Description
This High Protein Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Bake is a delicious and nutritious baked dessert or breakfast option, combining creamy cottage cheese, seasonal pumpkin puree, and protein powder for an added boost. Flavored with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, and sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup, this dish is both wholesome and satisfying. Perfect for a healthy treat or post-workout fuel.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Spices & Leavening
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Optional
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix base ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese and pumpkin puree. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Add eggs: Crack in the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition to create a uniform batter.
- Incorporate protein and sweeteners: Mix in the protein powder, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined.
- Add spices and leavening: Sprinkle in the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and baking powder; stir well to distribute the spices evenly throughout the batter.
- Fold in nuts: If using, gently fold the chopped nuts into the mixture to add texture and flavor.
- Transfer to dish: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares and serving.
Notes
- Use either honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness; adjust amount to taste if you prefer sweeter or less sweet.
- Protein powder choice can be vanilla for added flavor or unflavored to keep it neutral.
- Chopped nuts add crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- Ensure pumpkin puree is pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling which contains added sugars and spices.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This bake can be served warm or chilled depending on preference.
