Name: Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Mug Cake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 7 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup cottage cheese (blended smooth); 1 egg; 2 tbsp oat flour (or almond flour); 2 tbsp finely diced apple (peeled if preferred); 1 tsp maple syrup or honey (optional); ½ tsp cinnamon; ¼ tsp baking powder; Pinch of nutmeg; Pinch of salt; Dollop of Greek yogurt; Drizzle of maple syrup; Sprinkle of cinnamon

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This Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Mug Cake is one of my favorite cozy treats to make when I want something warm, comforting, and protein-packed. It’s soft, sweet, and spiced just right—like fall in a mug. With wholesome ingredients and no refined sugar, it satisfies my dessert cravings without leaving me sluggish. Best of all, it’s ready in just minutes, perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy this mug cake is to make—everything comes together in one mug or bowl with minimal cleanup. The blended cottage cheese makes it moist and adds a solid protein boost, while the cinnamon, nutmeg, and diced apples create a cozy fall flavor I can enjoy any time of year. It’s gluten-free, naturally sweetened, and totally customizable. When I want something warm and satisfying without a lot of effort, this is my go-to. Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Mug Cake

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

¼ cup cottage cheese (blended smooth)
1 egg
2 tbsp oat flour (or almond flour for lower carbs)
2 tbsp finely diced apple (peeled if I prefer)
1 tsp maple syrup or honey (optional, adjusted to taste)
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp baking powder
Pinch of nutmeg
Pinch of salt

Optional Topping:

A dollop of Greek yogurt with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon

Directions

I start by blending the cottage cheese until smooth using a small blender or food processor.
In a microwave-safe mug or small bowl, I whisk the blended cottage cheese with the egg until combined.
I add in the oat flour, diced apples, sweetener (if using), cinnamon, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. I stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
I microwave the mug cake on high for 1½ to 2 minutes, depending on the strength of my microwave, until it’s set in the center.
Once done, I let it cool for a minute or two before topping it with Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and a sprinkle of cinnamon if I’m feeling extra indulgent.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 1 mug cake. It takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 2 minutes to cook, so I have a delicious, protein-rich treat ready in under 10 minutes.

Variations

When I want to change things up, I swap the apples for diced pears or mashed banana. Sometimes I add a dash of vanilla extract or a few chopped walnuts for extra texture. If I’m looking for a richer flavor, I’ll use almond flour instead of oat flour. For a chocolate twist, I stir in a few dark chocolate chips or cocoa powder.

storage/reheating

Since this mug cake is single-serve, I usually enjoy it right away. But if I need to prep ahead, I make the batter and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then microwave it when ready. If I’ve already cooked it, I reheat it gently in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds. Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Mug Cake

FAQs

Can I make this mug cake without a microwave?

Yes, I sometimes bake it in an oven-safe ramekin at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–18 minutes until the center is set.

Do I have to blend the cottage cheese?

Blending makes the texture smoother, but if I don’t mind a few curds, I skip the blending and just mix it well by hand.

Can I use a different flour?

Definitely. I use oat flour for a heartier texture or almond flour for a lower-carb option. Coconut flour isn’t a good swap here—it absorbs too much moisture.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s sweet, soft, and full of flavor without being overly sugary. I sometimes leave out the sweetener if the apples are sweet enough.

Can I double the recipe?

I can double it and divide the batter into two mugs, microwaving them one at a time. Doubling in one mug may cause uneven cooking.

Conclusion

This Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Mug Cake is everything I want in a fall-inspired treat—warm, fluffy, and perfectly spiced with the bonus of being high in protein and naturally sweetened. It’s quick, easy, and leaves me feeling satisfied without the crash. Whether I’m enjoying it as breakfast, a snack, or a guilt-free dessert, it’s a cozy mug of goodness I keep coming back to.