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 honey or maple syrup; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or nuts

Highlighted under: Cozy Planning

I absolutely love baking these Cottage Cheese Banana Muffins when I have ripe bananas sitting on my countertop. The creamy cottage cheese infuses a delightful moisture into the muffins, while the sweetness of the bananas comes through beautifully. It’s a wonderful way to sneak in a bit of protein and ensures a fluffy texture that’s irresistible. Whether I’m making them for breakfast, a snack, or just to enjoy with my morning coffee, these muffins never disappoint, and they also make for a perfect treat to share with friends and family.

Created by

Blythe Rowland

Last updated on 2026-01-06T15:29:34.764Z

Baking these muffins brings me so much joy as I mix together the ripe bananas and cottage cheese. I love how the flavors combine for a surprisingly tasty result; it’s like a two-for-one treat. The key is to use very ripe bananas as they lend the perfect sweetness and can make up for the need for extra sugar.

What I adore most about this recipe is how versatile it is; you can add spices like cinnamon or even nuts for added texture. Each bite is a delightful surprise, and I often find myself reaching for seconds. The muffins store exceptionally well for a few days too, making them a great make-ahead snack!

Why You Will Love These Muffins
Moist and fluffy texture thanks to cottage cheese
Natural sweetness from ripe bananas
Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese plays a crucial role in these muffins, lending a creamy texture that enhances moisture without adding excessive fat. This dairy product is packed with protein, making the muffins a more nutritious option. During baking, the cottage cheese melts and hydrates the muffin batter, resulting in a tender crumb. If you're unable to find cottage cheese, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt, but the resulting texture may differ slightly—less creamy and more tangy.

When incorporating cottage cheese, it's essential to ensure it’s well-blended with the wet ingredients. This promotes an even distribution throughout the batter, allowing for a consistent texture in each muffin. My tip is to use a fork or whisk to smooth out any lumps so the mixture combines seamlessly, which helps achieve that perfect moistness we love.

Perfecting Your Muffin Technique

To achieve the ideal rise and fluffiness in your muffins, avoid overmixing once the dry ingredients are added to the wet. Mixing too vigorously can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in denser muffins. Instead, gently fold the ingredients together until just combined—this ensures that your muffins will come out light and airy. I recommend using a spatula to scrape the sides and bottom of the mixing bowl thoroughly, ensuring no dry flour remains.

Another key to successful muffins is temperature control. Ensuring your oven is properly preheated to 350°F (175°C) is essential—this allows for even baking and a good rise. Place your muffin tin in the center of the oven to avoid uneven heat distribution. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking period; they’re done when they are golden brown on the edges and a toothpick inserted comes out clean, which should take about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Gather all the necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth baking process.

Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Banana Muffins

1 cup cottage cheese
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or nuts

Make sure to preheat your oven while preparing the batter to save time.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious muffins.

Preheat the Oven

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, honey (or maple syrup), eggs, and vanilla. Mix well until fully incorporated.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using.

Combine Mixtures

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

Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.

Bake

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

Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your Cottage Cheese Banana Muffins warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

Try adding chocolate chips or dried fruit for a fun twist! You can also store leftover muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

These Cottage Cheese Banana Muffins are perfect for meal prep! After cooling, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Place the muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe plastic bag. They can be kept there for up to three months, making them a great grab-and-go breakfast or snack option.

When you're ready to enjoy a frozen muffin, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For a warm treat, heat it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This helps revive the moist texture, and you can enjoy them just as fresh!

Variations and Add-Ins

Feel free to customize your muffins with various add-ins to suit your taste! For a nutty crunch, consider folding in half a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. If you crave a hint of spice, adding half a teaspoon of cinnamon pairs well with the sweetness of the bananas. Chocolate lovers can include a handful of chocolate chips, which melt beautifully during baking and add a decadent touch to each muffin.

For a fruity twist, you can also add blueberries or chopped apples to incorporate additional flavors and textures. Just be cautious not to add too much extra liquid as it can affect the overall batter consistency. Adjusting the flour slightly may be necessary if using very moist fruit to maintain a good muffin structure.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute, but it will alter the texture slightly.

→ How do I store leftover muffins?

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

→ Can I add nuts or seeds?

Absolutely! Adding nuts or seeds is a great way to add crunch and extra nutrition.

→ What can I do with overripe bananas?

This recipe is perfect for overripe bananas! They add natural sweetness and flavor.