Quick Description
This Cottage Cheese Banana Bread is a delicious, moist, and high-protein twist on traditional banana bread. With cottage cheese incorporated into the batter, it adds extra creaminess and a protein boost, while the bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture. Perfect for a healthy breakfast, snack, or dessert!
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 8–10 slices
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: 50–55 minutes
Ingredients List
For the Wet Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat both work)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp maple syrup, honey, or sugar-free sweetener (optional, adjust sweetness to your preference)
For the Dry Ingredients:
- 1¼ cups almond flour (or oat flour for a non-keto version)
- **1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt (optional, to enhance flavor)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the eggs, cottage cheese, vanilla extract, and maple syrup (or sweetener) to the mashed bananas. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until well combined. The batter will be slightly thick, but this is normal.
Step 4: Pour and Smooth
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs. The top should be golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve once cooled.
Additional Notes
- Texture: For a denser bread, add ¼ cup of ground flaxseed or chia seeds to the dry ingredients.
- Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness by adding more sweetener or syrup depending on how ripe the bananas are.
- Nut Add-ins: You can add chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Dietary Info
- High-Protein: The cottage cheese and eggs make this banana bread a great source of protein, helping to keep you full longer.
- Low-Carb Option: Almond flour makes this recipe keto-friendly and low-carb, while oat flour can be used for a gluten-free, higher-carb option.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free alternative like vegan cottage cheese to make this recipe dairy-free.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Chocolate Banana Bread: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder and a handful of sugar-free chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
- Add Spices: Include a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to enhance the flavor profile.
- Top with Nut Butter: Serve slices of the banana bread with a spread of almond or peanut butter for extra flavor and healthy fats.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: This banana bread freezes well! Slice it and wrap it in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature or toast slices for a warm snack.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this banana bread without cottage cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the cottage cheese with Greek yogurt or silken tofu for a dairy-free version. However, cottage cheese gives a unique texture and added protein.
Q: Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
Yes, if you’re not following a keto or low-carb diet, you can substitute almond flour with all-purpose or whole wheat flour, using the same amount.
