Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

Why you will love this recipe

• Protein-packed: Thanks to cottage cheese and eggs, this banana bread has a great source of protein in every slice.
• Moist texture: No dry banana bread here! The combination of mashed bananas, cottage cheese, and a little healthy fat keeps it soft.
• Naturally sweetened: Maple syrup or honey adds natural sweetness, so there’s no need for refined sugar.
• Simple ingredients: Everything you need is easy to find, and you might already have most of it in your kitchen.
• Perfect for meal prep: Make it ahead, freeze individual slices, and enjoy a quick, healthy snack anytime.
• Customizable: Add dark chocolate chips, walnuts, or almond butter for extra flavor and texture.

Key ingredients and substitutions

• Ripe bananas – The riper, the better! Spotty bananas add natural sweetness and keep the banana bread moist.
• Cottage cheese – Full-fat cottage cheese gives the best results, but low-fat cottage cheese works too. Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used as substitutes.
• Eggs – A large whole egg and extra egg whites help bind the batter and add protein.
• Honey or maple syrup – These natural sweeteners keep it refined sugar-free. Coconut sugar or brown sugar can be swapped in if preferred.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor and brings out the natural sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon – Adds a warm, cozy flavor to complement the bananas.
• Whole wheat flour – White whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour keeps the texture soft. All-purpose flour, spelt flour, or a gluten-free flour blend also work.
• Baking powder – Helps the banana bread rise for a fluffy texture.
• Walnuts or pecans – Optional, but they add a little extra protein, a satisfying crunch, and healthy fat. Dark chocolate chips or almond butter are great mix-in options too.

How to make cottage cheese banana bread

1. Preheat and prepare – Set the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a greased loaf pan with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.
2. Blend the wet ingredients – In a food processor or blender, combine mashed bananas, cottage cheese, eggs, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth. If you don’t have a blender, a hand mixer or immersion blender works too.

3. Mix the dry ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
4. Combine the batter – Pour the blended wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a silicone spatula to gently fold everything together until just combined. Overmixing can make the banana bread dense.

5. Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle extra walnuts on top if desired. Bake for 50 minutes, covering with aluminum foil halfway through to prevent burning.

5. Check for doneness – Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. If not, bake for another 5-10 minutes.
6. Cool and slice – Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, slice and enjoy!

Recipe notes and tips

• Use spotty bananas: The more brown spots, the sweeter and softer they are, which enhances the flavor and texture.
• Blending is key: A food processor or blender ensures the cottage cheese is fully incorporated, creating a smooth batter without lumps.
• Don’t overmix: Stir the wet and dry ingredients together just until combined to keep the banana bread light and fluffy.
• Cover halfway through baking: If using walnuts or pecans, loosely cover the top with aluminum foil halfway through to prevent them from burning.
• Test before removing: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
• Let it cool: Allowing the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack helps set the texture.

Variations

• Chocolate chip – Add dark chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet, chocolatey twist.
• Nutty crunch – Stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almond slithers for extra texture and healthy fat.
• Lower fat – Use low-fat cottage cheese instead of full-fat, or swap in Greek yogurt for a similar protein boost.
• Extra protein – Mix in a tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter, or stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder.
• Coconut sugar swap – Use coconut sugar instead of honey or maple syrup for a slightly deeper caramel-like sweetness.
• Spiced version – Add nutmeg or pumpkin spice along with the cinnamon for a cozy, warm flavor.

What to serve with cottage cheese banana bread

• Spreads and toppings: A drizzle of honey, a smear of peanut butter, or a spoonful of protein chocolate spread (Nutella) adds extra flavor and richness.
• Yogurt and fruit: Pair a slice with Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a balanced breakfast.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or herbal tea makes the perfect cozy pairing.
• Eggs and protein: Serve alongside scrambled eggs or cottage cheese pancakes for a high-protein meal.
• Smoothies: A banana, peanut butter, or chocolate protein smoothie complements this bread’s natural sweetness.

Frequently asked questions