Cherry Almond Cottage Cheese Bake

Protein-packed. Naturally sweet. A soft, custard-style bake filled with tart cherries, creamy curds, and almond crunch.

Overview

Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Yield: 6 servings
Skill Level: Easy
Type: High-protein breakfast bake or light dessert
Texture: Custard-meets-soufflé with roasted cherries and toasty almonds

Why You’ll Love It

• Balanced flavor: sweet + tart + nutty
• High protein from eggs + cottage cheese
• Naturally gluten-free
• Easy to prep in one bowl — no fancy equipment
• Satisfies dessert cravings with wholesome ingredients

Whether you’re starting your day with something nourishing or ending it with something indulgent-but-light, this bake fits both.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat for creamier texture, but any works)
• 3 large eggs
• 1½ cups chopped, pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract (essential for almond-cherry pairing)
• ¼ tsp salt

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana (for extra moisture)
• ¼ cup almond flour or oat flour (for thicker consistency)
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt (for extra creaminess)

Topping:

• 2–3 tbsp sliced almonds
• Extra cherries or cherry halves
• Optional: Dusting of powdered sugar, coconut sugar, or cinnamon after baking

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease or spray a 9×9 inch baking dish or small casserole dish.
3. If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain to avoid excess moisture.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
   • Cottage cheese
   • Eggs
   • Honey/maple syrup
   • Vanilla + almond extract
   • Salt
   • (Add optional Greek yogurt or applesauce here)
2. Whisk or blend until mostly smooth — you can keep some curd texture or use a blender for a completely smooth base.
3. Stir in the chopped cherries. If using almond/oat flour, fold it in now for structure.

Step 3: Assemble

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
2. Smooth the top gently.
3. Sprinkle sliced almonds and a few whole cherry halves across the top for presentation.

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