This Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Bake is a cozy treat that brings together creamy cottage cheese and pumpkin puree, creating a lovely blend of flavors. Perfect for autumn vibes!
It’s like a hug in a dish! I love serving it warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top—it’s such a simple yet tasty way to enjoy pumpkin. Give it a try, you won’t regret it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Canned Pumpkin Puree: This is the star ingredient. If you can’t find it, try using homemade pumpkin puree by roasting and blending fresh pumpkin. Just make sure to strain it to avoid extra moisture.
Cottage Cheese: I like using small curd cottage cheese for a silky texture. If you prefer something lighter, ricotta can be an excellent substitute, but it will give a different flavor.
Eggs: These help bind everything together. For a vegan option, use flax eggs or unsweetened applesauce—1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg works well.
Ground Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger): These spices bring warmth to the dish. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preference, or add a pinch of clove for extra flavor!
Granulated Sugar: You can swap this with brown sugar for a richer flavor, or use maple syrup or honey for a natural sweetener. Just adjust the liquid content slightly if you use a liquid sweetener.
How Do I Ensure My Pumpkin Bake Sets Perfectly?
Getting the right texture can be tricky, but here are some tips to help keep your bake from being too runny:
- Blend the cottage cheese well so there are no lumps, which helps the overall texture.
- Don’t overmix once you add the eggs, or your bake may end up chewy instead of creamy.
- Keep an eye on the baking time—every oven is different! When the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly, it’s ready.
- Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up as it cools.
Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: whipped cream and additional cinnamon for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Bake takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 45 to 55 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to give it about 15 minutes to cool before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to lightly grease a 9-inch round baking dish or a springform pan so your bake won’t stick!
2. Blend the Cottage Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, blend the cottage cheese until it’s smooth. You can use a blender or a food processor—this helps achieve a creamy texture!
3. Mix in the Other Ingredients:
Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla extract, and salt into the bowl or blender. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. This step ensures all the flavors blend nicely!
4. Pour the Batter:
Carefully pour your batter into the prepared baking dish. Make sure to spread it evenly and smooth the top for a nice finish.
5. Bake:
Place your dish in the oven and bake for about 45 to 55 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you’re looking for the edges to be set while the center is still slightly jiggly. That’s when it’s just right!
6. Cool Down:
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes. This helps it firm up a bit.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Bake can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. For an extra treat, top it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon! Enjoy this cozy, creamy delight!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, absolutely! You can use fresh pumpkin puree by roasting a pumpkin, scooping out the flesh, and blending it until smooth. Just ensure you strain it to remove excess moisture for the best texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t include any flour! Just be sure to check that the ingredients, like cottage cheese, don’t contain any gluten additives.
What Can I Substitute for Cottage Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta cheese works well as a substitute. For a dairy-free option, consider using blended silken tofu, which will maintain a creamy texture!
