Cottage Cheese Banana Muffins

Name: Cottage Cheese Banana Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole wheat flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional); 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Highlighted under: Daily Meals

I’ve always loved the comfort of a warm muffin in the morning, and these Cottage Cheese Banana Muffins elevate that experience. Combining the creaminess of cottage cheese with the sweetness of ripe bananas results in a moist and flavorful treat that you won't be able to resist. I enjoy using overripe bananas not only for their natural sweetness but also for the incredible texture they provide. These muffins make the perfect breakfast on busy mornings or a delightful snack during the day.

Created by

Belinda Fraser

Last updated on 2026-01-06T11:21:35.138Z

When I first decided to create these muffins, I was surprised at how well cottage cheese paired with bananas. The combination not only adds protein but also creates a wonderfully moist muffin that doesn’t crumble. I also learned that using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour enhances their nutrition without sacrificing texture.

As I experimented with this recipe, I found that adding a sprinkle of cinnamon and a handful of chopped walnuts brings out an additional layer of flavor. It's become my go-to way to use up overripe bananas, and the result is always a deliciously satisfying muffin!

        Why You Will Love These Muffins
        Packed with protein from cottage cheese for a nutritious start to your day
Sweet and comforting banana flavor that brings back childhood memories
Perfectly moist texture that stays fresh for days

      

Ingredient Insights

Using cottage cheese in these muffins not only boosts their protein content but also enhances their moisture. This ingredient's creamy texture emulsifies beautifully with the bananas, resulting in a tender crumb. It's essential to select a cottage cheese that is curdy, as this will fold seamlessly into the batter, creating a light and airy muffin. Low-fat options can work well if you're looking to cut calories, but be cautious—full-fat cottage cheese offers a richer flavor and texture that can elevate your muffins.

Bananas are the star of the show in this recipe, and their ripeness plays a crucial role in both flavor and texture. Overripe bananas are sweeter and incredibly soft, which means they mash easily into the batter. If you only have slightly ripe bananas, consider baking them at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes to enhance their sweetness before mashing. Additionally, bananas contribute natural moisture, reducing the need for excessive oil in the recipe.

Technique Tips

When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, it's important to do so gently. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins due to gluten development. Stir the mixture until you see no dry flour but still maintain a few lumps in the batter. This technique helps ensure your muffins rise nicely and remain light, while also allowing for a tender bite that’s desirable in baked goods. I recommend using a silicone spatula for folding, as it allows gentle incorporation without knocking out too much air.

If you choose to include chopped walnuts or other mix-ins, make sure to toast them lightly before adding. Toasting enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the final product. I typically do this by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden and fragrant. This simple step can transform the overall taste and texture of your Cottage Cheese Banana Muffins.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to whip up your delicious muffins.

Muffin Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Once you have all your ingredients, you’re ready to get baking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your muffins.

Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, mashed bananas, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Add Nuts

If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts for added crunch.

Fill Muffin Tins

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious muffins warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or dried fruit to the batter before baking. These muffins freeze well, so you can always have a quick snack on hand!

Storage and Freshness

To maintain the freshness of your Cottage Cheese Banana Muffins, allow them to cool completely before storing. Once cooled, you can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, these muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable freezer bag for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave for 20-30 seconds on low power to warm them up.

If you notice your muffins becoming slightly dry after a couple of days, you can rejuvenate them by lightly brushing their tops with a little water and reheating them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This moisture revival trick can help keep your muffins enjoyable for longer, ensuring you can savor every last bite.

Serving Suggestions

These muffins are delightful served warm on their own, but you can take them to the next level by adding a smear of cream cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. They also pair wonderfully with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, offering just a touch of sweetness that complements the banana flavor. For an added texture contrast, serve alongside fresh fruit or a fruit compote to liven up your breakfast or snack time.

For a fun variation, try adding spices like nutmeg or ginger to the batter for a unique flavor profile. You can also swap half of the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or add in dark chocolate chips for a decadent twist. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility, allowing you to customize it according to your taste preferences and dietary needs while still delivering on that classic muffin experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the cottage cheese?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese as a substitute if you prefer.

→ How can I make these muffins vegan?

To make them vegan, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based milk instead of cottage cheese.

→ What should I do if I don't have whole wheat flour?

You can use all-purpose flour only, but the muffins will be less nutritious.

→ How do I store the muffins?

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.