Tag Archives: protein powder

Chocolate Cottage Cheese Protein Banana Bread – A Better-for-You Treat!

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If you love banana bread but want to level up the nutrition while keeping all the indulgent flavor, this Chocolate Cottage Cheese Protein Banana Bread is a must-try! Packed with 21g of protein per slice, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas, and free of added sugar, it’s the perfect option for breakfast, a post-workout snack, or even a healthier dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

  • High-Protein Banana Bread – Thanks to cottage cheese, chocolate protein powder and eggs, each slice delivers a satisfying protein boost.
  • No Added Sugar – Using very ripe bananas provides natural sweetness, so there’s no need for extra sugar. Plus, most chocolate protein powders are also alternatively sweetened.
  • Versatile & Delicious – Enjoy it warm with a spread of nut butter, plain and cold as a grab-and-go snack, or even topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
  • Easy to Make & Store – Keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze individual slices for 3-6 months for a quick treat anytime!

Ingredient & Pan Tips

  • Bananas – The riper, the better! Overripe bananas bring out the best natural sweetness.
  • Protein Powder – Use your favorite whey-based chocolate protein powder for the best texture and flavor.
  • Flour Options – This recipe works best with all-purpose flour or a gluten-free baking blend. Avoid using almond or coconut flour, as they will significantly alter the texture and the recipe, as written, will not turn out well.
  • Cottage Cheese – Adds richness, moisture, and an extra protein punch without making the bread heavy. I used full-fat, but 2% will work also. Avoid zero-fat cottage cheese in this recipe.
  • Toppings – Customize with chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor.
  • Pan – use a standard 9.5″ x 5″ loaf pan coated with cooking spray for best results. I have not tested yet, but I *think* that would could also make into muffins (fill cups 2/3 high) and reduce baking time to about 25 minutes.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate: Wrap the chocolate protein loaf tightly and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze for Later: Slice, wrap individual pieces, and store in a zip-top freezer bag for 3-6 months. Just thaw overnight or pop in the microwave for a warm, healthy banana bread snack!

Baking up a loaf of this Chocolate Cottage Cheese Protein Banana Bread is the perfect way to enjoy a treat that’s both delicious and nutritious. Try it out and let me know how it goes!

Note: This post contains affiliate links . . . I may earn a small commission for purchase made through links. Proceeds help me offset operating costs for The Fit Fork. Thank you!

Chocolate Cottage Cheese Protein Banana Bread levels up the nutrition and flavor of everyone’s favorite quick bread! Not “just like grandma’s” but instead packed with 21g of protein per slice, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas, and free of added sugar, it’s the perfect option for breakfast, a post-workout snack, or even a healthier dessert.
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Chocolate Cottage Cheese Protein Banana Bread
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
55 mins
 

This Chocolate Cottage CheeseProtein Banana Bread is next level, I actually outdid myself! Key ingredientsinclude very ripe bananas, chocolate protein powder and cottage cheese. Sprinkledwith some yummy toppings and baked, makes a big ole loaf, that’s great forbreakfast dessert or snack. Smells sooo good, such a treat, No added sugar and21g protein per slice!

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Keyword: banana, chocolate, cottage cheese, protein powder
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: 285 kcal
Ingredients
  • 0.25 cup Low Fat Milk
  • 1.00 cup Cottage Cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.25 cup Olive Oil
  • 1 Mashed Banana (very ripe) about 2 medium (or 10 oz peeled)
  • 116 grams Whey Chocolate Brownie Protein Powder (about 4 scoops OR 1 1/3 cup)
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour or cup-for-cup equivalent gluten-free baking blend
  • 2 Tbsp Cocoa powder
  • 0.50 tsp salt Salt
  • 1 tsp Baking powder
  • Cooking spray
  • Toppings:
  • 2 Tbsp 14 g, Sugar Free Chocolate Chips
  • 2 Tbsp Sliced Almonds
Instructions
  1. In blender, pulse together milk, cottage cheese, eggs, olive oil, and mashed banana until smooth.
  2. In large bowl, toss whisk together dry ingredients including protein powder, flour, cocoa powder, salt and baking powder.
  3. Mix went ingredients into dry and use spatula to combine.
  4. Spray standard loaf pan with cooking spray.
  5. Pour in batter and top with mini chocolate chips and sliced almonds.
  6. Bake for about 40 – 50 minutes or until toothpick pulls mostly clean from center.
  7. Let cool in pan on cooling rack for 10-15 minutes before slicing into 8 pieces. Store leftovers in fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze.
Recipe Notes

Cottage Cheese Protein Banana Bread – 19g Protein per slice!

