This moist, protein-packed banana bread uses creamy cottage cheese for a tender crumb and extra staying power. Perfect for a quick high-protein breakfast or a macro-friendly snack.

Ingredients

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Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 1 image
Step 2

In a large bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, mashed bananas, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture may be slightly lumpy from the cottage cheese — that’s okay.

Step 2 image
Step 3

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

Step 4

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. If using, fold in the walnuts or chocolate chips.

Step 5

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy!

For best results

  • Use full-fat cottage cheese for the moistest texture, but low-fat works well too.
  • For a sweeter bread, add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or honey.
  • Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Variations

  • Blueberry Cottage Cheese Banana Bread: Fold in 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries.
  • Chocolate Chip Version: Swap walnuts for 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips.
  • Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Nutrition

  • Calories215 kcal
  • Total Fat8g
  • Saturated Fat2g
  • Cholesterol45mg
  • Sodium320mg
  • Total Carbohydrates30g
  • Dietary Fiber3g
  • Sugars14g
  • Protein9g

Common Questions

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt for a similar protein boost, but the texture may be slightly denser.
How do I make this banana bread dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative or replace with silken tofu. Also, ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
Can I freeze this banana bread?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or slice and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.