1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Stir in the cottage cheese until fully combined.

3. Add eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla to the banana mixture. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix!

6. Fold in optional add-ins like chopped nuts or chocolate chips, if desired.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

8. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Slice and enjoy your moist, protein-packed banana bread!