Quick Protein Banana Bread
Banana bread is such a classic comfort food but what if we could give it a healthy twist without losing any flavor? And then comes Protein Banana Bread, a mix of indulgence and goodness! Whether you need to refuel post hard workout or you’re on the move and want grab a nutritious snack on the go, this protein packed banana bread will be your new favorite.
In this guide, I’ll share all about how to make the best protein banana bread including ingredients, step-by-step directions, nutrition info, and pro tips.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High-Protein Kick: With added protein powder, this is not your average banana bread. Be it for health enthusiasts, athletes and everyone in between, there is a slice packed with protein.
- Sweetened with Natural Sugars: Bananas add natural sugars that limit the need for added sugar, so you get guilt-free brownies.
- Moist and Flavorful: This banana bread is moist, tender, and full of banana flavor, all while being healthy.
- Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients you already probably have in your pantry.
- Customizable: Replace chocolate chips or nuts to create your own twist.
Whether you’re batch-cooking for the week or are just looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, this recipe is the perfect balance of delicious and nutritious.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to know about all of the ingredients that make this banana bread not only scrumptious but also extremely good for you:
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats (or oat flour) – Adds fiber and creates the perfect texture when blended.
- 1 scoop (around 30g) vanilla protein powder – Enhances the protein content while adding flavor. You can opt for whey or plant-based protein.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder – Helps the bread rise for a fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Pinch of salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Wet Ingredients
- 3 medium ripe bananas – The riper the better! They bring natural sweetness and moisture.
- 2 large eggs – Helps bind the ingredients and provide extra protein.
- ⅓ cup Greek yogurt – Keeps the bread moist while boosting protein. You can use plain or slightly sweetened varieties.
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup – Optional, for a touch of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a lovely aroma and depth to the flavor.
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips – For a little indulgence.
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or almonds – Adds crunch and healthy fats.
Equipment You’ll Need
Before starting, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork or potato masher (for mashing bananas)
- Loaf pan (9×5 inch)
- Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
- Wire cooling rack
- Whisk or hand mixer (optional for smoother batter)
Instructions
Prep
- Preheat your oven – Places it onto 350°F (175°C) and grease your loaf pan, or place some parchment paper for easy extraction.
- Make your oat flour – For the rolled oats, put them in a food processor and blend them until they reach a fine powder.
Make the Batter
- Mash the bananas: Mash the bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth. Small lumps are okay.
- Mix in wet ingredients: Add eggs, Greek yogurt, honey (if using) and vanilla extract to bananas. Mix until smooth.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In one large bowl, mix oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until evenly blended.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Slowly fold in the dry mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula while the egg mixture is still thick until combined. Don’t overmix.
- Add Optional Ingredients: Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or other add-ins of choice.
Bake
- Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan, getting it into all of the corners.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool briefly in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and Enjoy!
For extra protein as a topping, enjoy your protein banana bread plain or with a dollop of almond butter.
Notes
How to Serve Protein Banana Bread
Here are a couple of ideas to take your banana bread to the next level:
- Breakfast: Serve a slice alongside Greek yogurt and berries.
- Post-Workout Snack: Eat it plain or slather it with peanut butter for a high-energy protein fix.
- Dessert: Heat and serve with a scoop of vanilla Greek yogurt or low-sugar ice cream.
The beauty of this banana bread is its versatility, you can eat it at any time of day.
Nutrition Information (Per Slice, 10 Slices Total)
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Fat: 3g
- Sugar: 7g
These values will vary slightly depending on your protein powder and optional add-ins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I replace with other flour types?
Yes! Almond flour or whole wheat flour will also work, but you will likely need to increase the wet ingredients.
2. What protein powder is best?
Vanilla protein powder is amazing in this recipe, though chocolate or unflavored protein powders also work great. Either a plant-based or whey protein works well.
3. Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Sub flax eggs (2 tbsp flaxseed + 6 tbsp h2o) and sub plant-based yogurt.
4. How should I store it?
Keep banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices and keep them for up to 3 months.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, though you might want two loaf pans. You may need to adjust the baking time.
4. How should I store it?
Keep banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices and keep them for up to 3 months.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, though you might want two loaf pans. You may need to adjust the baking time.
Elevate Your Healthy Baking!
Protein banana bread — it’s not just a snack, it’s a progress toward your healthy lifestyle! Full of natural sweetness and nourishing protein and flavors you can customize, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you want to be healthy or have hit the gym for decades, this is something that you can never miss.
Read more healthy recipe here. If you want more guilt-free baking ideas, stay tuned to our blog! Happy baking!