Introduction

Indulge in these WW Banana Cottage Cheese Crustless Bread Minis, a delightful and nutritious twist on traditional banana bread! This recipe offers a low-calorie, high-protein alternative, perfect for anyone on their wellness journey. Packed with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the creamy goodness of cottage cheese, these minis are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a nourishing snack or breakfast option.

Each mini serving is designed to be satisfying and filling, without derailing your Weight Watchers (WW) points plan. Whether you’re a WW enthusiast or simply looking for a healthier baked good option, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients:

  • 2 large ripe bananas (approximately 200g, mashed)
  • 1 cup (225g) low-fat cottage cheese (1% fat)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (60g) rolled oats (ground into oat flour)
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for flavor)

Optional Add-ins (Customize Your Minis!):

  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds
  • 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips (optional, for indulgence)
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional, for crunch)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick liners.
  2. Mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your minis will be!
  3. Using a blender or food processor, process the rolled oats into a fine oat flour if you don’t have pre-made oat flour. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

  1. To the mashed bananas, add the cottage cheese, eggs, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until well-combined. The mixture will be slightly lumpy due to the cottage cheese but ensure it’s uniformly mixed.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the oat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  2. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can make the minis dense.

Step 4: Optional Add-ins

  1. If desired, fold in any optional ingredients such as chia seeds, chocolate chips, or nuts.

Step 5: Portion and Bake

  1. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin tin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Allow the minis to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information (Per Mini):

  • Calories: ~65 kcal
  • Protein: ~4g
  • Carbohydrates: ~8g
  • Fat: ~2g
  • Fiber: ~1g
  • Sugar: ~4g
  • SmartPoints (WW): ~1-2 points (depending on optional add-ins and your WW plan)

Useful Tips and Information

Why Cottage Cheese?

Cottage cheese is a fantastic source of protein and contains minimal fat when using low-fat or fat-free options. It provides a creamy texture that enhances the batter’s richness without adding extra points or calories.

Banana Sweetness

Ripe bananas act as a natural sweetener in this recipe, reducing the need for added sugars. Look for bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.

Low SmartPoints

By using simple, wholesome ingredients, this recipe keeps the SmartPoints low while offering balanced nutrition. Customize the add-ins carefully to keep the points minimal.

Storage Tips

These minis store well! Once completely cooled, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator or microwave for a quick snack.

Serving Suggestions

These crustless bread minis are perfect on their own or paired with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, or a handful of fresh berries for an elevated snack or breakfast.

Customization Ideas

  • For a Tropical Twist: Add shredded coconut and a dash of nutmeg.
  • For a Protein Boost: Stir in a tablespoon of your favorite vanilla protein powder (adjust the liquid slightly).
  • For a Nutty Flavor: Use almond or cashew butter as a topping.

Why These Minis Are Perfect for Your Wellness Goals

  1. Portion Control: Each mini is pre-portioned, making it easy to track.
  2. Low-Calorie: With less than 70 calories per mini, they’re guilt-free.
  3. High-Protein: The combination of eggs, cottage cheese, and oats provides a satiating protein punch.
  4. Simple Ingredients: No artificial sweeteners or preservatives.

Final Thoughts

These WW Banana Cottage Cheese Crustless Bread Minis are a testament to how delicious and satisfying healthy eating can be. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or looking for a quick, low-point snack, this recipe is a must-try. Share it with your friends, and let them enjoy the magic of guilt-free indulgence!