This Strawberry Cottage Cheese Banana Bread is the ultimate wholesome twist on a classic favorite. Naturally sweetened and loaded with fresh strawberries, it’s soft, moist, and packed with protein thanks to the addition of cottage cheese. With its gluten-free flour blend and nutrient-rich ingredients, it’s perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or a light dessert that satisfies without the guilt.

Strawberry Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Protein-rich: Cottage cheese and eggs make each slice a great source of protein.
Gluten-free: Made with oat and almond flours for a gluten-free treat without sacrificing texture.
Moist and tender: The combination of ripe bananas, cottage cheese, and strawberries creates a naturally moist crumb.
Refined sugar-light: Just a touch of brown sugar is used, with natural sweetness from fruit.
Easy to make: Simple steps, one bowl mixing, and ready in just over an hour.
Kid-friendly: Naturally sweet and fruity, perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Wet Ingredients:

2 eggs
2 ripe bananas, mashed
⅔ cup cottage cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

¾ cup oat flour
1 cup almond flour
¼ cup brown sugar
1½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt

Mix-Ins:

1 cup diced strawberries
2 tablespoons sliced strawberries (for topping)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, mashed bananas, cottage cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth.
In a separate bowl, mix the oat flour, almond flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined.
Fold in the diced strawberries gently with a spatula.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top.
Arrange the sliced strawberries over the top for a decorative finish.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before removing and slicing.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10 slices
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Rest Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calories: 170 kcal per slice

Variations

Berry swap: Try blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries in place of strawberries.
Add-ins: Mix in chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips for extra texture.
Vegan version: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative.
No almond flour? Use more oat flour or a gluten-free blend, though texture may vary slightly.
Lower sugar: Skip or reduce the brown sugar and rely more on banana sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store the cooled banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing:
Slice and freeze individual pieces in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight or microwave for 30 seconds to reheat.

Reheating:
Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a soft, just-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw and drain them first to prevent excess moisture from affecting the bread’s texture.

Is this bread very sweet?

It has a mild natural sweetness from the bananas and strawberries, with just ¼ cup of brown sugar added.

Can I use regular flour instead of almond and oat flour?

Yes, but the recipe will no longer be gluten-free. Use all-purpose flour as a 1:1 swap, adjusting moisture if needed.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Very ripe with brown spots — the riper, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.

What type of cottage cheese works best?

Full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese both work well. Look for small-curd for easier blending.

Can I make muffins with this batter?

Yes, divide the batter between muffin cups and bake at 350°F for about 18–22 minutes.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use a plant-based cottage cheese and dairy-free yogurt as an alternative.

Is this suitable for kids?

Absolutely — it’s soft, mildly sweet, and packed with nutritious ingredients.

Can I reduce the eggs?

You can try replacing one or both eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 2.5 tbsp water per egg), but texture may be softer.

What’s the best way to slice it cleanly?

Let the loaf cool fully before slicing, and use a serrated knife for clean cuts.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cottage Cheese Banana Bread is the kind of nourishing, delicious bake you’ll want to keep on rotation. With a tender crumb, rich banana flavor, and bursts of sweet strawberries, it offers all the comfort of classic banana bread with a protein boost and a gluten-free twist. Whether enjoyed as breakfast, a snack, or a healthy dessert, this loaf is sure to become a household favorite.