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They say necessity is the mother of invention, and that’s exactly how banana bread came to be. Our grandmothers (or great-grandmothers) started baking it back in the 1930s as a way to use up overripe bananas instead of letting them go to waste during the Depression era. Fast forward to today, and while I’m still mindful of minimizing food waste, I also want a banana bread that does more than just taste good—I want it to fuel me with protein and keep me satisfied.

That’s where this Cottage Cheese Protein Banana Bread comes in. When friends at the gym ask me how to make banana bread with more protein, I always give them this healthy banana bread with cottage cheese idea.

It has all the classic banana bread flavors —moist, sweet, and comforting—but with a powerhouse boost of protein to make it a smart choice for breakfast or a pre-/post-workout snack. Cottage cheese adds creaminess and protein without overpowering the banana flavor, and there’s no added sugar since ripe bananas naturally provide plenty of sweetness.

I also use vanilla protein powder in this cottage cheese banana bread recipe to make it even more protein rich. Choose a flavor like vanilla or even cake batter – the light sweetness (usually sugar-free) in these protein powders is also a way to avoid having to add sugar or a sweetener to the banana bread batter. However, if you use an unflavored protein powder or your bananas were not to that super-sweet ripe point yet (or you just like a sweeter bread/cake), you can add about 10 drops or so of a liquid stevia or liquid monk fruit to increase sweetness.

Each slice of this easy protein banana bread packs 19g of protein and just 253 calories, making it a great option whether you need a grab-and-go breakfast, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or a post-gym recovery snack. It’s proof that a little creativity in the kitchen can go a long way in making healthy, high-protein choices delicious and easy.

Give this easy high-protein banana bread a try! It’s also easy to customize by sprinkling your favorite chopped nuts, seeds or shredded coconut on the top before baking – or even sugar-free chocolate chips.   

Cottage Cheese Protein Banana Bread makes an easy breakfast, lunchbox treat, or great workout snack with 19g protein and 253 calories, no added sugar and can be made gluten-free.
Cottage Cheese Protein Banana Bread makes an easy breakfast, lunchbox treat, or great workout snack with 19g protein and 253 calories, no added sugar and can be made gluten-free.
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Cottage Cheese Protein Banana Bread
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
Total Time
45 mins
 
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: high protein, sugar free
Keyword: banana, high protein
Servings: 8 thick slices
Calories: 253 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 cup 2% cottage cheese
  • 1 ¼ cup mashed ripe banana about 2 medium
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/3 cup protein powder vanilla
  • 1 cup all purpose flour or gluten-free baking blend
  • *10-20 stevia or monk fruit drops optional
  • Cooking spray
  • 1-2 tablespoons optional topping like chopped nuts, sugar-free chocolate chips, coconut, etc. optional
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 350F.
  2. Add cottage cheese, mashed banana (or just the hunks), eggs and oil to blender and blend for about 60 seconds until smooth and well combined.
  3. Add salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and protein powder to blender, blending for about 30 seconds until incorporated. Next add pulsing in and scraping down sides of blender with spatula, as needed. Do not over blend mixture.
  4. Depending on your sweetness preference and/or ripeness of bananas or sweetness of protein powder you may want to add 10-20 drops of liquid stevia or monk fruit. I did NOT however, and it was still nicely, lightly sweet.
  5. Pour mixture into a standard loaf pan that has been liberally sprayed with cooking spray. If desired, sprinkle and desired topping on before baking.
  6. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until center set and toothpick pulls clean. Let cool in pan for 15 minutes; cut in 8 thick slices.
  7. Store leftovers in fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in microwave for 10 seconds.
Recipe Notes

Raspberry Cottage Cheese Mousse – High-Protein, Low-carb, and No-Fuss!

