Craving a sweet treat that doesn’t derail your fitness goals? Look no further! This Protein Banana Bread is the perfect blend of delicious indulgence and nutritious goodness. It’s packed with high-quality protein, making it a great snack for any time of day. Whether you're enjoying a slice for breakfast, post-workout fuel, or as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, this easy homemade recipe will satisfy your cravings while supporting your healthy lifestyle.
Why You'll Love This Protein Banana Bread
- High-Protein: Unlike traditional banana bread, this recipe incorporates protein powder, making each slice a muscle-building snack.
- Refined-Sugar Free: Sweetened naturally with ripe bananas and a touch of honey or maple syrup, this bread keeps things healthy while still satisfying your sweet tooth.
- Moist and Delicious: The bananas add natural moisture, making this bread soft and tender with every bite.
- Easy to Make: No need for complicated steps—this recipe is simple, straightforward, and beginner-friendly.
- Customisable: You can easily switch up the add-ins, such as nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit, to suit your taste preferences.
Health Benefits
- Great Source of Protein: With the addition of protein powder, each slice helps support muscle recovery and repair, making it ideal for active individuals.
- Rich in Fibre: The bananas and oats (if used) add a good dose of dietary fibre, helping with digestion and keeping you feeling full for longer.
- Natural Sweeteners: Using ripe bananas and a bit of honey or maple syrup means you avoid refined sugars while still enjoying a naturally sweet treat.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This bread stays fresh for days, making it a convenient grab-and-go option throughout the week.
Tips for Perfect Protein Banana Bread
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavourful your bread will be. Bananas with brown spots are perfect for this recipe.
- Choose Your Protein Powder Wisely: For the best texture, use a high-quality whey or plant-based protein powder. Avoid using protein powders with grainy textures, as they can make the bread dense.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tougher, denser banana bread. Stir the ingredients until they’re just combined for the lightest, fluffiest results.
- Customise It: Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins like walnuts, pecans, dried cranberries, or even a swirl of peanut butter for extra indulgence.
Customisation Ideas
- Add a Protein Boost: If you want even more protein, you can add a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseeds to the batter.
- Go Gluten-Free: Simply swap the whole wheat or oat flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
- Make it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based protein powder and non-dairy yogurt.
- Top it Off: For extra flair, top the bread with sliced bananas, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of oats before baking.
Serving Suggestions
- For Breakfast: Serve a slice with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for an extra protein punch in the morning.
- Post-Workout Snack: Pair a slice of this protein banana bread with a handful of almonds or a protein shake for a quick post-workout recovery snack.
- Midday Treat: Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee for a wholesome snack that keeps you going throughout the day.
Storage Tips
- At Room Temperature: Store your banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- In the Fridge: You can also refrigerate the bread for up to a week. Just warm up slices in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.
- Freeze for Later: This banana bread freezes beautifully. Slice the loaf, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge or pop a slice in the toaster for a quick snack.
Why It’s a Great Choice
This Protein Banana Bread is a fantastic option for anyone looking to enjoy a classic treat while still focusing on their nutrition goals. It’s lower in sugar and higher in protein than traditional banana bread, making it a great addition to a balanced diet. Whether you're fuelling up before a workout or looking for a healthy dessert, this recipe has you covered. Enjoy the perfect balance of indulgence and health with every bite!
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
- Calories: 150–180 kcal
- Protein: 10–12g
- Carbohydrates: 20–25g
- Fibre: 3–4g
- Fat: 5–6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Sugars: 8–10g (naturally occurring from bananas and honey/maple syrup)
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed) 🍌
- 2 large eggs 🥚
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup 🍯
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or applesauce 🥣
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿
- 1 cup whole wheat flour or oat flour 🌾
- 1 scoop (about 30g) vanilla or chocolate protein powder 💪
- 1 teaspoon baking powder 🌟
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 🌿
- Pinch of salt 🧂
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts, dark chocolate chips, or dried fruit 🍫🌰🍇
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
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Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavourful your bread will be.
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Mix the Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, honey or maple syrup, Greek yogurt (or applesauce), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk everything together until well combined.
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Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. This helps ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.
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Mix It All Together: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as it can make the bread dense.
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Add Your Mix-Ins: If you’re using any optional add-ins like chopped nuts, dark chocolate chips, or dried fruit, fold them into the batter at this stage.
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Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
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