There’s something incredibly comforting about the combination of ripe bananas and creamy cottage cheese, especially when baked into moist, tender muffins. This cottage cheese banana muffins recipe brings together the best of both worlds: the natural sweetness and moist texture of bananas paired with the rich protein punch of cottage cheese.
Whether you’re looking for a nutritious breakfast option, a wholesome snack, or a light dessert, these muffins deliver on flavor and health benefits. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a handful of everyday ingredients and simple steps.
If you love baking with fruit and dairy, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Not only are these muffins deliciously soft and fluffy, but the cottage cheese adds a subtle tang and boosts the protein content, making them more satisfying than your average banana muffin. Perfect for busy mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups, these muffins are a great way to sneak in extra nutrients without compromising on taste.
Ready to bake? Let’s dive into why you’ll love these muffins, what you need, and how to make them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, these muffins are incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the cottage cheese, which keeps them from drying out. They have a natural sweetness from ripe bananas, meaning you can use less added sugar without sacrificing flavor.
This makes them a healthier alternative to many traditional muffins.
They’re packed with protein from the cottage cheese, which helps keep you full longer and supports muscle repair. The recipe is straightforward and uses pantry staples, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
Plus, they freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.
These muffins are versatile, too—you can add nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips for different flavor profiles. And if you’re interested in more hearty, wholesome baking ideas, check out these other great recipes: Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy, Best Vegan Cheese Scone Recipe for Fluffy, Tasty Bakes, and Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas, mashed)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat, well drained)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (can substitute whole wheat for a healthier option)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but recommended)
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing muffin tin)
Equipment
- Muffin tin (12-cup standard size)
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Fork or potato masher (for mashing bananas)
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Spoon or spatula for folding ingredients
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your muffin tin with cooking spray or butter. This helps prevent sticking and ensures easy removal.
- Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl using a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth but with some small lumps remaining for texture.
- Add the cottage cheese to the mashed bananas and mix gently to combine. The cottage cheese will add moisture and protein to the batter.
- Beat in the eggs, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; stir just until combined.
- Fold in the chopped nuts if using, for added crunch and flavor.
- Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. This gives them room to rise without overflowing.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
For extra moist muffins, use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots.
If you prefer a smoother texture, blitz the cottage cheese in a food processor before adding.
You can easily customize this recipe by adding chocolate chips, dried fruit like raisins or cranberries, or even a handful of shredded coconut for a tropical twist. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for structure.
For a vegan take on a similar baked good, check out the 5 Ingredient Vegan Gluten Free Recipes for Easy Meals or the Banoffee Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Dairy-Free Treat.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Muffin (1 of 12) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Calcium | 80 mg |
Serving Suggestions
These muffins are wonderful served warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting morning start.
For a more filling breakfast, serve alongside a bowl of yogurt and fresh fruit. They also make an excellent grab-and-go snack for busy afternoons or a light dessert after dinner.
If you want to add a savory contrast, consider pairing these muffins with a creamy vegetable soup like the Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide or a fresh salad.
Conclusion
These cottage cheese banana muffins are a delightful way to enjoy a healthy, homemade treat that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. The combination of ripe bananas and creamy cottage cheese yields muffins that are moist, tender, and packed with protein.
Whether you’re baking for breakfast, snacks, or even a light dessert, this recipe is versatile and easy to modify to suit your taste preferences.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a fantastic recipe for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Plus, the muffins freeze well, so you can enjoy them anytime with minimal effort.
For more wholesome and delicious baking ideas, don’t forget to explore our other recipes such as Vegan Dinners Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals and Best Vegan Latte Recipe for Creamy, Delicious Mornings.
Happy baking and enjoy your nutritious, flavorful muffins!
📖 Recipe Card: Cottage Cheese Banana Muffins
Description: Moist and healthy muffins made with cottage cheese and ripe bananas. Perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 12 muffins
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 6 g | Carbs: 25 g
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