Strawberry Banana Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake Recipe
Introduction
This Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake with strawberry and banana is a wholesome, delicious way to start your day. It’s packed with creamy cottage cheese and fresh fruit, making it both satisfying and naturally sweet. Perfect for a weekend brunch or an easy meal prep option.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large strawberries, sliced (for the top)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 1 large ripe banana, smashed (plus more for topping)
- 1 cup 2% blended cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg white
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any type of milk)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350ºF and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 3: In another bowl, combine the vanilla extract, maple syrup, smashed banana, blended cottage cheese, egg, egg white, and almond milk. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
- Step 4: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Arrange the sliced strawberries and banana slices evenly on top of the batter.
- Step 6: Cover the pan with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the bake is cooked through and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack before serving. Enjoy with butter and extra maple syrup if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a nutty flavor, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking.
- Swap almond milk for any milk of your choice, including dairy or oat milk.
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for extra warmth and spice.
- Try substituting strawberries with blueberries or raspberries according to your preference.
- Use low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese depending on your dietary needs.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until heated through. This bake also freezes well; wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free.
Is it okay to use regular yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
You can try using thick Greek yogurt as a substitute, but it will change the texture slightly, making the bake less dense and more custard-like.
Print
Strawberry Banana Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake with Strawberry and Banana is a wholesome, protein-packed morning treat. Combining the creaminess of blended cottage cheese with ripe bananas and sweet strawberries, this bake offers a deliciously moist texture and natural sweetness from maple syrup. Perfect for a nutritious start to the day, it showcases a simple baking method that yields a tender and flavorful breakfast dish.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Fruit Toppings
- 3 large strawberries, sliced (for the top)
- 1 large ripe banana, sliced (for topping)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 1 large ripe banana, smashed (for the batter)
- 1 cup 2% blended cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg white
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any type of milk)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, excluding the strawberries, then set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, thoroughly whisk together the vanilla extract, maple syrup, smashed banana, blended cottage cheese, egg, egg white, and almond milk until well combined.
- Combine Batter: Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix for a tender bake.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the lined baking pan and evenly top with sliced strawberries and banana slices.
- Bake Covered: Cover the pan with foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow the bake to set gently.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the bake is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm with butter and extra maple syrup if desired.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk.
- Make sure the banana used in the batter is very ripe for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Covering the bake during the first stage helps retain moisture and ensures even cooking.
- The bake can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick breakfast the next day.
- You can add chopped nuts or seeds for added texture and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Bake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cottage cheese breakfast bake, strawberry banana bake, healthy breakfast casserole, baked breakfast, protein breakfast, maple syrup breakfast
