Introduction
Oh, the smell of baking… doesn’t it just wrap you up like a warm hug? There’s something truly special about pulling a golden, bubbling dish out of the oven, especially when it’s bursting with the comforting flavors of fall and winter. This Cranberry Apple Bake is one of those recipes that brings a smile to my face every single time. It’s ridiculously easy to throw together, perfect for those mornings when you want something wholesome and delicious without all the fuss, or even as a delightful, slightly healthier dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: Seriously, you’ll be mixing this up in minutes!
- Easy: If you can stir, you can make this bake. No fancy techniques needed.
- Giftable: Imagine gifting a warm, homemade bake to a friend or neighbor. So thoughtful!
- Crowd-pleasing: Everyone loves the sweet-tart combo of cranberries and apples, and the cozy spices.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to make this magical Cranberry Apple Bake:
- 2 cups full-fat cottage cheese: Don’t shy away from the full-fat! It makes this bake wonderfully creamy and satisfying.
- 3 large eggs: These are the binders that hold everything together and give it that lovely cake-like texture.
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced: Choose a crisp apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best flavor and texture.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries: Fresh are lovely if they’re in season, but frozen work beautifully and are often easier to find year-round. They’ll add that delightful pop of tartness.
- 1/2 cup rolled oats: These add a bit of wholesome texture and chewiness.
- 1/3 cup maple syrup: Our natural sweetener! It adds a lovely depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the fruit.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A little splash of vanilla always makes baked goods taste more comforting and complete.
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest (from about 1 large orange): This is my little secret ingredient! The bright citrusy notes really wake up the flavors of the apple and cranberry.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The quintessential cozy spice.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps give the bake a little lift, making it wonderfully light.
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get this deliciousness in the oven! You’re going to love how simple this is.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven nice and toasty. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, find a nice baking dish, maybe an 8×8 inch square or a similar-sized round one. I like to give mine a little grease, just to be safe!
Step 2: Combine All the Goodies
Grab a good-sized mixing bowl. Now, just toss in all those lovely ingredients: the cottage cheese, eggs, diced apple, cranberries, rolled oats, maple syrup, vanilla extract, orange zest, cinnamon, and baking powder. Yes, all of it!
Step 3: Mix Until Blissfully Combined
Grab a whisk or a spatula and give everything a good stir. You want to make sure it’s all mixed together really well, but don’t overthink it. A few lumps are totally fine; it adds to the rustic charm.
Step 4: Pour Your Creation
Carefully pour your beautifully combined mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it bakes up beautifully.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Glorious
Pop that dish into your preheated oven. You’ll want to bake it for about 30-40 minutes, or until the top is set and has a lovely golden-brown hue. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is fantastic as is, but I love how adaptable it is. Feel free to get creative!
- Fruit Swap: If apples aren’t your jam, try using pears! You could also add a handful of blueberries along with the cranberries.
- Nutty Addition: For a little extra crunch, stir in 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts with the other ingredients.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of nutmeg or a tiny bit of ground ginger can add another layer of cozy flavor.
- Dairy-Free? While cottage cheese is key to the texture here, you could experiment with a thick, plain plant-based yogurt, but the texture will be different.
Tips for Success
A few little tricks to make your Cranberry Apple Bake absolutely perfect:
- Don’t Overmix: Just mix until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can sometimes lead to a tougher bake.
- Prep Ahead: You can dice your apple and zest your orange the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Room Temperature Eggs: While not strictly necessary, room temperature eggs tend to incorporate more smoothly into batters.
- Cool Slightly: Let the bake cool for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to set up nicely.
How to Store It
Leftovers? Lucky you! This Cranberry Apple Bake is wonderful the next day.
Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer any remaining portions to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave for a warm treat, or enjoy it cold – it’s delicious either way!
FAQs
Got a question? I’ve got you covered!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix all the ingredients together and store the batter in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before pouring into the baking dish and baking as usual.
Is this recipe good for breakfast or dessert?
Absolutely! It’s hearty and wholesome enough for a special breakfast or brunch, and its comforting flavors make it a delightful, slightly healthier dessert option.
Can I freeze this bake?
Yes, you can! Once cooled, wrap individual portions tightly or freeze the entire bake. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired.
Cranberry Apple Bake
Equipment
- Baking dish 8x8 inch square or similar-sized round
- Mixing bowl Good-sized
- Whisk or spatula
- toothpick For testing doneness
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 cups full-fat cottage cheese Don't shy away from the full-fat! It makes this bake wonderfully creamy and satisfying.
- 3 large eggs These are the binders that hold everything together and give it that lovely cake-like texture.
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced Choose a crisp apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best flavor and texture.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries Fresh are lovely if they're in season, but frozen work beautifully and are often easier to find year-round. They’ll add that delightful pop of tartness.
- 0.5 cup rolled oats These add a bit of wholesome texture and chewiness.
- 0.33 cup maple syrup Our natural sweetener! It adds a lovely depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the fruit.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract A little splash of vanilla always makes baked goods taste more comforting and complete.
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest From about 1 large orange. This is my little secret ingredient! The bright citrusy notes really wake up the flavors of the apple and cranberry.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon The quintessential cozy spice.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder This helps give the bake a little lift, making it wonderfully light.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish (e.g., 8x8 inch square or similar-sized round).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, eggs, diced apple, cranberries, rolled oats, maple syrup, vanilla extract, orange zest, cinnamon, and baking powder.
- Mix with a whisk or spatula until well combined. A few lumps are okay.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is set and golden brown. Test for doneness with a toothpick.