Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup (240g) cottage cheese, preferably small curds and whole milk for best flavor
- 1 cup (90g) rolled oats
- 1/2 cup (120ml) applesauce or small grated apple (use sweet, firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp (1.5g) ground cinnamon, good quality
- 1 tbsp (21g) honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1/2 tsp (2g) baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to warm fully. Grease a mini muffin pan with non-stick spray or oil, or line it with mini muffin liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, rolled oats, applesauce or grated apple, egg, ground cinnamon, honey or maple syrup if using, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended to ensure even flavor distribution and uniform texture.
- Rest the Batter: Allow the batter to sit for 5 minutes at room temperature. This resting period lets the oats absorb moisture, resulting in fluffier bites after baking.
- Fill Muffin Pan: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin pan, filling each cup nearly to the top. Avoid overcrowding the cups to help the bites bake evenly without sticking together.
- Bake: Place the muffin pan into the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. The bites are done when the tops appear lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Monitor closely towards the end of baking and add 2-3 more minutes if necessary for golden tops.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bites cool in the pan for a few minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling allows the bites to firm up and develop a better texture for handling and eating.
Notes
- Use small curd whole milk cottage cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute applesauce with finely grated sweet, firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for added texture.
- Honey or maple syrup is optional; adjust sweetness to your preference.
- Allowing the batter to rest helps the oats absorb moisture for fluffier bites.
- Store cooled bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- These bites can be enjoyed cold or warmed slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini bite (approx. 35g)
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1.2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg