Cottage Cheese Banana Bread | High Protein and Moist

Cottage Cheese Banana Bread is a healthier spin on traditional banana bread, offering a tender crumb, balanced sweetness, and a protein boost without using any oil or butter. Made with simple, nutrient-dense ingredients, this loaf is ideal for breakfast, a light snack, or even dessert. The addition of cottage cheese creates a moist texture and enhances the nutritional value, making it a smart, satisfying choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a lot to appreciate about this wholesome loaf. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and uses pantry-friendly ingredients. The bananas and cottage cheese naturally add moisture, removing the need for added fats. It’s lightly sweetened with maple syrup or honey, and the combination of oat and almond flours keeps it gluten-conscious and full of fiber.

If you’re aiming for a protein-packed breakfast or just want a lighter version of your favorite banana bread, this one-bowl recipe delivers flavor, comfort, and nutrition all at once.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each component in this recipe supports both flavor and health benefits. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be using:

2 ripe bananas (around 200g or 7 oz): These are the foundation of the recipe, offering moisture, natural sweetness, and structure.

180g (⅔ cup) cottage cheese: This is the star ingredient. Cottage cheese adds creaminess, richness, and protein, giving the bread a moist, satisfying texture.

1 large egg: Essential for binding the ingredients together and adding fluffiness.

80 ml (⅓ cup) maple syrup or honey: A natural alternative to refined sugar that complements the bananas without overpowering them.

1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor and warmth.

1 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings gentle spice and enhances the flavor of the bananas.

⅙ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and helps all the ingredients shine.

150g (1½ cups) oat flour: Offers a soft, slightly chewy texture while keeping the loaf nutrient-dense and gluten-free.

50g (½ cup) almond flour, or extra oat flour: Almond flour adds tenderness and a hint of richness. Oat flour can be used instead if avoiding nuts.

2 tsp baking powder: Ensures the bread rises nicely and stays fluffy.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

This recipe comes together quickly in one mixing bowl. After mashing the bananas, you’ll stir in the wet ingredients, followed by the dry. Once your batter is mixed, it bakes into a golden, aromatic loaf that’s ready to cool and slice in just about 30 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven and prepare the loaf pan
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mash the bananas
In a large bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth. A few small chunks are fine, as they add character to the bread.

Step 3: Mix in wet ingredients
Add the cottage cheese, egg, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to the mashed bananas. Stir well until the mixture is fully blended.

Step 4: Fold in dry ingredients
Stir in the oat flour, almond flour (or extra oat flour), and baking powder. Mix until just combined. If the batter is too runny, add a spoonful of flour. If too thick, a splash of milk will loosen it.

Step 5: Fill the pan
Transfer the batter to your prepared pan and smooth the surface evenly with a spatula.

Step 6: Bake
Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Use a toothpick to test for doneness—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Step 7: Cool completely
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing to maintain structure and texture.

Helpful Tips

Use overripe bananas with dark spots for best flavor and natural sweetness. Avoid overmixing once the flour is added, as that can make the bread dense. For extra flair, you can stir in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. Always let the loaf cool before cutting to prevent it from falling apart.

Details

Flavor: Lightly sweet with banana and cinnamon notes
Texture: Soft, moist, and slightly dense
Occasion: Great for quick breakfasts, healthy snacks, or meal prep
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Notes

You can easily make this recipe nut-free by swapping the almond flour with more oat flour. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cottage cheese. To make it egg-free, a flaxseed egg works well as a substitute. Honey and sugar-free syrups are good replacements for maple syrup depending on dietary needs.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	131.4 kcal
Protein	5.1 g
Carbohydrates	20.7 g
Fat	3.5 g
Sugar	8.6 g
Fiber	2.3 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use cottage cheese instead of yogurt in banana bread?
Yes, cottage cheese works well in place of yogurt. It has a similar moisture content and adds more protein.

Does cottage cheese change the texture of banana bread?
Cottage cheese creates a creamier, moist texture without making the bread too wet or dense.

Do you need to blend cottage cheese before adding it to banana bread?
Blending is optional. If you’re using small-curd cottage cheese, you can add it directly. Blending may offer a smoother texture if preferred.

Is cottage cheese banana bread higher in protein than regular banana bread?
Yes. Thanks to the addition of cottage cheese and egg, this version has significantly more protein per slice compared to traditional recipes.

Storage Instructions

After the loaf has cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, keep it in the fridge for up to five days. To freeze, wrap individual slices and place them in a freezer bag. Reheat by thawing at room temperature or microwaving gently.

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Conclusion

Cottage Cheese Banana Bread is a delicious, wholesome way to enjoy something sweet without compromising on nutrition. It’s simple to make, packed with protein, and naturally sweetened with bananas and maple syrup. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with others, this loaf brings comfort and nourishment in every bite. Try it once, and it might just become a regular part of your routine.

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