Flourless Banana Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Loaf

Ingredients

• 2 medium ripe bananas
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Ensure there are no lumps for a creamy texture.
3. Add the pumpkin puree, cottage cheese, eggs, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture.
6. If desired, fold in the chopped nuts or chocolate chips for an added crunch or sweetness.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.