Description
This pumpkin bake is pure fall comfort! Creamy, lightly sweet, and packed with protein — it’s like pumpkin pie meets cheesecake, but totally guilt-free. Enjoy it warm for breakfast or chilled as a cozy dessert!
Ingredients (makes 6–8 servings):
2 cups (16 oz) cottage cheese
3 large eggs
1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
½ cup rolled oats or almond flour
½ cup maple syrup or brown sugar
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Directions:
Step 1 – Preheat Oven
Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish.
Step 2 – Blend
In a blender or food processor, blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.
Step 3 – Bake
Pour into the prepared dish and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is just set and edges are slightly golden.
Step 4 – Cool & Serve
Let it cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or chilled — it’s delicious either way!
Tip: Top with Greek yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of crushed pecans for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect bake every time. First, ensure your pumpkin purée is pure and not the sweetened pie filling. Grease your 8×8-inch dish thoroughly or use parchment paper for easy removal. When blending, start with the cottage cheese and eggs to create a liquid base, then add the remaining ingredients. Blend for a full 60-90 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth, with no oat flakes visible. Pour the batter into the dish and use a spatula to level the top. Bake on the center rack. The bake is done when the edges are puffed and lightly golden, and the center jiggles only slightly when gently shaken. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish shines with creative toppings. For breakfast, serve a warm slice with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh berries. As a dessert, try it chilled with a generous drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts, and a pinch of cinnamon. For a festive twist, add a spoonful of whipped coconut cream and a grating of dark chocolate. It also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of spiced apple compote.
How-to Summary
In essence, this recipe is a simple blend-and-bake process. Combine cottage cheese, eggs, pumpkin purée, oats, sweetener, and spice in a blender. Process until perfectly smooth. Pour the mixture into a prepared baking dish and bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes until set. Allow it to cool before slicing to enjoy warm or cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute the cottage cheese with an equal amount of dairy-free yogurt or silken tofu. The texture will be slightly softer but still delicious.
How should I store leftovers?
Cover the baking dish or transfer slices to an airtight container. It keeps in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
No. Steel-cut oats will not blend smoothly and will create a gritty texture. Stick to rolled oats (old-fashioned) or almond flour for a gluten-free option.
Why did my bake crack on top?
Minor cracking is normal and often due to rapid temperature change. To minimize it, avoid overbaking and let the dish cool gradually in the turned-off oven with the door slightly ajar.
Is this recipe sweet enough for dessert?
As written, it’s lightly sweet. For a more dessert-like flavor, increase the maple syrup to ⅔ cup or add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin purée, which will make the dish overly sweet and spiced.
- Not blending the mixture long enough, resulting in a grainy texture from the cottage cheese or oats.
- Overbaking, which leads to a dry, rubbery texture. The center should be just set.
- Skipping the cooling time before slicing, as the bake needs to firm up for clean cuts.
- Forgetting to scrape down the blender sides, leaving unblended ingredients.
Conclusion
This pumpkin bake is the ultimate healthy comfort food that brilliantly bridges breakfast and dessert. Its simple method—just blend and bake—delivers a protein-rich, creamy result that feels indulgent without the guilt. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a flawless dish every time. Experiment with the suggested toppings to make it your own seasonal staple. Enjoy this taste of autumn in every slice!