By Karyl Laeving. Updated January 1, 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from 118 votes.
Creamy, naturally sweet, and packed with protein, this Healthy Banana Cottage Cheese Bowl is the ultimate feel good breakfast or snack. With ripe banana, cinnamon warmth, and customizable toppings, it tastes indulgent while staying clean, balanced, and energizing.
Table of Contents
Healthy Banana Cottage Cheese Bowl
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
Creamy, naturally sweet, and high-protein, this Healthy Banana Cottage Cheese Bowl is a 5-minute breakfast or snack made with ripe banana, cinnamon, and cottage cheese. Enjoy it chunky or blended smooth with your favorite toppings like nut butter, berries, and seeds.
Ingredients
1 cup cottage cheese (225 g)
1 medium ripe banana, sliced or mashed (120 g)
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
1 Tbsp peanut butter or almond butter (16 g) (optional)
1 tsp chia seeds (4 g) (optional)
1 tsp ground flaxseed (3 g) (optional)
1/4 cup blueberries or sliced strawberries (35 to 40 g) (optional)
1 Tbsp chopped walnuts or almonds (7 g) (optional)
2 Tbsp low-sugar granola (10 g) (optional)
Instructions
1. Add the cottage cheese to a bowl. For a smooth texture, blend the cottage cheese for 20 to 30 seconds until creamy, then return it to the bowl.
2. Mash or slice the banana and fold it into the cottage cheese.
3. Add cinnamon and vanilla (if using) and stir gently to create swirls.
4. Top with nut butter and any toppings you like (berries, chia, flax, nuts, or granola).
5. Serve right away or refrigerate for 10 minutes for a thicker, more set texture.
Notes
Best banana: Use a very ripe banana with brown speckles for the sweetest flavor without added sugar.
Texture: Blend the cottage cheese first for a cheesecake-like bowl. Prefer it chunky? Skip blending and just stir.
Meal prep: Store the base (cottage cheese, banana, cinnamon, vanilla) in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Add crunchy toppings just before eating.
Nut-free: Swap nut butter for sunflower seed butter and use pumpkin seeds instead of nuts.
Not freezer-friendly: Freezing changes the texture of cottage cheese.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
About This Recipe
What It Is
A high protein breakfast bowl made with cottage cheese and banana that can be enjoyed chunky or blended smooth. It is fast, nourishing, and endlessly customizable.
Why It Works
Cottage cheese delivers slow digesting protein while banana adds natural sweetness and potassium. The combination keeps blood sugar stable and cravings away without added sugar.
When to Make It
Perfect for busy mornings, post workout refueling, afternoon slumps, or a light evening snack when you want something creamy but wholesome.
Why You’ll Love It
- High protein with no protein powder required
- Naturally sweet with zero refined sugar
- Ready in under 5 minutes
- Kid friendly and meal prep friendly
- Can taste like cheesecake with one simple blend
Key Ingredients & Notes
Cottage Cheese
Use full fat or low fat cottage cheese depending on preference. Full fat gives the creamiest texture while low fat keeps calories lower. Blending cottage cheese transforms it into a silky base similar to yogurt or cheesecake filling. According to Healthline, cottage cheese is rich in casein protein which supports muscle recovery and satiety.
Banana
Ripe bananas with brown speckles are ideal. They are sweeter and mash easily into the bowl. Bananas also provide potassium and natural carbs for energy. BBC Good Food highlights bananas as a great ingredient for balanced breakfasts.
Cinnamon
Adds warmth and helps enhance sweetness without sugar. It also pairs beautifully with banana and dairy.
Vanilla Extract
Optional but highly recommended for dessert vibes. Use pure vanilla for the best flavor. King Arthur Baking explains how vanilla enhances perceived sweetness in recipes.
Nut Butter
Peanut butter or almond butter adds healthy fats and richness. For nut free households, sunflower seed butter works beautifully.
Optional Toppings
Fresh berries, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, chopped nuts, or low sugar granola for crunch.
How to Make Healthy Banana Cottage Cheese Bowl
- Prepare the Base
Add 1 cup cottage cheese (225 g) to a bowl. If you prefer a smooth texture, blend the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor for 20 to 30 seconds until creamy. - Add the Banana
Slice or mash 1 medium ripe banana (120 g) and fold it into the cottage cheese. - Flavor It
Sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon cinnamon and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract if using. Stir gently to create swirls. - Finish with Toppings
Drizzle with 1 tablespoon nut butter (16 g) and add desired toppings. - Serve or Chill
Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for 10 minutes for a thicker, more set texture.
Pro Tips for Success
- Blend cottage cheese first for a cheesecake like texture
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness
- Chill briefly to improve thickness and flavor
- Stir gently if you want banana pockets instead of full blending
- Add toppings just before serving to keep them crunchy
- Double the recipe for easy meal prep
- Taste before adding anything sweet. Most people do not need it
Variations & Substitutions
High Protein Dessert Bowl
Add 1 tablespoon cacao nibs or dark chocolate chips and a pinch of sea salt.
Berry Banana Bowl
Fold in ½ cup fresh or frozen berries (75 g).
Tropical Version
Top with mango chunks and shredded coconut.
Dairy Free Option
Use thick plant based yogurt and add 2 tablespoons hemp seeds for protein.
Extra Protein Boost
Mix in collagen peptides or unflavored protein powder.
If you enjoy simple high protein treats like this, you will also love Greek Yogurt Protein Cups (20g High Protein Snack) and No Bake Peanut Butter Yogurt Cups (High Protein) on Flavor & Recipes.
Serving & Storage
Serving
Serve chilled or at room temperature. Pair with toast or fruit for a complete breakfast.
Refrigeration
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezing
Not recommended as cottage cheese texture changes.
Reheating
No reheating needed. This recipe is best cold.
FAQs
Is cottage cheese and banana healthy?
Yes. This combination provides protein, fiber, potassium, and calcium. It supports fullness and steady energy without added sugar.
Can I blend the whole bowl?
Absolutely. Blending creates a smooth, pudding like texture that many people love.
Is this good for weight loss?
Yes. High protein foods like cottage cheese help control appetite while bananas provide satisfying sweetness.
Can kids eat this?
Yes. It is naturally sweet, soft, and very kid friendly.
What cottage cheese is best?
Small curd cottage cheese blends the smoothest, but any variety works.
Conclusion
This Healthy Banana Cottage Cheese Bowl proves that simple ingredients can create powerful nutrition and crave worthy flavor. It is creamy, filling, and endlessly adaptable. If you try it, leave a rating, drop a comment with your favorite toppings, or share a photo. Join our newsletter for more high protein, low effort recipes you will actually love.
