Soft, Moist, and Naturally Sweet: Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

Let’s be honest—banana bread never goes out of style. It’s comforting, versatile, and the best way to use up those spotty bananas staring you down from the counter. But this time, we’re giving the classic a creamy twist. This cottage cheese banana bread is everything you love about the original—moist, flavorful, and just sweet enough—but with a bonus boost of protein and richness from one unlikely ingredient: cottage cheese.

This recipe was born on a chilly weekend when I had extra bananas and a tub of cottage cheese begging to be used. And I’ll tell you—one slice in, and I knew I’d never go back to the usual butter-and-sugar route. It’s easy, gluten-free, and has that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture banana bread lovers crave.

Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

This cottage cheese banana bread gives the classic loaf a protein-packed twist. Moist, lightly sweet, and gluten-free, it’s a wholesome treat for breakfast, snacking, or dessert—made with simple ingredients and plenty of flavor.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 10 slices

Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

• Loaf Pan
• Mixing Bowls

Ingredients

  

Wet Ingredients

• 3 medium ripe bananas mashed, about 1 1/4 cups
• 2 eggs large
• 1/2 cup full-fat cottage cheese
• 1/4 cup maple syrup adjust to taste
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups almond flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Optional Mix-ins

• 1/2 cup walnuts, chocolate chips, or blueberries

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease.
• Mash the bananas in a large bowl until mostly smooth.
• Whisk in eggs, cottage cheese, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.
• In a separate bowl, stir together almond flour and cinnamon. Add to wet mixture and gently combine.
• Fold in mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, if using.
• Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
• Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy.

Notes

Use ripe bananas for best flavor and moisture. For variations, try blueberries, chocolate chips, or walnuts. This recipe is gluten-free and works best with almond flour only.

Keyword Banana Bread, Cottage Cheese, Gluten-Free, Healthy, High-Protein

Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

• High-protein twist – Cottage cheese adds creaminess and natural protein without extra fat.
• Gluten-free and flour-flexible – Almond flour keeps it light, nutty, and grain-free.
• No added oils – Bananas and cottage cheese do the heavy lifting.
• Perfectly moist – Every bite is soft and tender, never dry.
• Endlessly customizable – Add nuts, chocolate chips, or berries for your perfect loaf.

Ingredients

How to Make Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

1. Preheat and prep: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.
2. Mash the bananas: In a large bowl, mash bananas until mostly smooth with a few small lumps for texture.
3. Blend wet ingredients: Add eggs, cottage cheese, maple syrup, and vanilla. Whisk until well combined.
4. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together almond flour and cinnamon. Add to the wet ingredients and mix gently until just combined.
5. Add your mix-ins: Fold in chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or berries if using.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
7. Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Chef Scarlett’s Tips

• Don’t skip ripe bananas: The spottier, the better. They add sweetness and keep the bread moist.
• Use full-fat cottage cheese: It gives the richest texture and flavor, but low-fat will still work fine.
• Almond flour only: This recipe was developed with almond flour, which behaves differently than all-purpose or gluten-free blends.
• Customize it: I love adding chopped walnuts for crunch, but my kids are all about the chocolate chips.

Nutrition Facts (Per Slice, Approx. 10 Slices)

Serving Suggestions

This cottage cheese banana bread is one of those recipes that works at any time of day. Try it:

• For breakfast: Toast a slice and spread with almond butter or a drizzle of honey.
• As a snack: Pair with Greek yogurt or a handful of berries.
• For dessert: Warm it up and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream.

“I baked this on a whim before a family brunch, and it was gone before the coffee even finished brewing. Safe to say, it’s a new weekend staple.”

Perfect Pairings

• With coffee: A strong dark roast or creamy latte balances the bread’s natural sweetness.
• With fruit: Serve with fresh berries or sliced pears for a naturally sweet combo.

Storage and Freezing Tips

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Fridge: Keeps well for up to 1 week. Reheat slices in the toaster oven or microwave.
• Freezer: Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or reheat directly.

Flavor Variations to Try

Once you’ve got the base recipe down, try mixing things up with these fun, foolproof variations:

• Chocolate Chip: Add 1/2 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter. Instant kid (and adult) favorite.
• Blueberry Banana: Fold in 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries. Lightly coat in almond flour to prevent sinking.
• Nutty Delight: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and extra heartiness.
• Spiced Loaf: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon for a warmer, spiced flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, though full-fat gives the creamiest result. Low-fat will still work, but you may notice a slightly lighter texture.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You could try using a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative, though I haven’t personally tested it. Texture and moisture levels may vary slightly.

Is this banana bread gluten-free?

Yes! It’s made with almond flour, which is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure any mix-ins (like chocolate chips) are certified GF if needed.

Can I use a different flour instead of almond flour?

This recipe is designed specifically for almond flour. Other flours like all-purpose or coconut won’t work 1:1 due to different absorption levels.

Can I bake this in muffin tins?

Absolutely. Just reduce the baking time to about 20–25 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness.

A Loaf Worth Baking Again and Again

This cottage cheese banana bread is one of those recipes that quietly makes its way into your weekly routine. It’s no-fuss, reliably delicious, and packed with real, feel-good ingredients. Whether you’re baking for a lazy Sunday, quick breakfasts, or after-school snacks, this loaf is always a win.

And the best part? It doesn’t try too hard. No fancy flours, no mystery ingredients—just simple pantry staples and a little bit of love. That’s the kind of baking that always brings people back for seconds.