal. For breakfast or brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a hot cup of spiced tea to complement the cozy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving slices of the bake in small ramekins or mason jars for a charming presentation. Layer it with whipped cream and toasted nuts for a parfait-style dessert that’s sure to impress guests or delight kids.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container to keep the bake fresh and moist. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this Easy & High-Protein Fall Treat later, it freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. This way, you always have a healthy fallback option on busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen slices overnight in the fridge and warm gently in the microwave or oven. This will recapture the comforting aroma and soft texture, making it feel freshly baked each time.

FAQs

Can I use non-dairy cottage cheese substitutes for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with non-dairy alternatives like almond or soy-based cottage cheese, but be aware the texture and protein content may vary, slightly changing the final result.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This Easy & High-Protein Fall Treat stores well in the fridge and freezer, making it an ideal option for meal prepping hearty breakfasts or wholesome snacks.

Can I add nuts or seeds to the bake?

Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds can provide an enjoyable crunch and boost the nutritional value even further.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

You can create your own blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This DIY mix works wonderfully to capture the classic autumn flavors in your bake.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be, if you use gluten-free oats or almond flour as your dry ingredient. Just be sure to check labels to avoid any hidden gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Easy & High-Protein Fall Treat is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors, warmth, and nutrition wrapped into one effortless recipe. Whether you’re cozying up on a crisp fall morning or craving something wholesome after a busy day, this bake will become your go-to comfort food. Give it a try—you might just find yourself excitedly sharing it with friends and family as your new favorite seasonal delight!

Easy & High-Protein Fall Treat Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 5 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 50 minutes

Yield: 9 servings (1 slice per serving) 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A healthy, easy-to-make pumpkin cottage cheese bake that’s perfect for fall. This high-protein, nutritious dessert combines creamy cottage cheese with pumpkin puree and warming pumpkin pie spice for a guilt-free seasonal treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients

2 cups (16 oz) cottage cheese
3 large eggs
1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

½ cup rolled oats or almond flour
½ cup maple syrup or brown sugar
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the rolled oats or almond flour, pumpkin pie spice, and baking powder until the mixture is evenly blended.
Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even cooking.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bake to cool completely before slicing. Serve as a nutritious breakfast or a wholesome dessert.

Notes

Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for best flavor and texture.

Rolled oats can be substituted with almond flour for a gluten-free version.
You can adjust the sweetness by using maple syrup or brown sugar as preferred.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat slices in the microwave or enjoy chilled.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes

Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/9th of the bake)
Calories: 180 kcal
Sugar: 10 g

Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g

Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 26 g

Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 12 g
Cholesterol: 100 mg

Keywords: pumpkin cottage cheese bake, healthy pumpkin recipe, high protein pumpkin dessert, fall recipes, easy pumpkin bake