Crustless Maple-Pecan Cottage Cheese Pie

A High-Protein, Low-Fuss Dessert That Tastes Like Fall in Every Bite

If you love the warm, comforting flavors of pecan pie but want something simpler, lighter, and packed with protein, this Crustless Maple-Pecan Cottage Cheese Pie is for you. This creamy, custard-like dessert is baked with sweet maple syrup, toasted pecans, and cozy cinnamon—all in one easy pan. There’s no need for a crust, no complicated steps, and definitely no waiting for dough to chill.

With just six ingredients and a one-bowl prep, this pie is the ultimate shortcut to that rich pecan-pie flavor—plus, it offers 9 grams of protein per slice thanks to the cottage cheese and eggs. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and it’s gluten-free by default.

Whether you’re feeding guests or just indulging solo, this custardy pie is guaranteed to steal the spotlight. Let’s break down exactly how to make it, serve it, and savor every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Pie

This maple-pecan cottage cheese pie isn’t your typical dessert—and that’s a good thing. It’s nutritious, simple to prepare, and incredibly satisfying.

Key Reasons This Recipe Works:

• High-protein and nutrient-dense: Made with wholesome ingredients like cottage cheese, eggs, and pecans.

• Naturally gluten-free: No crust means fewer carbs and no flour.

• One bowl, one pan: Minimal dishes and maximum flavor.

• Pecan pie-inspired without the heaviness: You still get the sticky, sweet nut topping but in a lighter form.

• Versatile serving options: Works for breakfast, snack, or dessert with whipped cream or yogurt.

This pie delivers everything: crunch from pecans, sweetness from maple, and a smooth, creamy custard center that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients Breakdown

Every ingredient in this recipe serves a purpose, both in flavor and texture. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:

What You Need:

1. Cottage Cheese (2 cups)

   • Adds a creamy texture and provides protein.

   • Use full-fat or low-fat depending on your preference.

2. Eggs (3 large)

   • Help the custard set.

   • Bind everything together and add extra protein.

3. Pure Maple Syrup (½ cup)

   • Provides natural sweetness and a deep caramelized flavor.

   • Avoid pancake syrup—real maple makes all the difference.

4. Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)

   • Enhances the warmth and depth of the flavor profile.

5. Cinnamon (1 teaspoon)

   • Adds warmth and spice to balance the sweetness.

6. Chopped Pecans (½ cup)

   • Toasty, nutty crunch that mimics the top of a classic pecan pie.

These six ingredients come together in perfect harmony for a dessert that feels indulgent yet nourishing.

How to Make Crustless Maple-Pecan Cottage Cheese Pie

This recipe is as easy as mix, pour, bake, and serve. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven

• Temperature: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Prep: Grease a 9-inch pie pan or round baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

2. Blend the Custard Base

• In a blender or food processor, combine:

  • 2 cups cottage cheese

  • 3 eggs

  • ½ cup maple syrup

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• Blend until completely smooth and creamy.

3. Pour and Top

• Pour the custard into your prepared pie dish.

• Sprinkle the ½ cup chopped pecans evenly over the top.

  • Tip: Lightly toast your pecans in a dry skillet beforehand for extra flavor.

4. Bake

• Place the pie in the center of the oven.

• Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until:

  • The center is set

  • The edges are golden brown

  • A knife inserted near the center comes out clean

5. Cool and Serve

• Let the pie cool for at least 10–15 minutes.

• Slice and serve warm, room temperature, or chilled.

Optional: Add a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt for extra indulgence.

Texture and Flavor: What to Expect

This pie has an irresistible texture that combines:

• Creamy custard base: Thanks to the blended cottage cheese and eggs.

• Sticky, caramel-like top: The maple syrup and pecans create a naturally glazed finish.

• Toasty crunch: From the pecan topping that bakes into a nutty layer.

Flavor-wise, it’s:

• Sweet, but not too sugary.

• Rich with vanilla and cinnamon.

• Deeply nutty and buttery from the pecans.

• Smooth with a hint of tang from the cottage cheese, which balances the sweetness.

Each bite gives you a little bit of everything: creamy, crunchy, nutty, and sweet.

Health Benefits of Cottage Cheese Desserts

This cottage cheese pie isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutritional benefits, making it a smarter dessert option.

Nutritional Perks:

• High in Protein: Cottage cheese and eggs are both excellent sources of protein, helping you feel full longer.

• Lower in Sugar: Maple syrup is a natural sweetener with antioxidants and minerals like zinc and manganese.

• Rich in Healthy Fats: Pecans are full of heart-healthy fats and fiber.

• Gluten-Free: Ideal for those avoiding wheat or refined flour.

• Balanced Macros: With 9g protein, 15g fat, and 32g carbs, it’s a wholesome snack or dessert.

Instead of empty calories, this pie offers real nourishment with indulgent flavor.

Creative Serving Ideas

Want to dress up your Crustless Maple-Pecan Cottage Cheese Pie? Here are some delicious serving ideas:

Sweet Add-Ons:

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream takes it over the top.

• Greek Yogurt: Add protein and a tangy twist.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop on the side.

• Fresh Fruit: Sliced bananas or stewed apples complement the maple flavor beautifully.

Savory Twists:

• Sea Salt Sprinkle: A pinch of flaky sea salt enhances the sweetness and adds contrast.

• Yogurt Drizzle: For a lighter topping, mix Greek yogurt with cinnamon and honey.

This pie also pairs perfectly with:

• Hot coffee or chai tea

• A fall brunch spread

• Holiday dessert buffets

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This pie is a great make-ahead option that stores well and reheats beautifully.

Storage Guidelines:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Slice and freeze individually wrapped pieces for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Microwave slices for 30–45 seconds to enjoy warm.

You can even make the entire pie a day in advance—it tastes just as good, if not better, the next day.

Recipe Variations to Try

Want to customize your pie or try something new? Here are a few tasty spins:

Flavor Variations:

• Pumpkin Spice: Add ¼ cup pumpkin puree and ½ tsp nutmeg for fall flavor.

• Chocolate Pecan: Stir in 2 tbsp cocoa powder and top with dark chocolate chips.

• Coconut Maple: Add ¼ cup shredded coconut to the batter for texture.

• Berry Swirl: Swirl in a spoonful of raspberry jam before baking.

Nut-Free Option:

• Skip the pecans and top with:

  • Toasted sunflower seeds

  • Pumpkin seeds

  • Granola or cinnamon oats

This recipe is flexible and forgiving—use what you have, and make it your own.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, ricotta will work but the texture will be slightly less tangy and more creamy. Make sure it’s well-drained before blending.

Can I use a sugar substitute instead of maple syrup?

Yes. You can substitute with:

• Honey (same amount)

• Agave syrup

• Sugar-free maple syrup for lower carbs

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

With 32g of carbs per slice, it’s not strictly keto. However, using sugar-free syrup and fewer pecans can lower the carb count.

Can I make this dairy-free?

While cottage cheese is central to this recipe, you could try blending silken tofu as a dairy-free substitute, though results may vary.

Final Thoughts: The Perfect Pie for Any Season

This Crustless Maple-Pecan Cottage Cheese Pie is everything you want in a dessert: easy to make, high in protein, warm and cozy, and undeniably delicious. With its silky custard and crunchy pecan topping, it brings the comfort of pecan pie with fewer calories and no crust to fuss with.

Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or a mid-afternoon snack, this pie proves that wholesome can still taste indulgent. It’s a must-bake recipe that belongs in your weekly rotation—especially when the craving for something sweet, sticky, and satisfying strikes.

Give it a try today and see why everyone’s going crazy for cottage cheese bakes.