Moist Cottage Cheese Banana Bread Recipe

Cottage cheese banana bread combines two humble ingredients into something truly special. This bread offers a perfect balance of sweetness from ripe bananas and a moist, protein-rich texture from cottage cheese. Unlike traditional banana bread, this version provides extra nutrition without sacrificing flavor. The cottage cheese melts into the batter during baking, creating a wonderfully tender crumb while boosting protein content. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert, this recipe transforms overripe bananas into a delicious treat that everyone will enjoy.

Reasons to Try Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

This banana bread stands out for several good reasons:

• Extra protein from the cottage cheese makes it more filling than regular banana bread
• The cottage cheese creates an incredibly moist texture that stays fresh longer
• It uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have
• The recipe is forgiving and works well for beginners
• It freezes beautifully for quick future snacks
• The flavor improves on the second day as the spices meld
• You can easily customize it with mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips
• It’s a smart way to use up overripe bananas and leftover cottage cheese

Where did Cottage Cheese Banana Bread come from?

Cottage cheese banana bread represents a practical fusion of American home cooking. Traditional banana bread became popular in the 1930s during the Great Depression as a way to use overripe bananas instead of throwing them away. The addition of cottage cheese likely started in the 1950s-1960s when home cooks began experimenting with adding dairy products to quick breads for moisture and nutrition. This variation gained popularity in community cookbooks and through home economics classes, where creative ways to boost protein in family meals were emphasized. Today, it represents the ongoing tradition of adapting classic recipes with nutritious twists.

Ingredients Notes

• Bananas: Choose very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and natural sweetness. The riper the banana, the easier it mashes and the more flavor it provides.
• Cottage cheese: Small curd works best as it blends more smoothly into the batter. You can use full-fat, low-fat, or fat-free options depending on your preference.
• Flour: All-purpose flour creates a reliable structure. For a healthier option, you can substitute up to half with whole wheat flour.
• Eggs: These bind the ingredients together and provide structure. Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily.
• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works well, but you can reduce the amount if your bananas are very ripe and sweet.
• Butter: Adds richness and moisture. You can substitute with oil for a dairy-free version.
• Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract provides the best flavor.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents work together to help the bread rise properly.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and complements the banana flavor perfectly.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mash 3 very ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Some small lumps are fine.
3. Add 1/2 cup cottage cheese to the mashed bananas and mix well.
4. Melt 1/4 cup butter and add it to the banana mixture along with 2 beaten eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 3/4 cup sugar. Stir until combined.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
9. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Slice and serve once cooled.

What You Must Know About Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

• The batter will seem thicker than traditional banana bread – this is normal due to the cottage cheese.
• Don’t overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients or the bread may become tough.
• The cottage cheese curds will mostly melt into the bread during baking, but a few small curds might remain visible – this is normal and adds to the texture.
• The baking time can vary based on your oven and the moisture content of your bananas. Start checking for doneness at 50 minutes.
• The bread may crack on top – this is normal for quick breads and shows it’s rising properly.
• Let the bread cool completely before slicing for the cleanest cuts.

Helpful Tips

• Blending the cottage cheese briefly in a food processor creates a smoother texture if you prefer no visible curds.
• For extra flavor, toast the nuts before adding them to the batter.
• Measure the mashed banana (you need about 1 1/2 cups) rather than relying solely on the number of bananas, as sizes vary.
• For even baking, rotate the pan halfway through the baking time.
• Tap the pan on the counter a few times before baking to release any large air bubbles.
• To check doneness, the internal temperature should reach about 200°F (93°C) on an instant-read thermometer.

Variations and Substitutions

• Mix-ins: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips, or blueberries for extra texture and flavor.
• Spices: Enhance the flavor with 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg or a pinch of cloves along with the cinnamon.
• Flour options: Replace up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
• Sugar alternatives: Use brown sugar instead of white for a deeper flavor, or reduce sugar and add 2 tablespoons of honey.
• Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free cottage cheese alternative and replace butter with coconut oil.
• Add fiber: Mix in 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed or chia seeds.
• Fruit boost: Add 1/4 cup of dried cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness and texture.
• Protein boost: Add 2 tablespoons of protein powder to the dry ingredients.

Serving Suggestions for Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

Enjoy this versatile bread in multiple ways:

• Slice and toast it lightly, then spread with a thin layer of butter or cream cheese for breakfast.
• Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for a sweet treat.
• Serve with fresh berries and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a balanced snack.
• Cube the bread and layer with yogurt and fruit for a simple breakfast parfait.
• Top with a spread of almond butter for extra protein.
• Serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• For dessert, warm a slice and top with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep the banana bread at room temperature, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Freezing: This bread freezes exceptionally well. Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Thaw frozen slices at room temperature or reheat directly from frozen. Warm in a toaster, toaster oven, or regular oven at 300°F for a few minutes until heated through. Microwaving works too, but might make the bread slightly soggy.

A few other cottage cheese recipes to try:

Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe

Irresistible Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

Discover this delicious cottage cheese banana bread recipe that transforms ordinary banana bread into a moist, protein-rich treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 12 slices

Calories 185 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 3 very ripe bananas about 1 1/2 cups mashed
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese small curd
• 1/4 cup butter melted
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mash bananas in a large bowl
• Add cottage cheese to mashed bananas and mix well
• Add melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and sugar to the banana mixture
• In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt
• Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring just until combined
• Pour batter into prepared pan
• Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean
• Cool in pan for 10 minutes
• Transfer to wire rack to cool completely before slicing

Notes

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Based on 12 slices per loaf:

• Calories: 185
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 14g
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 170mg
• Potassium: 160mg
• Calcium: 30mg
• Iron: 1mg

Note: Nutrition information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

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