Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Banana Bread
This high-protein banana bread is moist, naturally sweet, and enriched with cottage cheese for extra protein and tenderness. It makes a great breakfast, snack, or post-workout option.
Ingredients
Wet 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
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (45 g) rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds or flaxseed meal
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a blender or food processor, combine:
- Cottage cheese
- Bananas
- Eggs
- Honey or maple syrup
- Vanilla
Blend until smooth.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Oats
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Cinnamon
4. Combine
- Pour the blended wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
- Stir until just combined.
- Fold in any optional add-ins.
5. Bake
- Transfer batter to the prepared loaf pan.
- Smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing.
Protein Boost Version
For even more protein, replace ¼ cup flour with ¼ cup vanilla protein powder. If the batter becomes too thick, add 2–3 tablespoons milk.
Nutrition (Approximate, per slice based on 10 slices)
- Calories: 180–210
- Protein: 8–10 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fat: 4–6 g
- Fiber: 2–3 g
Storage
Refrigerator
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer
- Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Tips for Success
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness.
- Blend the cottage cheese for a smoother texture.
- Avoid overmixing after adding the flour to keep the bread tender.
- Sprinkle oats or chopped nuts on top before baking for extra texture.
- Serve warm with nut butter, Greek yogurt, or fresh fruit.