Few things say “comfort” like a warm slice of banana bread—but what if you could make it even better? Enter: Cottage Cheese Banana Bread.
This rich, moist, and slightly tangy banana bread is boosted with creamy cottage cheese, making it not only more tender but also naturally higher in protein.
Perfect for slow summer mornings, casual brunches, or a sweet afternoon snack, this banana bread checks every box: flavorful, moist, satisfying, and surprisingly nutritious. One bite, and you’ll wonder why you ever made banana bread without cottage cheese.
🥄 Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Banana Bread
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Unbelievably moist: Cottage cheese keeps it soft and tender.
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Naturally high-protein: A smarter twist on the classic loaf.
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Sweet, but not too sweet: Perfectly balanced for any time of day.
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Great for summer: Light yet satisfying—ideal for warm weather treats.
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Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better the next day!
📝 Ingredients (20 Servings)
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2 ripe bananas, mashed
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1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat preferred)
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½ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp cinnamon
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¼ tsp salt
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½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
⏱ Prep & Bake Time
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 50–55 minutes
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Cooling Time: 15–20 minutes
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Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
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Yield: 20 slices
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mash and Mix
In a large bowl, mash the bananas. Stir in the cottage cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth (some small curds from the cottage cheese are fine!).
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 4: Bring It Together
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir just until combined—don’t overmix! Fold in nuts if using.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
🌞 Why It’s a Perfect Summer Treat
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Light yet satisfying: Ideal for hot days when you want a cozy but not heavy treat.
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Great for on-the-go: Wrap slices individually for road trips, beach days, or picnics.
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Pairs beautifully: With iced coffee, cold brew, or lemonade.
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Freezer-friendly: Make ahead and enjoy a slice of summer whenever you want.
💡 Tips & Variations
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Add chocolate chips: Because banana and chocolate are a match made in heaven.
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Boost the fiber: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
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Cinnamon swirl: Add an extra tablespoon of cinnamon and swirl it through the batter.
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Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.
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Extra banana flavor: Use an extra overripe banana if you love it super banana-y.
🧊 Storage & Freezing
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Room Temperature: Store wrapped or in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Fridge: Keeps well for up to 7 days (great for meal prep).
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Freezer: Slice and freeze individual pieces for up to 2 months.
Reheat by toasting or microwaving for 15–20 seconds.
🌟 Why Cottage Cheese Is the Secret Ingredient
Adding cottage cheese to banana bread might sound unconventional, but it’s a game-changer:
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Keeps the bread moist without extra oil
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Adds subtle creaminess
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Boosts the protein content naturally
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Gives a slight tang that balances the sweetness
Best of all? You can’t taste the cottage cheese—it just makes the banana bread BETTER.
🔁 More Summer Baking Recipes You’ll Love
🗣️ Share Your Summer Slices!
Did you bake this Cottage Cheese Banana Bread?
Share your beautiful loaves on Instagram and tag @sarahsseasonaltreats or use #BananaBreadUpgrade. I can’t wait to see your summery spins—whether you added walnuts, chocolate, or a little lemon zest!