This Cottage Cheese and Apple Pastry is a delightful fusion of tender, buttery dough and a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. The cottage cheese in the dough adds a unique richness and softness, while the apple filling brings a sweet and tangy contrast. Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or dessert, this pastry is both comforting and elegant. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, it’s a treat the whole family will love.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 200g (1 cup) cottage cheese
- A pinch of salt
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 50ml (3 ½ tbsp) vegetable oil
- 10g (1 tbsp) vanilla sugar
- 200g (1 ½ cups) flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
For the Filling:
- 500g (3-4 medium) apples, peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp butter
- Cinnamon, to taste
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
For the Topping:
- 20g (1 ½ tbsp) butter
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Cinnamon, to taste
Directions
Prepare the Dough:
- Combine cottage cheese, egg, salt, sugar, vanilla sugar, and vegetable oil in a large bowl. Mix until smooth.
- Sift in flour and baking powder. Mix until a soft dough forms. If sticky, add a little more flour.
Prepare the Apple Filling:
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples and cook for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon and stir in cornstarch to thicken. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Assemble the Pastry:
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about ½ cm thick.
- Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough.
Fold and Shape:
- Roll the dough into a log or fold it over like a turnover, sealing the edges to prevent leakage.
Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F).
- Place the pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Prepare the Topping:
- Melt butter in a small bowl. Mix in sugar and cinnamon.
- Brush the topping over the warm pastry as it comes out of the oven.
Cool and Serve:
- Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
5 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy snack.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
- Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
- Enjoy as a breakfast pastry with a side of fresh fruit.
5 Cooking Tips
- Use fresh, firm apples like Granny Smith for a tangy contrast to the sweet dough.
- Avoid overcooking the apples; they should be soft but not mushy.
- If the dough feels too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time to reach the right consistency.
- Roll the dough gently to avoid tearing and ensure an even layer.
- Allow the pastry to cool slightly before slicing to maintain its shape.
Nutritional Benefits
- Apples: High in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C for overall health.
- Cottage Cheese: A good source of protein and calcium, promoting muscle and bone health.
- Cinnamon: May help regulate blood sugar levels and adds warmth and flavor.
Dietary Information
- Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.
- Suitable for vegetarians.
- Can be made dairy-free by substituting cottage cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Sugar: 15g
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Dough: The cottage cheese adds richness and tenderness to the pastry.
- Warm Spices: Cinnamon pairs perfectly with apples for a cozy flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh fruit.
- Customizable: Add nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture.
- Quick Baking Time: Ready in under an hour, including prep.
Conclusion
This Cottage Cheese and Apple Pastry is a delightful combination of rich dough, spiced apples, and a buttery topping. Its quick preparation and comforting flavors make it ideal for busy mornings, special occasions, or any time you’re craving a sweet treat. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or reheated the next day, this pastry is guaranteed to impress and satisfy. Try this recipe and discover a new favorite dessert!
10 Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different fruit for the filling? Yes, pears, peaches, or berries work well as substitutes for apples.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling.
- Can I freeze the pastry? Yes, freeze unbaked or baked pastries for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating or baking.
- What type of cottage cheese should I use? Use full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese for the best texture. Avoid using watery cottage cheese.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- How do I prevent the filling from leaking? Seal the edges tightly and avoid overfilling.
- Can I add nuts to the filling? Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and flavor.
- What if I don’t have cornstarch? Substitute with flour or arrowroot powder to thicken the filling.
- Can I reduce the sugar? Yes, adjust the sugar in the filling and topping to suit your taste.
- What should I do if the dough tears? Patch small tears with extra dough or pinch to seal them.
Enjoy this delicious and versatile pastry that’s sure to become a family favorite!