Apple and Cottage Cheese Cake with Almond and Coconut Flour Crust

This Apple and Cottage Cheese Cake combines a tender almond and coconut flour crust with a creamy, tangy filling made from cottage cheese, yogurt, and fresh apples. Sweetened with Stevia, this dessert is a low-carb option that’s perfect for those seeking a guilt-free treat. The walnuts add a delightful crunch, making this dessert not only healthy but also satisfying and flavorful.

Preparation Time:

  • Prep time: 20 minutes
  • Cook time: 40-45 minutes
  • Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients:

Crust:

  • Almond flour – 100g (1 cup)
  • Coconut flour – 80g (2/3 cup)
  • Butter – 100g (7 tablespoons)
  • Stevia – 1 teaspoon (or another sweetener equivalent)
  • Eggs – 1 large or 2 small
  • Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Vanilla – 1/2 teaspoon

Filling:

  • Apples – 250g (2 medium apples, thinly sliced)
  • Cottage cheese – 200g (about 3/4 cup)
  • Yogurt – 150g (1/2 cup, plain unsweetened)
  • Eggs – 1-2 pieces (depending on size)
  • Stevia – 1 teaspoon (or another sweetener equivalent)
  • Vanilla – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Walnuts – 30g (about 1/4 cup, chopped)

Directions:

Prepare the Crust:

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, and Stevia.
  3. Add wet ingredients: Add the butter (softened), vanilla, and egg(s). Mix until a dough forms.
  4. Press into the pan: Press the dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan, making sure it covers the bottom fully. Use a fork to prick the crust.
  5. Bake the crust: Pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes, until lightly golden.

Prepare the Filling:

  1. Mix the filling ingredients: In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, yogurt, eggs, Stevia, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
  2. Prepare the apples: Thinly slice the apples and set them aside.
  3. Assemble: Pour the cottage cheese mixture over the pre-baked crust. Arrange the apple slices on top and sprinkle chopped walnuts over them.

Bake:

  1. Bake: Bake the assembled cake for 30-35 minutes, until the filling is set and the apples are tender.
  2. Cool: Let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of sugar-free vanilla ice cream.
  • Enjoy it warm or chilled from the fridge as a refreshing snack.
  • Drizzle with a little sugar-free caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Cooking Tips:

  • If the crust seems too dry, add a tablespoon of water or more butter until it binds better.
  • You can use full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese and yogurt based on your preference.
  • Add some cinnamon to the apples for extra warmth and flavor.
  • Make sure the apples are sliced thinly for even cooking.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • Almond flour is rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber while being low in carbs.
  • Coconut flour adds fiber and healthy fats, aiding digestion.
  • Apples provide vitamins, fiber, and natural sweetness without spiking blood sugar when paired with healthy fats and proteins.
  • Cottage cheese and yogurt are excellent sources of protein and probiotics, beneficial for gut health.

Dietary Information:

  • Low-carb and keto-friendly
  • Gluten-free
  • Vegetarian
  • Refined sugar-free (sweetened with Stevia or other sugar-free options)

Nutritional Facts (per slice, based on 10 servings):

  • Calories: ~200
  • Protein: 8g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 5g (from the apples)

Storage:

  • Room Temperature: The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 day.
  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: The cake freezes well; freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • It’s a healthy, low-carb dessert option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
  • The combination of the creamy filling and crunchy walnuts is irresistible.
  • It’s easy to customize by adding different fruits or nuts.
  • Great for meal prep — you can bake it ahead and enjoy it throughout the week.

Conclusion:

This Apple and Cottage Cheese Cake with Almond and Coconut Flour Crust is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your healthy eating habits. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s an ideal recipe for those following a low-carb or gluten-free lifestyle. The natural sweetness from the apples paired with the rich, creamy filling makes for a comforting yet wholesome dessert. Whether you’re serving it for dessert, a snack, or even breakfast, this cake is bound to become a family favorite.

10 Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I substitute almond flour with regular flour?
    No, almond flour has a different texture and moisture content. For a similar result, try hazelnut or sunflower seed flour.
  2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
    Yes, substitute the cottage cheese and yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt or almond-based products.
  3. Can I use a different sweetener?
    Yes, you can use any low-carb sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol. Adjust the amount based on sweetness preference.
  4. How do I store this cake?
    Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
  5. Can I skip the coconut flour?
    If you skip the coconut flour, the texture will change. You can substitute with more almond flour, but you may need to adjust the liquid.
  6. What apples work best for this recipe?
    Tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet varieties like Honeycrisp work well.
  7. Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg?
    Absolutely! Adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling or the apples will enhance the flavor.
  8. Can I make the crust ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare and pre-bake the crust up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container until ready to use.
  9. Can I use low-fat yogurt and cottage cheese?
    Yes, but the texture may be less creamy. Full-fat options are recommended for best results.
  10. Can I omit the walnuts?
    Yes, you can omit the walnuts or substitute with other nuts like pecans or almonds.