Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 slices

Ingredients

• 1 cup (225 g) cottage cheese
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup (60 ml) honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• ½ cup (90 g) dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the blended cottage cheese, mashed bananas, eggs, honey, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
6. Fold in the walnuts and chocolate chips, if using.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

• Spread with almond butter or peanut butter.
• Top with Greek yogurt and fresh berries.
• Enjoy with coffee, tea, or a protein smoothie.
• Drizzle with a little honey for extra sweetness.

Tips

• Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
• Blend the cottage cheese well for a smooth, tender texture.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months and thaw as needed for a quick, high-protein snack.