Fluffy Apple Banana Protein Cake

Servings: 1 large or 2 small

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 25–30 min

Total Time: ~35–40 min

Ingredients:

• ½ cup cottage cheese (2%)

• 1 container Oikos Greek yogurt (90 cal version)

• ½ scoop protein powder (~10g protein)

• 4 egg whites

• 1 small banana, mashed

• 1 small apple, finely diced

• 2 tsp coconut sugar (used to caramelize apples)

• 1 tbsp coconut flour

• ¼ tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

• Optional: dash of vanilla or sweetener of choice

Utensils & Equipment Needed:

• Nonstick pan (for apples)

• Small mixing bowls

• Hand mixer or stand mixer (for egg whites)

• Blender or whisk (for wet ingredients)

• Spatula (for folding)

• Small baking dish, ramekin, or mini loaf pan

• Microplane or fine grater (for optional zest or chocolate garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly grease a small baking dish or ramekin.

2. Caramelize the apples:

   • In a nonstick pan, sauté the diced apple with 1–2 tsp coconut sugar, a splash of water, and a pinch of cinnamon.

   • Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Set aside to cool.

3. In a blender or mixing bowl, combine:

   • Cottage cheese, yogurt, mashed banana, protein powder, coconut flour, baking soda, lemon juice, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla (if using).

   • Blend or mix until smooth.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until foamy or soft peaks form.

   • This step is key: fluffing the egg whites adds air, which gives the cake its light, risen texture despite being high in protein.

5. Gently fold the blended wet mixture into the whipped egg whites.

   • Folding gently helps preserve the air bubbles and keeps the cake fluffy instead of dense.

6. Fold in the caramelized apples.

7. Pour the batter into your prepared dish.

   • Optionally top with dark chocolate shavings, hemp seeds, or almond butter drizzle.

8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and top is lightly golden.

   • Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Garnish Ideas (Optional but Delicious):

• Lemon zest (zest directly over top before or after baking)

• Dark chocolate shavings or curls (grate a square over warm cake)

• Thin apple slices layered on top before baking for a rustic look

• Drizzle almond butter or Greek yogurt on top when serving

• Dust with cinnamon or hemp seeds for extra flavor + texture

Macros (Full Recipe + without Garnish):

Calories~550–560| Protein ~52g | Carbs~85g | Fat~4g | Fiber~6g

Half Serving:
Calories ~275–280 | Protein ~26g |Carbs~42g | Fat ~2g | Fiber~3g