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Looking for a high-protein mousse recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious? This Raspberry Cottage Cheese Mousse is the perfect no-bake raspberry dessert for Valentine’s Day or any time you crave something sweet. Made with just three simple ingredients—cottage cheese, protein powder, and fresh raspberries—with an optional splash of vanilla for extra flavor. No baking, no fuss, just blend it up and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Mousse

  • Incredibly Simple – Three ingredients, one blender, and you’re done.
  • No Cooking Required – Perfect for busy days or those who are less familiar with the kitchen!
  • High in Protein, Low in Carbs – This cottage cheese mousse boasts impressive macros: 167 calories, 28g protein, and just 2g net carbs per serving.
  • Ultra Creamy & Delicious – If you think you don’t like cottage cheese, just try this blended cottage cheese recipe! Whipping it up in a blender transforms the curds into a rich, smooth, and luxurious texture.

Cottage Cheese – The Secret Protein Powerhouse

Cottage cheese is one of the simplest, most affordable ways to add extra protein to your day. It’s packed with casein protein, which digests slowly and keeps you full longer. If the texture has kept you away in the past, blending it is a game-changer! It turns incredibly smooth and works perfectly in both sweet and savory dishes.

Check out some of my other popular cottage cheese-based recipes:

This single portion lasagna made in a mug for one is a quick, nutrition and delicious meal that is ready in minutes. A perfectly portioned, high-protein and lower carb solution for your busy lunch hour or a hectic evening. Easy to meal prep ahead and then heat and eat when ready. Gluten free and vegetarian.

No-Noodle Veggie Mug Lasagna for One – A quick and nutritious single-serving lasagna packed with protein and veggies, perfect for a healthy meal in minutes.

High Protein Banana Pudding: A healthy twist on this classic comfort food allows you to enjoy dessert with no guilt while making gains on your daily protein goals! Only 285 calories per serving, with 30g protein! Lower carb, lower, sugar, gluten-free.

High-Protein Banana Pudding with Cottage Cheese – A creamy, high-protein dessert made with cottage cheese for a healthier twist on the classic banana pudding.

A guilt-free makeover on a classic dessert favorite – Caramel Protein Tiramisu! Swapping out traditional ingredients for healthier options like blended cottage cheese for mascarpone cheese and rice cakes for lady fingers creates a protein dessert that nourishes with 31g protein for only 281 calories.

Caramel Protein Tiramisu with Rice Cake Layers – A lightened-up no-bake tiramisu featuring caramel protein, cottage cheese, and rice cakes for a satisfying treat.

For this easy high-protein dessert, I love using Nuzest Clean Lean Protein—it’s plant-based, easy to digest, and has a smooth texture that blends seamlessly into recipes. I’ve been using it for years! Want to try it? Use my discount code FITFORK for 15% off your order.

So grab your blender and give this raspberry protein mousse a try! It’s a healthy Valentine’s Day treat that loves you back with every bite.

This Raspberry Cottage Cheese Protein Mousse is the ultimate Keep It Simple Stupid Valentine’s treat for two— or anytime healthy, high-protein dessert. Just a few ingredients, no cooking, and packed with great nutrition. Macros that’ll fill your heart with joy: 167 cal, 28g protein, 2g net carb.
This Raspberry Cottage Cheese Protein Mousse is the ultimate Keep It Simple Stupid Valentine’s treat for two— or anytime healthy, high-protein dessert. Just a few ingredients, no cooking, and packed with great nutrition. Macros that’ll fill your heart with joy: 167 cal, 28g protein, 2g net carb.
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Raspberry Cottage Cheese Protein Mousse
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
 
This Raspberry Cottage Cheese Protein Mousse is the ultimate Keep It Simple Stupid Valentine’s treat for two—just a few ingredients, no cooking, and packed with protein! Macros that’ll fill your heart with joy: 167 cal, 28g protein, 2g net carb.
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: high protein, low carb
Keyword: cottage cheese, low carb dessert, protein powder, rasberries, raspberry, valentines day
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 167 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 cups 2% milk fat cottage cheese
  • 2/3 cup fresh raspberries
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup vanilla whey protein powder or can use cake batter or similar flavor
  • Optional garnish: Fresh raspberries and whipped cream
  • Optional garnish: Fresh raspberries and whipped cream
Instructions

  1. In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, raspberries, protein powder and vanilla extract.

  2. Blend until smooth and creamy. Spoon the mousse into two serving glasses.

  3. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving. Garnish as desired.

