Irresistible Banana Walnut Cottage Cheese Muffins – 8-Ingredient High-Protein Breakfast

Banana Walnut Cottage Cheese Muffins
Banana Walnut Cottage Cheese Muffins

Thank you for stopping by today, friends! If you’re like me, mornings are a little brighter when there’s something warm, wholesome, and just sweet enough to enjoy with coffee. That’s exactly why I can’t wait to share these Banana Walnut Cottage Cheese Muffins with you! This recipe is one of my favorites—it’s high in protein, naturally gluten-free, and filled with the comforting flavors of ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts.

If you’re looking for a muffin that’s just as nourishing as it is satisfying, you’ve landed in the right place. And hey, if you love recipes like this, don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so you never miss a breakfast treat!

Overview of Recipe Content

These muffins are soft, slightly nutty, and naturally sweet, making them perfect for a healthy breakfast, post-workout snack, or even a light dessert.

Why You’ll Love It

  • High-protein boost thanks to cottage cheese and eggs.
  • Gluten-free friendly with almond flour (or oat flour for a lighter version).
  • Naturally sweetened with ripe banana (plus optional honey or maple syrup).
  • Meal-prep ready – bake once, enjoy all week!

What They Taste Like

Think of banana bread in muffin form—moist, fluffy, slightly tangy from the cottage cheese, with warm banana sweetness and crunchy walnuts in every bite.

Ingredient List

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 small ripe banana, mashed
  • ½ cup almond flour (or oat flour for a softer texture)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts

Tools You’ll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Muffin tin
  • Muffin liners or non-stick spray
  • Fork or potato masher for the banana
  • Whisk or hand mixer

Substitutions & Additions

  • Flour: Swap almond flour for oat flour if you want a fluffier crumb.
  • Sweetener: Replace honey with maple syrup or skip entirely for a no-added-sugar version.
  • Add-ins: A sprinkle of cinnamon, a few chocolate chips, or dried cranberries pair beautifully with the walnuts.

How to Make Banana Walnut Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with liners or grease lightly.
  2. Mash the banana in a mixing bowl until smooth.
  3. Whisk in cottage cheese, eggs, vanilla, and honey/maple syrup until well combined.
  4. Add the dry ingredients—almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined.
  5. Fold in chopped walnuts (and any optional add-ins).
  6. Scoop the batter evenly into muffin cups, filling about ¾ full.
  7. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool slightly before enjoying warm, or store for later.

The smell that fills your kitchen—warm banana, toasty walnuts—is just heavenly.

What to Serve with Banana Walnut Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

  • A dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh berries.
  • A drizzle of peanut butter for extra protein.
  • Pair with your favorite latte or chai tea for the ultimate cozy breakfast.

Tips for Making It Perfect

  • Use a very ripe banana for natural sweetness.
  • Don’t overmix the batter—gentle folding keeps muffins light.
  • For extra crunch, sprinkle a few walnut pieces on top before baking.

Storage Instructions

  • Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Fridge: Keep up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight or warm in the microwave.

General Information

Cottage cheese in baking might sound unusual, but it’s an old-school trick from Midwestern kitchens for adding protein and creaminess without extra butter. These muffins are perfect for busy mornings, back-to-school snacks, or meal prepping for the week.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these muffins dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute cottage cheese with a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

2. Do these muffins taste cheesy?
Not at all—the cottage cheese blends in, adding moisture and protein without a strong cheese flavor.

3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! These freeze wonderfully, so doubling is a smart move for meal prep.

4. Are they kid-friendly?
Yes—kids love the banana flavor and soft texture. Just skip the nuts if packing for school due to allergies.

Conclusion

These Banana Walnut Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins are the best of both worlds: indulgent enough to feel like a treat, yet nourishing enough to keep you fueled for hours. If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy these:

Happy baking, friends—can’t wait to see your muffins!

Interactive Elements

If you make these muffins, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a review or comment below. And don’t forget to share your photos on Pinterest (Poulef Recipes on Pinterest) or tag me on Instagram.

Nutritional Information (Per Muffin, makes 8 muffins)

CaloriesProteinCarbsSugarFatFiberSodium
1207g8g4g6g2g90mg

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Banana Walnut Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins – Sweet, High-Protein & Gluten-Free


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  • Author: Poulef
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 muffins 1x

Description

These Banana Walnut Cottage Cheese Muffins are moist, high-protein, and naturally gluten-free. Perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack!


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup cottage cheese

2 large eggs

1 small ripe banana, mashed

½ cup almond flour (or oat flour)

1 tsp vanilla extract

12 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)

1 tsp baking powder

Pinch of salt

¼ cup chopped walnuts


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with liners or grease lightly.

2. Mash banana in a bowl until smooth.

3. Whisk in cottage cheese, eggs, vanilla, and honey/maple syrup.

4. Add almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir gently.

5. Fold in chopped walnuts.

6. Divide batter into muffin cups, filling ¾ full.

7. Bake 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

8. Cool before serving.

Notes

Store at room temperature for 2 days, in the fridge for 5 days, or freeze up to 3 months.

Top with extra walnuts or chocolate chips for variation.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
Product Image

26-Piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set

A versatile set of mixing bowls with airtight lids and non-slip bottoms. Includes 3 grater attachments for added convenience in the kitchen!

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I’m Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!. Let’s be friends!