Healthy Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

Jump to Recipe

Cottage cheese banana bread is a healthier twist on a classic, with added protein and moisture from the cottage cheese! This banana bread is ultra moist, tender and tastes so indulgent. Smart swaps for common ingredients will help this decadent banana bread fit into a healthier lifestyle! {Gluten-free & Vegetarian}

A half loaf of cottage cheese banana bread on a wooden cutting board.

Table of Contents

Banana Bread With Cottage Cheese

Who doesn’t love classic banana bread? It’s soft, moist and sweet thanks to the melted butter, sugar, and bananas. This version makes a few simple swaps to increase the fiber, reduce the sugar, and maximize the protein for a more nutritious option.

You can even make a double batch and freeze the extras for easy meal prep or a healthy snack anytime! What’s not to love?

If you’re a banana bread lover, you’ll also want to check out this Protein Banana Bread and Gluten-Free Zucchini Banana Bread!

A birds-eye view of a loaf of cottage cheese banana bread with two slices cut out of it.

Elysia’s Recipe Recap

Texture: So soft, moist, and tender

Taste: Sweet with a distinct banana flavor and a nutty taste from the oat and almond flour

Ease: Super simple – just blend the wet ingredients, whisk the dry, then combine

Nutritional benefits: This recipe was formulated by a Registered Dietitian to contain more fiber, protein, and healthy fats, which can all contribute to increased satiety. The coconut sugar is also lower on the glycemic index, which means that your blood sugar won’t rise as quickly.

Would I make this again? This is my new go-to banana bread – I love the soft texture and rich flavor!

Ingredient Notes

Labeled individually portioned ingredients for the cottage cheese banana bread.

Small curd full fat cottage cheese: Blending the cottage cheese will add a similar richness to Greek yogurt or sour cream but with significantly more protein!
Coconut sugar: This is a lower GI sweetener but it tastes similar to brown sugar. It really brings out the natural sweetness of the bananas.
Honey or pure maple syrup: I used honey, but either option will work here. It’s important to use a liquid sweetener to get the right moisture content.
Large eggs: To help bind the batter together and make the bread rise nicely in the oven.
Vanilla extract
Overripe bananas: The best bananas for banana bread are brown. The sugars concentrate as the banana begins to ripen, intensifying the banana flavor. The uglier the banana, the better it is for bread!
Oat flour: I love baking with oat flour because it has a mild, nutty taste and is packed with soluble fiber.
Almond flour: Almond flour will offer healthy fats and extra fiber, while adding a tender crumb and extra nuttiness.
Baking soda and baking powder: These are the main leavening agents and will give the bread a boost in the oven.
Optional mix-ins: You can tweak the flavor with any of your favorite add-ins, like dark chocolate chips or chunks, chopped walnuts or pecans.

Step-by-Step Instructions

The bananas, eggs and cottage cheese in a food processor.

The cottage cheese, egg and banana mixture blended in a food processor.

Preheat oven to 350℉. Spray a 1 pound loaf pan generously with non-stick cooking spray.
In a high powered blender, blend together the cottage cheese, coconut sugar, honey, eggs, vanilla extract, and banana.
In a large bowl whisk together remaining dry ingredients. Add the wet ingredients and whisk until just combined. If you are using any optional mix-ins, gently fold them in.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 50-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 15 minutes before releasing from the pan. Serve immediately, or cool to enjoy later.

Keep scrolling to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!

Expert Tips

I highly recommend using a dark metal loaf pan. I used this loaf pan for developing this recipe.

Loosely tent the bread with foil to prevent over browning, and begin checking at 45 minutes.

The wet ingredients were combined in a Vitamix blender at about 50% power for 15 seconds.

A food processor can be used to blend the wet ingredients if you don’t have a high powered blender.

Oat flour is easy to make at home! To make a batch of oat flour: Add 4 (or more) cups of traditional rolled oats to the work bowl of a food processor. Pulse and process until the oats are finely ground into a powder. This takes about 3 minutes. Sift through a fine mesh strainer. Anything left in the strainer can be re-processed in the next batch of oat flour that you make. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Two slices of cottage cheese banana bread next to the loaf.

Recipe FAQs

Can you add more protein?

This recipe contains 7 grams of protein per serving, but you certainly add more! I recommend replacing some of the oat flour with 1-2 scoops of a neutral protein powder (either unsweetened or vanilla). This will add a major boost of protein. If using a sweetened version, consider reducing the coconut sugar to keep the recipe from becoming overly sweet.

Can you use low-fat cottage cheese?

I recommend using whole milk cottage cheese for this recipe since the added fat makes the banana bread soft and tender. You can use low-fat cottage cheese or another variety, but bear in mind that the bread may turn out slightly dry. Consider adding a little more mashed banana, if you can.

Storage Guidelines

Store leftover banana bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for 3-5 days. The fridge will dry out the bread.

Completely cooled banana bread can be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, then foil and a plastic freezer bag and frozen for up to 2 months.

A side view of three slices of banana bread with cottage cheese on a plate.

Plates of cottage cheese banana bread on a table with a knife spreading butter on one of the pieces.

Serving Suggestions

Since this banana is nutritionally balanced, you can easily serve it as a quick breakfast, as a post-workout snack, or a sweet dessert!

I usually like to serve it with some Greek yogurt, slices of fresh banana, and a drizzle of melted peanut butter. Or try topping it with this Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting. It tastes like dessert, but has everything you need to start your day!

Recipe Variations

Make banana muffins: Make the recipe like normal, but then fill muffin liners about 2/3 of the way full. Bake for 25-30 minutes in a 350 degree oven and enjoy!
Use regular wheat flour: The oat and almond flour can be substituted for 1 ½ cups wheat flour. All purpose flour or white whole wheat flour will give the best flavor.
Make a double batch: Banana bread freezes wonderfully, and makes a great gift. You can easily double this recipe to make two loaves or bake the batter in mini paper loaf pans for gifting. Just be sure to reduce the baking time if you change the pan!

A slice of cottage cheese banana bread on a plate next to banana slices and honey.

Like it? Save for later!

PIN THE RECIPE

More Cottage Cheese Recipes

Did you make this recipe? Scroll down to leave a star rating and review!

A slice cut off of the cottage cheese banana bread on a wooden cutting board.

Course Dessert, Snack