Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Active Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 55-60 minutes
Intensity: Easy
Yield: One 9×5-inch loaf (about 12 slices)

Introduction:
This isn’t your average banana bread. Our Cottage Cheese Banana Bread is a revelation—incredibly moist, luxuriously tender, and packed with a protein punch that makes it a wholesome choice for breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a guilt-free dessert. By incorporating blended cottage cheese into the batter, we achieve a delightful richness and a nutritional upgrade without compromising on the classic, comforting flavor. This recipe is a perfect solution for overripe bananas and a brilliant way to add a nutritious twist to a beloved classic.

Ingredients:

• 3 large overripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed)

• 1 cup full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese

• ⅔ cup light brown sugar, packed

• ¼ cup neutral oil (like avocado, canola, or vegetable oil)

• 2 large eggs, at room temperature

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

• ⅓ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

• ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Equipment:

• 9×5-inch loaf pan

• Parchment paper

• Large mixing bowl

• Medium mixing bowl

• Whisk

• Spatula

• Blender or food processor

• Wire cooling rack

Instructions:

1. Prep and Preheat (Time: 10 minutes)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a consistent baking environment from the moment the batter goes in. Line your 9×5-inch loaf pan with a sling of parchment paper, letting it overhang on the two long sides. This will make removing the baked bread effortless. Lightly grease any exposed ends of the pan.

2. Create the Wet Mixture (Time: 5 minutes)
In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese and mashed bananas. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and no curds remain, about 30-45 seconds. This step is crucial for the texture. Pour this creamy blend into a large mixing bowl. Add the brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is well emulsified and smooth.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients (Time: 2 minutes)
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing uneven rising or clumps of flavor.

4. Mix the Batter (Time: 3 minutes)
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold the mixture together until just combined. A few streaks of flour are okay; overmixing will lead to a tough, dense bread. If using, fold in the walnuts and/or chocolate chips now.

5. Bake to Perfection (Time: 55-60 minutes)
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with the spatula. For an optional professional touch, sprinkle a few extra nuts or chocolate chips on top.
Place the pan in the center of the preheated oven. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The bread is done when it is deeply golden brown, the top springs back when gently pressed, and a toothpick or skewer inserted into the very center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter).

6. Cool Completely (Time: 1+ hour – Critical Step!)
This is the step that tests your patience but is non-negotiable for the perfect slice. Allow the bread to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper overhang, carefully lift the bread out of the pan and place it directly onto the wire rack. Let it cool completely for at least 1 hour before slicing. Cutting into it while warm will cause it to crumble and seem undercooked in the center.

Storage and Serving Suggestions:

• Storage: Once completely cool, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week, or wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

• Serving: Enjoy a simple slice, or elevate it with a smear of salted butter, almond butter, or a drizzle of honey. It pairs wonderfully with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Nutritional Information (Per slice, estimated for 12 slices, without optional add-ins):

• Calories: ~195 kcal

• Total Fat: 6g

• Saturated Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 35mg

• Sodium: 250mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 30g

• Dietary Fiber: 1.5g

• Sugars: 15g

• Protein: 6g

Hayyat

Hayyat is a talented content writer and digital marketer with expertise in SEO, social media management, and online marketing. She excels at creating impactful, data-driven content to help businesses connect with their target audience and achieve measurable outcomes.