This cottage cheese banana bread is soft, moist, and naturally higher in protein — without tasting like a “healthy” recipe.
It’s one of those bakes that disappear quickly in our house. My 7-year-old loves it, my husband grabs a slice with his morning coffee or after training, and my dad asks me to bake him an extra loaf every single time. It turns out banana bread doesn’t need labels to be popular — it just needs to taste good.
As a personal trainer and mom, I care about balanced nutrition, but I also believe food should feel normal and enjoyable. This recipe sits perfectly in that middle ground. It’s made with simple ingredients, gets its natural sweetness from overripe bananas, and has a sneaky boost of protein thanks to cottage cheese and eggs.
To make it work for different preferences, I’ve included two easy variations of this cottage cheese banana bread recipe: a classic whole wheat banana bread and a gluten-free almond flour option. Both use the same method, both have a soft, moist texture, and protein powder is completely optional, depending on who you’re baking for.
Choose Your Version of The Cottage Cheese Banana Bread
This recipe follows the same base method. Simply choose the flour that suits you best.
Whole Wheat Cottage Cheese Banana Bread
Soft, fluffy, and classic. A great option for families, kids, and anyone who loves traditional banana bread flavor.
Almond Flour Cottage Cheese Banana Bread (Gluten Free)
Naturally gluten-free with a slightly denser but very moist texture. Ideal if you avoid gluten or prefer baking with almond flour.
By the way, I also have a Zucchini Banana Bread recipe if you want to check it out later.
Nutrition at a Glance
If you’re here for a high-protein banana bread option, here’s a quick look at the macros so you can choose the version that fits your goals:
Whole Wheat Cottage Cheese Banana Bread (per slice):
~180 calories | ~8g protein | ~22g carbs | ~6g fat
Whole Wheat + Protein Powder:
~220–240 calories | ~14–16g protein | ~24–26g carbs | ~7–8g fat
Almond Flour Cottage Cheese Banana Bread (per slice):
~210 calories | ~9g protein | ~12g carbs | ~14g fat
Full nutrition details are also included in the recipe card below.
Cottage Cheese Banana Bread (High Protein & Family Friendly)
Equipment
Ingredients
Base Ingredients (Both Versions)
- 3 overripe bananas mashed
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- ¼ cup maple syrup or brown sugar, white sugar, or coconut sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Flour Options (Choose One)
- 1½ cups unbleached whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
- 2 cups almond flour gluten-free option
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 scoop protein powder
- Chocolate chips
- Fresh blueberries
- Rolled oats
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. A 5-inch loaf pan works well if you prefer a taller loaf.
- Add the cottage cheese to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, blended cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup, oil, and vanilla extract.
- In a small bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a fluffy texture.
- If using protein powder or add-ins like chocolate chips or blueberries, fold them in last.
- Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes for the whole wheat version, or 40–50 minutes for the almond flour version, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
- Allow the banana bread to cool before slicing.
Notes
Notes
- Nutrition above is calculated using the whole wheat version of this recipe without the protein powder.
- Whole Wheat Version with Protein Powder (per slice):
Approximately 220–240 calories, 14–16g protein, 24–26g carbohydrates, and 7–8g fat, depending on the protein powder used. - Almond Flour Version Nutrition (per slice, without protein powder): approximately 210 calories, 9g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 14g fat.
- Almond flour absorbs moisture differently and produces a slightly denser but very moist loaf.
- Avoid overmixing the batter for the best rise and texture.
- Protein powder is optional and may require a tablespoon or two of milk if batter feels thick.
Nutrition
Optional Protein Powder
This recipe works beautifully without protein powder. Cottage cheese and eggs already make it a great source of protein for a quick breakfast or healthy snack.
If you’d like a higher-protein version:
- Use a vanilla or unflavoured protein powder
- Stir it in after combining the wet and dry ingredients
- Add a small splash of milk if the batter feels too thick
When baking for kids or keeping things classic, I usually skip it.
Why Cottage Cheese Works So Well in Banana Bread
Cottage cheese adds moisture, protein, and calcium without changing the classic banana bread flavor. It helps create a moist texture while keeping the loaf soft rather than dry.
The whole wheat version provides more fibre and a familiar texture that works well for everyday baking.
The almond flour version is naturally gluten free, contains healthy fats, and is slightly lower in carbs while still tasting rich and satisfying.
Both versions rely on the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, so you don’t need much added sugar.
Storage and Meal Prep for Your Cottage Cheese Banana Bread
Once the banana bread has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for one day or in the refrigerator for up to five days.
For longer storage, slice and freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. This makes it a great option for meal prep, quick breakfasts, or healthy snacks.
Serving Suggestions
- With morning coffee
- Spread with Greek yogurt or nut butter
- Lightly toasted and served warm
- As a post-workout snack
FAQs
Can I make this without protein powder?
Yes. The recipe works perfectly without it and still provides natural protein from cottage cheese and eggs.
Is this banana bread kid friendly?
Yes. Simply skip the protein powder and enjoy it as a balanced, family-friendly bake.
Can I add blueberries or chocolate chips?
Absolutely. Fold them in gently just before baking.
Can I freeze this banana bread?
Yes. Let it cool completely, then store slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
