Moist | Protein-Rich | WW-Friendly
Quick Description:
This protein-packed banana bread uses creamy cottage cheese for a soft, tender crumb. Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and lightened up with lower-fat ingredients, it’s a delicious and satisfying treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
🕒 Servings and Timing:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 50–60 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Slice – Approximate):
- Calories: ~160
- Protein: ~6g
- Carbs: ~24g
- Fat: ~4g
- Sugar: ~9g
- WW SmartPoints: 5–6 points (based on low-fat cottage cheese & sugar substitute)
📋 Ingredients List:
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (2–3 bananas)
- 1 cup low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese
- ½ cup sugar (or sugar substitute like Monkfruit or Stevia)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour (or use half whole wheat)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional but recommended)
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash bananas. Add cottage cheese, sugar (or substitute), eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Fold in nuts or chocolate chips, if using.
Step 5: Bake
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice when fully cooled.
💡 Flavor Tips & Customizations:
- Boost protein: Add 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder and reduce flour slightly.
- Go nutty: Walnuts or pecans pair perfectly with banana flavor.
- Chocolate swirl: Mix in 1 tbsp cocoa powder for a chocolatey variation.
- Tropical twist: Add shredded coconut and a dash of nutmeg.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
- Breakfast: With a dollop of Greek yogurt and berries
- Snack: Toasted with a smear of almond butter
- Dessert: Warmed with a drizzle of honey or melted dark chocolate
❄️ Storage & Reheat Tips:
- Store: In an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Slice and wrap individually. Store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave a slice for 20–30 seconds or toast lightly.
❓ FAQs:
Q: Can I use full-fat cottage cheese?
A: Yes, but it will increase the calorie and WW point value slightly.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Q: Can I use oat flour or oats?
A: You can replace up to ½ cup of flour with oat flour or blended rolled oats.
📣 Call-to-Action:
Tried this Cottage Cheese Banana Bread? Snap a photo, tag your toppings, and share how you made it yours! 🍌💛
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