Recipe Notes

Red Velvet Sheet Pan Protein Pancakes: A No-Fuss Breakfast to Love

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 Looking for a fun, festive, and fueling breakfast? These Red Velvet Sheet Pan Protein Pancakes check all the boxes! Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or just craving a little extra indulgence in your morning routine, this easy-to-make recipe brings all the nostalgic flavors of red velvet cake—without the sugar crash.

Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Protein Sheet Pan Pancakes

  • Starts with a Mix: Just use 2 cups of your favorite pancake mix, traditional or gluten free.
  • Baked All at Once – No standing over the stove flipping pancakes one by one! Just blend, pour, bake, and slice. 
  • High-Protein & Satisfying – Each pancake packs 15g of protein and 235 calories, making them a great way to fuel your day. Thanks to protein powder, eggs, and cottage cheese.
  • Naturally Vibrant – Beet root powder gives these pancakes that signature red velvet hue without artificial coloring. Plus, you get extra beetroot benefits for heart health and energy.
  • Customizable Toppings – I went with Greek yogurt (with extra beet powder for a pop of pink!) and sugar free chocolate chips, but you can get creative with your favorite toppings. Try nut butter, berries, or even a drizzle of maple syrup!  

 Perfect for Meal Prep & Busy Mornings

If you’re someone who loves pancakes but doesn’t have time to make them fresh every morning, this sheet pan method is a game-changer. Bake a batch, slice them up, and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat and enjoy—no skillet required just a standard size rimmed baking sheet.

Fall in love with these Red Velvet Sheet Pan Protein Pancakes made with pancake mix, chocolate protein powder, and beet root powder for that classic red velvet vibe . . . but with better-for-you ingredients. No flipping, no fuss—just bake and enjoy! Each pancake has 15g protein and 235 calories to fuel your day.

Red Velvet Pancakes for Special Breakfast or Brunch

Whether you’re planning a Valentine’s Day breakfast, a weekend brunch, or meal prepping for a busy week, these Red Velvet Sheet Pan Protein Pancakes make a delicious and nutritious choice that can be made ahead. Everyone loves pin pancakes for Valentine’s Day breakfast and brunch food!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for purchases made through links. Process help to offset operating expenses for The Fit Fork. Thank you!

Fall in love with these Red Velvet Sheet Pan Protein Pancakes made with pancake mix, chocolate protein powder, and beet root powder for that classic red velvet vibe . . . but with better-for-you ingredients. No flipping, no fuss—just bake and enjoy! Each pancake has 15g protein and 235calories to fuel your day.  
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Red Velvet Sheet Pan Protein Pancakes
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
20 mins
 

Fall in love with these Red Velvet Sheet Pan Protein Pancakes made with pancake mix, chocolate protein powder, and beet root powder for that classic red velvet vibe . . . but with better-for-you ingredients. No flipping, no fuss—just bake and enjoy! Each pancake has 15g protein and 235calories to fuel your day.  

Course: Breakfast, brunch
Keyword: beet powder, cottage cheese, pancakes, protein powder, sheetpan
Servings: 8
Calories: 235 kcal
Ingredients
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 1/12 cups water
  • 1 cup 2% cottage cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons melted coconut oil or melted butter
  • ¾ cups chocolate protein powder of choice
  • 2 Tablespoons beet root powder
  • 2 cups gluten free pancake mix of choice
  • Optional toppings
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400F degrees.
  2. In blender, add eggs, cottage cheese, water melted butter or oil. Blend for 20-30 seconds to combine until smooth.
  3. Next blend in protein powder and beet powder.
  4. Finally, blend in pancake mix, 1 cup at a time, scraping down sides as needed. If mixture seems too thick (can vary based on pancake mix used) then add up to ¼ cup water.
  5. Spray standard rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray and pour in batter. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until set and lightly browning on top.
  6. Remove and let cool in pan a couple minutes, cut into 8 rectangles and enjoy with the toppings of your choice.
Recipe Notes

Gingerbread Protein Waffles for a Festive Fitmas!

