Protein Banana Bread Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a moist, wholesome treat that packs an energy-boosting punch, Protein Banana Bread is about to become your new favorite. Imagine all the tender, comforting goodness of classic banana bread, but with a secret serious upgrade: an impressive dose of protein that makes every slice perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even a pre-workout nibble. This recipe brings naturally sweet ripe bananas together with nutty almond flour and creamy Greek yogurt, while vanilla protein powder adds both flavor and function. Whether you live for meal prep or just want a grab-and-go bite you can actually feel good about, this loaf is absolute magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Protein Banana Bread is there for a reason—some create that signature fluffy texture, others add moisture, natural sweetness, or a flavorful pop. Simple as they may look, these building blocks truly elevate the final loaf.
- Bananas: The riper the better! Bananas add natural sweetness and ensure your bread is perfectly moist.
- Eggs: These bind everything together for a cohesive, sliceable loaf.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: Choose your favorite natural sweetener; both lend delicious flavor while keeping the bread refined sugar-free.
- Greek Yogurt: Adds a welcome tang and enhances moisture; you can substitute with applesauce for a dairy-free loaf.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash brings warmth and depth, making the bread taste cozy and inviting.
- Almond Flour: Keeps everything gluten-free and creates a nutty, tender crumb.
- Vanilla Protein Powder: The star player, boosting protein and adding mild sweetness.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder: This dream team helps the bread rise and stay light.
- Cinnamon: A hint of spice to bring out banana and nutty flavors.
- Salt: Just a pinch makes every other ingredient sing.
- Chopped Walnuts or Chocolate Chips (optional): For crunch, decadence, or both—totally your call!
How to Make Protein Banana Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), the perfect temperature for golden, even baking. To make cleanup a breeze, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a little oil or line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for effortless lifting later.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash your bananas until there are only a few small lumps left—they should look almost pourable. Crack in the eggs, pour in your maple syrup or honey, add the Greek yogurt, and finish with a fragrant splash of vanilla extract. Give everything a good whisk until your mixture is smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Now for your dry team! In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, vanilla protein powder, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing them separately here ensures each slice of Protein Banana Bread rises evenly and avoids any bitter bites of baking soda or uneven seasoning.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixes
Pour your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently but thoroughly. Don’t over-mix; just fold until no floury streaks remain. At this point, if you’re adding chopped walnuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them in for a personalized touch of texture and surprise!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Scrape that glorious batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Slide it into the center of your preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. The irresistible smell will let you know when it’s close!
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once baked, let your Protein Banana Bread sit in the pan for about 10 minutes—this helps it firm up for easy lifting. Carefully transfer the loaf to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing. Resist the urge to cut too soon; cooling ensures each slice holds together beautifully.
How to Serve Protein Banana Bread
Garnishes
Dress up each slice with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of almond butter, or a scatter of extra walnuts. Even a few fresh banana slices make for a stunning presentation and an added touch of creamy sweetness.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs deliciously alongside a cup of coffee, hot tea, or your favorite yogurt bowl. For a heartier breakfast, serve with scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to round out your morning plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try toasting chilled slices and topping with a smear of nut butter or a spoonful of Greek yogurt and berries. Protein Banana Bread is amazing as the base for a wholesome dessert, too—think banana bread French toast or cubed as a layer in parfaits!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Protein Banana Bread keeps beautifully at room temperature for up to two days. Simply wrap slices (or the whole loaf) tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
Freezing
This bread is a meal-prepper’s dream! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. Store in the freezer for up to three months for anytime snacking.
Reheating
To enjoy that freshly-baked warmth, microwave a slice for 15–20 seconds, or pop it in a toaster oven until just heated through. It smells every bit as good as the first day you baked it!
FAQs
Can I use a different protein powder in this Protein Banana Bread?
Absolutely! Whey, plant-based, or collagen protein all work well, but stick to vanilla or unflavored varieties for the best classic banana bread taste.
What’s the best way to make this loaf dairy-free?
Just swap the Greek yogurt for unsweetened applesauce and use a plant-based protein powder. You’ll still get a moist and satisfying loaf without any dairy.
How can I make this bread nut-free?
If nut allergies are a concern, use oat flour instead of almond flour and skip the walnuts. Be sure to check your protein powder for any hidden nuts as well!
How do I know when Protein Banana Bread is fully baked?
The best test is the classic toothpick trick: insert one into the center, and if it comes out clean or with just a crumb or two, your bread is ready.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double this recipe easily—just use two loaf pans and rotate them halfway through baking for even results. Extra Protein Banana Bread freezes perfectly for later!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cozy, nourishing treat that’s as easy to whip up as it is satisfying to eat, you can’t go wrong with Protein Banana Bread. Give it a try, tweak it with your favorite add-ins, and soon you’ll have a new staple in your breakfast or snack rotation!
Print
Protein Banana Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Protein Banana Bread is a delicious and nutritious twist on traditional banana bread. Packed with protein from almond flour and vanilla protein powder, it makes for a satisfying breakfast or snack option.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the bananas, then whisk in the eggs, maple syrup (or honey), Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, protein powder, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until fully combined. Fold in walnuts or chocolate chips if using.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and slice: Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For added protein, use a high-quality whey or plant-based vanilla protein powder.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt with unsweetened applesauce for a dairy-free version.
- Add chopped nuts or seeds for crunch and extra nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
