Indulge in a moist and protein-rich twist on classic banana bread with this Cottage Cheese Banana Bread recipe. By incorporating cottage cheese, this loaf achieves a tender crumb while boosting its nutritional profile. It’s a delightful treat perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein-Packed: Cottage cheese adds a substantial protein boost, making each slice more satisfying.
- Naturally Sweetened: Ripe bananas and a touch of maple syrup provide natural sweetness without the need for refined sugars.
- Gluten-Free: Made with almond flour, this recipe is suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, this bread comes together effortlessly.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup cottage cheese (full-fat preferred)
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2½ cups almond flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Optional mix-ins: walnuts, chocolate chips, or blueberries
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, eggs, cottage cheese, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the almond flour, baking soda, and cinnamon until fully combined. If using mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for approximately 50 minutes, covering with foil after 30 minutes if the top begins to brown too quickly. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 8–10 slices
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free: Replace almond flour with oat flour for a nut-free version.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute cottage cheese with a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
- Sweeter Loaf: Increase maple syrup to ¼ cup for a sweeter taste.
- Spiced: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for additional warmth.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven before serving.
FAQs
What does cottage cheese do in banana bread?
Cottage cheese adds moisture and increases the protein content, resulting in a tender and satisfying loaf.
Can I use a different flour?
Almond flour is recommended for this recipe. Substituting with other flours may alter the texture and require adjustments.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
Can I make this bread vegan?
This recipe relies on eggs and cottage cheese, so a vegan version would require significant modifications and has not been tested.
What mix-ins work well?
Walnuts, chocolate chips, and blueberries are excellent additions to enhance flavor and texture.
How do I prevent the bread from becoming too brown on top?
Cover the loaf with foil after about 30 minutes of baking if the top is browning too quickly.
Is this bread suitable for those with gluten intolerance?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free when using almond flour.
Can I reduce the sugar content?
The recipe uses minimal maple syrup. You can adjust the amount to your preference or omit it entirely for a less sweet loaf.
How should I serve this banana bread?
Enjoy it plain, or with a smear of butter, jam, or nut butter for added flavor.
Why is my bread dense?
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature and do not overmix the batter to maintain a light texture.
Conclusion
This Cottage Cheese Banana Bread offers a delightful and nutritious spin on a classic favorite. Its moist texture and enhanced protein content make it a perfect choice for any time of the day. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with your favorite spread, it’s sure to become a household staple.
Print
Cottage Cheese Banana Bread
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 slices
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy a protein-packed twist on classic banana bread with this Cottage Cheese Banana Bread recipe. Moist, naturally sweetened, and gluten-free, this loaf is a perfect treat for breakfast, snacking, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup cottage cheese (full-fat preferred)
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2½ cups almond flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Optional mix-ins: walnuts, chocolate chips, or blueberries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, eggs, cottage cheese, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in almond flour, baking soda, and cinnamon. Fold in any optional mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50 minutes, covering with foil after 30 minutes if browning too quickly. Test with a toothpick to ensure doneness.
- Cool: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Substitutions: Swap almond flour for oat flour for a nut-free option.
- Storage: Store at room temperature for 3 days, in the fridge for 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Variations: Add nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth, or increase maple syrup for a sweeter loaf.
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