Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 3/4 cup cottage cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or all-purpose)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mash the bananas. Add cottage cheese, eggs, honey, vanilla, and oil. Mix well until smooth (a blender can help if you want it extra smooth).
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Stir until just mixed. Don’t overmix!
5. Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.
6. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Tips:

• Use full-fat cottage cheese for best texture.
• You can blend cottage cheese for a smoother batter.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze slices for later.