Cottage Cheese Banana Oat Protein Pancake Bites are a healthy and delicious snack or breakfast option that’s easy to make and packed with nutrients. These bite-sized treats combine the natural sweetness of bananas with the creaminess of cottage cheese and the wholesomeness of oats, offering a protein-rich energy boost in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein-Packed: Cottage cheese and oats make these bites a satisfying and nutritious choice.
- Naturally Sweet: Bananas add sweetness without the need for added sugar.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick prep for busy mornings or snacks.
- Kid-Friendly: Fun to eat and perfect for little hands.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ripe bananas (mashed)
- Cottage cheese
- Rolled oats
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Baking powder
- Ground cinnamon (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
- Blend the ingredients: In a blender, combine the bananas, cottage cheese, rolled oats, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and cinnamon (if using). Blend until smooth and well combined.
- Fill the muffin tin: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pancake bites are set and lightly golden. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the pancake bites cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 24 mini bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Variations
- Add-ins: Stir in chocolate chips, blueberries, or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure the oats are certified gluten-free for a gluten-free version.
- Spiced Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a warming spice twist.
- Sweetener: For a sweeter bite, mix in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze pancake bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, quick oats work well and blend easily in this recipe.
2. Can I substitute cottage cheese?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great alternative for a similar texture and protein content.
3. How ripe should the bananas be?
Use overripe bananas with brown spots for the best sweetness and flavor.
4. Can I make these without a blender?
Yes, mash the bananas thoroughly and mix all ingredients in a bowl for a slightly chunkier texture.
5. Are these suitable for babies?
Yes, they are soft and nutritious, but omit the vanilla extract and added sweeteners for younger babies.
6. Can I make regular-sized muffins instead of mini bites?
Yes, increase the baking time to 20-25 minutes for regular muffin tins.
7. Can I add protein powder?
Yes, mix in a scoop of your favorite protein powder for an extra protein boost.
8. What toppings pair well with these bites?
Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or fresh fruit.
9. Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake the batter immediately, but you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
10. Are these bites freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! They freeze well and are perfect for make-ahead meal prep.
Conclusion
Cottage Cheese Banana Oat Protein Pancake Bites are a wholesome, delicious way to start your day or enjoy a guilt-free snack. They’re quick to prepare, full of healthy ingredients, and easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins. Perfect for meal prep, busy mornings, or anytime you need a nutritious boost, these bites are a must-try recipe!
PrintCottage Cheese Banana Oat Protein Pancake Bites
These Cottage Cheese Banana Oat Protein Pancake Bites are a healthy, protein-packed breakfast or snack option! With simple ingredients like bananas, oats, and cottage cheese, they’re naturally sweetened, fluffy, and easy to make. Perfect for meal prep or on-the-go mornings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bites 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup (240 g) cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (90 g) rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (40 g) chocolate chips or blueberries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line with silicone liners.
- Blend the batter:
- In a blender, combine the bananas, cottage cheese, eggs, oats, baking powder, cinnamon (if using), and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and well combined.
- Add optional mix-ins:
- If using chocolate chips or blueberries, fold them gently into the batter after blending.
- Fill the muffin tin:
- Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- Bake:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bites are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve:
- Let the pancake bites cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Freezing: Freeze the pancake bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat from frozen in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
- Add-ins: Customize with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.