Cottage Cheese Banana Bread
Make the best Cottage Cheese Banana Bread with this easy, protein-packed recipe. Moist, fluffy, and naturally sweet—perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Ingredients
- Wet Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas mashed – The riper, the better! Overripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture.
- ½ cup cottage cheese – Creates a soft tender texture while boosting protein. Use full-fat for richness or low-fat for a lighter version.
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup – A natural sweetener that enhances the banana flavor without overpowering it.
- 1 large egg – Helps bind everything together and keeps the bread light and fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a warm aromatic depth to the overall flavor.
- ¼ cup melted butter or coconut oil – Keeps the loaf extra moist and gives it a buttery finish.
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The perfect base for a soft yet structured bread. Swap with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the bread rise beautifully and keeps it airy.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – Ensures an even rise and a delicate crumb.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon optional – A hint of spice for extra warmth and depth.
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chopped nuts walnuts or pecans – Adds a delightful crunch.
- ½ cup chocolate chips – For a sweeter more indulgent treat.
- 2 tablespoons flaxseeds or chia seeds – A boost of fiber and omega-3s.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mash & Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. A few small lumps are fine—this adds texture!
- Add the cottage cheese, honey (or maple syrup), egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
- Whisk everything together until well combined. The cottage cheese might leave small curds, but don’t worry—they’ll blend beautifully into the batter during baking.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agents, helping the bread rise properly.
Gently Fold the Batter
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula.
- Be careful not to overmix—stir just until the flour is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense banana bread instead of a soft, fluffy loaf.
Add Your Favorite Mix-Ins (Optional but highly recommended!)
- If you’re using chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or seeds, gently fold them in at this stage for extra flavor and texture.
Bake to Perfection
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Cool & Enjoy
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve warm, or store it for later—if you can resist eating it all at once!
Pro Tip: Want extra indulgence? Spread a little butter, peanut butter, or honey on a warm slice for an irresistible treat!
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g