Cottage Cheese Banana Bread Recipe

Introduction

Cottage Cheese Banana Bread is a moist and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Combining ripe bananas and creamy cottage cheese creates a tender texture with a subtle tang. This wholesome bread is perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas (about 200g)
• 180 grams cottage cheese (⅔ cups)
• 1 large egg
• 2 egg whites
• 80 ml honey (or maple syrup, ⅓ cup)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 200 grams whole wheat flour (or all purpose flour, 1 ⅓ cups)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 cup walnuts (or pecans)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Add all the wet ingredients (bananas, cottage cheese, egg, egg whites, honey, and vanilla extract) to a blender and blend until smooth. An immersion blender works well here too.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt), except the walnuts.
4. Step 4: Pour the blended wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon until just combined.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the walnuts evenly on top.
6. Step 6: Bake for 50 minutes, covering the top with aluminum foil halfway through to prevent the nuts from burning.
7. Step 7: Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the bread is done. If not, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
8. Step 8: Let the banana bread cool in the loaf pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Step 9: Slice and enjoy plain or with butter and a drizzle of honey if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
• Use ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moist texture.
• Try adding a handful of chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra flavor.
• To make it vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use maple syrup instead of honey.

Storage

Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm slices gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, yogurt can be used as a substitute, but the texture will be slightly different. Greek yogurt works best for maintaining a similar moisture level.

Is it necessary to use both whole wheat and all purpose flour?

No, you can use either whole wheat or all purpose flour based on your preference. Whole wheat adds more fiber and a nuttier flavor, while all purpose flour yields a lighter texture.

Cottage Cheese Banana Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 131 reviews

This Cottage Cheese Banana Bread is a moist and flavorful twist on the classic banana bread, incorporating protein-rich cottage cheese for a wonderfully tender texture. Naturally sweetened with honey and ripe bananas, it offers a healthier alternative using whole wheat flour and heart-healthy walnuts. Perfect for breakfast or a wholesome snack, this easy-to-make bread is baked to golden perfection and topped with crunchy walnuts.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices) 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas (about 200g)
• 180 grams cottage cheese (⅔ cups)
• 1 large egg
• 2 egg whites
• 80 ml honey (or maple syrup, ⅓ cup)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 200 grams whole wheat flour (or all purpose flour, 1 ⅓ cups)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder

Toppings

• 1/4 cup walnuts (or pecans)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and prepare a loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Blend wet ingredients: Place the ripe bananas, cottage cheese, large egg, egg whites, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract into a blender or use an immersion blender and blend everything until smooth and creamy.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ground cinnamon, salt, whole wheat flour, and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
4. Combine wet and dry: Pour the blended wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a silicone spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
5. Prepare for baking: Pour the batter into the lined loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch.
6. Bake: Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 50 minutes. Halfway through baking, cover the top loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the nuts from burning.
7. Check doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If not, continue baking for another 5-10 minutes and check again.
8. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the loaf pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve: Once cooled, slice the banana bread and enjoy as is or with a spread of butter and a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.

Notes

• You can substitute all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour if preferred, but whole wheat adds more fiber and nutrients.
• Walnuts can be replaced with pecans or omitted if nut allergies are a concern.
• Honey can be swapped with maple syrup or agave syrup for vegan or alternative sweeteners.
• Using cottage cheese boosts protein content, but make sure it’s well blended to avoid lumps in the batter.
• Covering the bread halfway through baking helps protect the nuts from burning while allowing the bread to cook through.
• Store leftover banana bread covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: banana bread, cottage cheese, healthy banana bread, whole wheat banana bread, protein banana bread, walnut banana bread, easy banana bread recipe