If you want super moist, protein-packed banana bread, this cottage cheese banana bread is the one to make! The cottage cheese blends right in, making the bread extra soft without adding a strong flavor. It’s naturally sweet, packed with nutrients, and perfect for breakfast or a snack.
It’s a great way to use up ripe bananas, and the added protein makes it even more satisfying. Trust me, you won’t even notice the cottage cheese—it just makes the bread extra rich and tender.
Let’s get baking!
📋 What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ¾ cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Fork (for mashing bananas)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Spatula
- Loaf pan
- Parchment paper
⭐ Pro Tips
- Blend the cottage cheese – If you want a smoother texture, blend it before adding to the batter.
- Use extra-ripe bananas – The more brown spots, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Don’t overmix – Stir until just combined to keep the texture soft and fluffy.
- Try mix-ins – Add walnuts, chocolate chips, or even blueberries for extra flavor.
- Let it cool before slicing – This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to cut.
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- No cottage cheese? Use Greek yogurt instead for a similar texture.
- Gluten-free? Swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
- Dairy-free? Use coconut oil instead of butter and a dairy-free yogurt instead of cottage cheese.
- Less sugar? Reduce brown sugar to ½ cup for a lightly sweet version.
⏳ Make-Ahead Tips
- Make the batter ahead – Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze slices – Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
👩🍳 How to Make Cottage Cheese Banana Bread
1. Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth with a few small lumps.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
Add melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and cottage cheese to the mashed bananas. Whisk until smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Stir until just combined.
5. Fill the Loaf Pan
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan lined with parchment paper. Smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool & Slice
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack before slicing.
🥡 Leftovers & Storage
- Store at room temp for 2-3 days in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freeze in slices for up to 3 months and reheat as needed!
💛 Time to Bake!
This banana bread is soft, moist, and packed with protein—perfect for any time of day! If you try it, leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Happy baking! 🍌✨