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Enjoy festive flavors and fuel our body right in the morning with these Gingerbread Protein Waffles – a seasonal, easy-to-make, and downright delicious way to keep your health goals in check without feeling deprived.

This high-protein holiday breakfast treat is not only packed with classic gingerbread spices that scream holiday vibes, but they’re also a powerhouse of protein thanks to cottage cheese and protein powder. Cottage cheese gives the batter creaminess while delivering a big protein punch, and protein powder amps things up even more.

My favorite protein powder for gingerbread recipes with protein powder (and making protein baked treats in general) is Clean Lean Protein from Nuzest – use my discount code FITFORK to save on your next purchase!)

Making these waffles couldn’t be simpler. Just blend up cottage cheese, protein powder, eggs, spices, and a handful of other easy ingredients to create a smooth batter. Then, let your waffle iron do the rest! Whether you use a mini waffle iron to cook them one at a time (makes about 12 waffles) or a larger 4-square waffle maker to knock them out quicker (done in three rounds!), you’ll have warm, spiced waffles ready in no time.

One serving of three waffles has just 240 calories and a whopping 23 grams of protein (full macros in the recipe card below). They’re perfect for breakfast, post-workout refueling, or even a holiday-inspired snack. I love topping mine with warm sugar-free lemon curd that’s been thinned out to a syrupy consistency. The bright citrusy zing pairs so well with the rich gingerbread flavor. A sugar-free maple syrups is a yummy pairing, too!

If you’re looking for holiday meal prep ideas, this recipe is a game changer. I often double or even triple the batch and freeze the extras for busy mornings or grab-and-go snacks. Just pop them in the toaster or air fryer for the best results, and they’ll taste as good as fresh off the iron.

So, this holiday season, don’t let all the treats derail your goals. These Gingerbread Protein Waffles let you indulge in festive flavors while staying on track. Whip up a batch (or three) and enjoy every healthy, seasonal bite!

This gingerbread waffle recipe is based on my original and very popular Cottage Cheese Waffles recipe! You can check it this yummy protein waffle with cottage cheese recipe here: Easy Protein Powder Cottage Cheese Waffles.

IF you’re here for the gingerbread and are a gingerbread head like me, check out this post: Holiday Inspired Healthy Gingerbread Recipes

Note: This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission from purchases made through links. This helps offset operating expenses for The Fit Fork, thanks!

Gingerbread Protein Waffles are a flavorful and festive addition to your morning routine with all those holiday spices you love, but none of the sugar overload. Each serving has 23g protein, thanks to protein powder and cottage cheese. Freezer friendly for breakfast meal prep.
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Gingerbread Protein Waffles
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
20 mins
 

Gingerbread Protein Waffles area flavorful and festive addition to your morning routine with all those holidayspices you love, but none of the sugar overload. Each serving has 23g protein,thanks to protein powder and cottage cheese. Freezer friendly for breakfastmeal prep.

Course: Breakfast, brunch, Snack
Keyword: 10 minute meal, christmas, cottage cheese, gingerbread, holiday, protein powder, waffles
Servings: 4 3 waffles per serving
Calories: 240 kcal
Ingredients
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened milk of choice
  • 2 tsp coconut oil or oil of choice
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup 2% cottage cheese
  • 1 Tbsp molasses
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp cloves
  • 1/2 cup 60g vanilla Nuzest protein powder (or powder of choice)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free baking flour like bob’s red mill gluten free baking blend
Instructions
  1. In blender, add eggs, milk, oil, vanilla, cottage cheese and molasses. Blend until smooth.
  2. Add baking soda, spices, and protein powder to blender, pulse in.
  3. Blend in flour, a little at a time, scraping down sides of blender as needed, until smooth batter created.
  4. If sweeter waffles desired, add stevia or monk fruit drops until desired level of sweetness achieved.
  5. Heat waffle iron (either a mini waffle iron or larger 4-square iron).
  6. Pour in batter and cook for several minutes, until indicator light goes off.
  7. Repeat for remaining batter.
  8. Should make 12 single waffles (or three 4-square waffles).
Recipe Notes