Cottage Cheese Banana Bread
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Ripe bananas – The riper the better. Overripe bananas with brown spots add natural sweetness and moisture
- Cottage cheese – Provides extra creaminess and a boost of protein while keeping the bread soft
- Eggs – Help bind the ingredients together and create a fluffy texture
- Honey or maple syrup – A natural sweetener that enhances flavor without refined sugar
- Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile
- All-purpose or whole wheat flour – All-purpose flour creates a classic texture while whole wheat flour adds fiber and a nutty taste
- Baking soda and baking powder – Essential for a light and airy crumb
- Cinnamon – Brings warmth and complements the sweetness of the bananas
- Salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness
Optional Add-ins
- Chopped nuts – Walnuts or pecans add crunch and extra richness
- Chocolate chips – A sweet indulgence that pairs beautifully with bananas
- Raisins or dried fruit – For a natural burst of sweetness
- Greek yogurt – An extra creamy addition for even more moisture
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
- In a large mixing bowl, mash three ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are fine, as they enhance the texture of the bread.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- To the mashed bananas, add cottage cheese, eggs, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined and smooth. If you prefer an extra creamy texture, blend the cottage cheese before mixing it in.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour), baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for a well-risen loaf.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently folding with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—stir just until the ingredients are combined to maintain a tender and fluffy texture.
Step 6: Add Optional Mix-Ins
- For added flavor and texture, fold in your choice of chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. This is a great way to customize your banana bread based on your preferences.
Step 7: Transfer to the Pan and Bake
- Use the prepared loaf pan to pour the batter afterward distributing it across the pan surface. Steak the pan throughout 50 to 60 minutes while checking with a toothpick to ensure it emerges clean.If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Letting it cool fully helps the flavors set and ensures clean slices when cutting.