Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 Bananas (very ripe)
- 2 Eggs
- 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- ½ Cup Cottage Cheese
- ¼ Cup Maple Syrup
- 2 Teaspoons Avocado Oil
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ Cups Almond Flour
- 1 ¼ Teaspoons Baking Soda
- 3 Teaspoons Cinnamon (divided)
Fruit
- 2 Apples of Choice (chopped, I use honey crisp)
Instructions
- Preheat oven - Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s ready for baking the bread.
- Prepare the loaf pan - Line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper or a silicone liner. Lightly grease the pan first with avocado oil to help the parchment paper stick in place.
- Chop and sauté apples - Chop the apples into small pieces. In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat the avocado oil, then add the chopped apples along with 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Blend wet ingredients - In a blender, add the ripe bananas, eggs, vanilla extract, cottage cheese, and maple syrup. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Mix dry ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking soda, and remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon until well combined.
- Combine wet and dry - Pour the blended wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the batter is smooth and no dry clumps remain.
- Layer the batter and apples - Pour half the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon half of the sautéed apple mixture on top. Add the remaining batter and then spread the remaining apples over the top. Gently tap the pan on the counter to level the mixture.
- Bake the bread - Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil after about 30 minutes. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool before slicing - Remove from the oven and let the bread cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. Enjoy your healthy and protein-packed cinnamon apple banana bread!
Notes
- You can use any apple variety, but Honeycrisp is recommended for a balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Make sure bananas are very ripe for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Using almond flour keeps the bread gluten-free and adds a nutty flavor.
- Sautéing apples with cinnamon brings out extra flavor and tender texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This bread freezes well; slice before freezing for easy defrosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
