Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

This Cottage Cheese Banana Bread is the ultimate in soft, moist, and delicious banana bread. It's gluten-free, made with almond flour, and lower in sugar and higher in protein compared to typical banana bread.

This might just be one of my favorite banana breads ever, and I’m certain it's because of the addition of the most underrated baking ingredient—cottage cheese. Adding cottage cheese to the batter ensures your banana bread is moist and packed with protein. It acts as the fat component here (there's no oil in this recipe) and is naturally a great source of protein.

This cottage cheese banana bread is a fantastic quick bread to make. No complicated steps, and no unusual ingredients. Just add everything to a bowl and mix! It's easy to prepare, with a crunchy top and an extra moist center, and it's gluten-free!

Enjoy,

SiLLibake

Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

This Cottage Cheese Banana Bread is incredibly soft, moist, and delicious. Made with almond flour, it's gluten-free and offers lower sugar and higher protein compared to traditional banana bread.

Cottage Cheese Banana Bread Ingredients:

Bananas: Ripe bananas are essential! The more "freckles" the banana has, the sweeter and more moist the banana bread will be ( I defrosted my frozen bananas). The banana topper shouldn’t be as ripe, you want it to retain its shape.

Eggs: I have not tested this recipe with flax eggs or egg substitutes.

Cottage cheese: I typically use 2%, full-fat or low-fat should work as well.

Maple syrup: Adjust to taste if you prefer a sweeter bread.

Vanilla extract: Adds a wonderful splash of flavor to the loaf.

Almond flour: I haven't tested this recipe with other flours. Note that gluten-free baking flour and all-purpose flour are not 1:1 substitutes for almond flour.

Cinnamon: I love adding this spice to my banana breads. While I didn't add nutmeg, you certainly can.

Optional mix-ins: Walnuts or pecans (1/3 cup) or blueberries (1/3-1/2 cup) are all great additions.

Benefits of Cottage Cheese in Banana Bread:

1. Moisture: Cottage cheese adds moisture to the banana bread, resulting in a soft and tender texture.

2. Protein: Cottage cheese is a good source of protein, which can enhance the nutritional value of the bread.

3. Reduced Fat: Cottage cheese can act as a substitute for oil or butter, reducing the overall fat content while still providing richness.

4. Creaminess: The creamy texture of cottage cheese contributes to a smoother and more luxurious crumb.

Benefits of Almond Flour in Banana Bread:

1. Gluten-Free: Almond flour is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

2. Nutrient-Dense: Almond flour is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats.

3. Low Carbohydrates: Compared to traditional wheat flour, almond flour has a lower carbohydrate content, which can be beneficial for those managing their carb intake.

4. Flavor: Almond flour adds a subtle, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of bananas and enhances the overall taste of the bread.

5. Texture: It provides a slightly denser and moist texture, which pairs well with the moistness from the cottage cheese.

Combining these ingredients not only improves the nutritional profile of banana bread but also enhances its flavor and texture, making it a healthier and more satisfying treat.

FAQS on making banana bread with cottage cheese:

• Is this banana bread sweet? This banana bread isn't overly sweet. It contains just a little maple syrup in addition to the ripe bananas. If you prefer a sweeter loaf, you can add more maple syrup.

• Can I use another flour besides almond flour? I haven't tested this recipe with other flours. Gluten-free flour and all-purpose flour are not 1:1 substitutes for almond flour, so if you try a different flour, do so at your own risk.

• What is the best way to store this bread? Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days, in the fridge for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

PREP TIME: 10-15 MIN

COOK TIME: 50-60 MIN

SERVING: 8-10 slices

Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

This Cottage Cheese Banana Bread is the epitome of soft, moist, and delicious banana bread. Gluten-free and made with almond flour, it boasts lower sugar content and higher protein levels than your average banana bread.

Ingredients:

3 bananas - 2 ripe bananas mashed, plus one extra banana not too ripe for top (the top banana is optional)

3 eggs

1/2 cup cottage cheese (I prefer blended, as is works too!)

¼ cup pure maple syrup

2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups almond flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons cinnamon

¼ teaspoon sea salt

1/3 -1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Raw sugar to sprinkle on top

Instructions: 

1.    Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease 8x4 or 9x5 loaf pan and line with parchment paper.

2.   In a large bowl, mix together the bananas, eggs, blended cottage cheese, maple syrup and vanilla until smooth

3.   Mix in the almond flour, baking soda and cinnamon until fully combined (if you choose not to blend your cottage cheese, it may look chunky – that is ok!)

4.   Pour batter into loaf pan, slice your not so ripe banana lengthwise and place each half on top of loaf, sprinkle with raw demerara sugar and bake in oven for about 50-60 minutes, covering with foil after 30 minutes or so if the top is starting to brown a bit

5.   Remove from oven once cooked, test center of loaf with a toothpick.

6.   Allow the bread to cool then slice and enjoy!

HOW TO STORE THIS COTTAGE CHEESE BANANA BREAD:

It should be stored in a cool, dry place that isn't in direct sunlight.

Store banana bread in airtight container for 3 days, 5 days in fridge or 2 months in freezer

NOTE: Gluten-free baking flour and all purpose flour are not 1:1 subs for almond flour

Recipe inspired by: Rachel Mansfield

Nutrition: Serving 10

1 Serving: Calories: 215 - Total Fat: 8 g Total Carbs: 30g - Total Fiber: 13g - Total Sugar: 7g - Protein: 7g