High Protein Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Bake Recipe

Introduction

This High Protein Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Bake is a nutritious and flavorful treat perfect for fall. Combining pumpkin, protein powder, and spices, it offers a wholesome way to satisfy your sweet tooth. It can be enjoyed warm or chilled for a versatile snack or meal option.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of cottage cheese
• 1 cup of pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup of almond flour
• 1/4 cup of protein powder (preferably vanilla or unflavored)
• 1/4 cup of maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• Optional: 1/4 cup of chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, pumpkin puree, and eggs. Mix until well blended.
3. Step 3: Add the almond flour, protein powder, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Stir until fully combined.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle in the pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
5. Step 5: If desired, fold in optional chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
6. Step 6: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Step 7: Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
8. Step 8: Allow the bake to cool slightly in the dish before slicing into servings.

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based protein powder and substitute cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
• Try different spice blends like ginger or nutmeg to personalize the flavor.
• Adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips adds both texture and flavor.
• This bake can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making it great for meals or snacks.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or enjoy chilled for a cool treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute cottage cheese in this recipe for a dairy-free version?

Yes, you can use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative or a plant-based creamy substitute to make this bake suitable for a dairy-free diet.

What type of protein powder is best to use in this recipe?

Vanilla or unflavored protein powder works best as it complements the pumpkin and spices without overpowering the flavor.

High Protein Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 122 reviews

This High Protein Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Bake is a nutritious and delicious dish perfect for fall. Combining creamy cottage cheese, pumpkin puree, and protein powder, it offers a healthy, protein-packed treat with warm spices and optional mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Baked to perfection, this recipe is great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, and is simple to prepare with wholesome ingredients.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1 cup of cottage cheese
• 1 cup of pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup of almond flour
• 1/4 cup of protein powder (preferably vanilla or unflavored)
• 1/4 cup of maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt

Optional Ingredients

• 1/4 cup of chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal to ensure the bake does not stick and comes out easily.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, pumpkin puree, and eggs. Mix these ingredients well until the mixture is smooth and blended throughout.
3. Add Dry Ingredients and Sweetener: Add the almond flour, protein powder, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Stir everything together until fully combined and the batter has a uniform texture.
4. Incorporate Spices and Leavening: Sprinkle the pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt into the mixture. Mix thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly and ensure the bake will have balanced flavor and rise properly.
5. Add Optional Mix-ins: If using, fold in the chopped nuts or chocolate chips gently to add texture and flavor variety to the bake without overmixing.
6. Prepare to Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure even cooking and browning.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the center is set. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when fully cooked.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the pumpkin bake to cool slightly in the baking dish before slicing into servings. This helps set the texture and makes it easier to cut.

Notes

• This bake is not only high in protein but also packed with comforting fall flavors of pumpkin and spice.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative and use a plant-based protein powder.
• Feel free to experiment with different spice blends to customize the flavor to your taste.
• This dish can be enjoyed warm from the oven or chilled, making it versatile for different occasions.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness.

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