This Cinnamon Crunch Cottage Cheese Bowl is a creamy, nostalgic, and high-protein breakfast that skips the eggs but keeps all the satisfaction. It’s one of my favorite ways to hit my protein goals first thing in the morning. Made with just a few simple ingredients and ready in five minutes, this breakfast delivers flavor, crunch, and energy without the need to turn on the stove.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe proves that a protein-packed breakfast doesn’t have to involve eggs. It gives me 35 grams of protein in a single serving, thanks to the cottage cheese and protein powder combo. It’s smooth and thick, kind of like cheesecake filling, and pairs perfectly with the sweet crunch of cinnamon cereal. Whether I’m craving a quick morning meal, a post-workout refuel, or even a healthy dessert, this bowl fits the bill. Plus, it reminds me of childhood cereal bowls—but upgraded for my adult health goals.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
¾ cup cottage cheese (2% or fat-free) 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1 tablespoon maple syrup Pinch of salt ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
For the Topping: ¼ cup Catalina Crunch Cinnamon Cereal (or any cinnamon-flavored cereal) Extra sprinkle of cinnamon
Directions
Blend the base: I put the cottage cheese, protein powder, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon in a blender or food processor. I blend it on high until it’s smooth and creamy, like thick yogurt or cheesecake.
Add extra spice: I transfer the creamy mixture to a bowl and dust a little more cinnamon on top.
Top and enjoy: Right before eating, I add the cereal so it stays nice and crunchy. Then it’s ready to dig in.
Make it dairy-free: When I need a dairy-free version, I use plant-based cottage cheese or thick dairy-free yogurt, and switch to a vegan protein powder.
Lower the sugar: I sometimes replace maple syrup with sugar-free options like monk fruit or stevia to cut down on sugar.
Boost the flavor: A splash of vanilla extract, a pinch of nutmeg, or some pumpkin pie spice takes this bowl to another level.
Add fruit: I like topping it with sliced banana, berries, or cinnamon apples for natural sweetness and more texture.
Change the crunch: Granola, crushed graham crackers, hemp seeds, or nuts all make excellent topping swaps for the cereal.
Storage/Reheating
Since this is a no-cook recipe, I never have to worry about reheating. I do like to prep the blended cottage cheese base the night before and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 2 days. I always wait to add the cereal until just before eating, so it doesn’t get soggy.
FAQs
Will this recipe work for meal prepping?
Yes, I prep the cottage cheese base ahead and keep it chilled. I just add the cereal or other toppings right before eating to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
Will I still like this if I don’t normally like cottage cheese?
Absolutely. Blending completely transforms the texture. It turns into a thick, creamy, cheesecake-like base that’s nothing like traditional curds.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese in this recipe?
Yes, Greek yogurt works well as a swap. I use a thick variety with high protein to maintain the nutrition and consistency.
What else could I top this high-protein breakfast with if I don’t want to use the cinnamon sugar cereal?
I switch it up with granola, crushed nuts, toasted coconut, or diced fruit. Anything that adds texture works beautifully.
Is this high-protein breakfast recipe a good choice if I’m on a weight loss journey?
Definitely. It’s high in protein and low in fat, which helps me stay full and satisfied. It keeps cravings at bay and supports my nutrition goals.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Crunch Cottage Cheese Bowl is one of those recipes I turn to when I want something quick, creamy, and full of flavor—without relying on eggs. It’s easy to make, fun to customize, and packed with protein to keep me going all morning long. Whether I’m switching up my breakfast routine, refueling after a workout, or satisfying a late-night sweet tooth, this bowl is always a smart and tasty choice.
This Cinnamon Crunch Cottage Cheese Bowl is a creamy, protein-packed, no-cook breakfast that tastes like dessert but fuels like a meal. With blended cottage cheese, protein powder, and crunchy cinnamon cereal, it delivers texture, flavor, and over 35g of protein in just five minutes.
Total Time:5 minutes
Yield:1 serving
Ingredients
¾ cup cottage cheese (2% or fat-free)
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 tablespoon maple syrup
Pinch of salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
For the Topping:
¼ cup Catalina Crunch Cinnamon Cereal (or any cinnamon-flavored cereal)
Extra sprinkle of cinnamon
Instructions
Place cottage cheese, protein powder, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon into a blender or food processor.
Blend on high until smooth and creamy, like thick yogurt or cheesecake.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and dust with extra cinnamon.
Top with cinnamon cereal just before serving for optimal crunch.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cottage cheese and vegan protein powder.
Swap maple syrup with sugar-free alternatives like monk fruit or stevia for lower sugar content.
Add fruit like banana slices, berries, or cinnamon apples for extra texture and sweetness.
Change the crunch with granola, crushed graham crackers, hemp seeds, or chopped nuts.
Prep the base ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days; add toppings just before eating.
