High Protein Banana Bread

 

Banana bread has long been a favorite in kitchens across the country, and it’s easy to see why. It’s comforting, delicious, and just the right balance of sweet and satisfying. For those looking to make healthier snack choices, banana bread is an excellent go-to. Not only does it offer a naturally sweet flavor from ripe bananas, but it’s also incredibly versatile—you can easily tweak the ingredients to fit your dietary needs.

 

Whether you’re trying to add more protein to your diet, satisfy a mid-afternoon craving, or whip up something tasty for the whole family, banana bread checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those overly ripe bananas sitting on your counter. In this recipe, we’re putting a high-protein twist on the classic banana bread, making it even more nutritious while keeping it just as moist and flavorful as you love.

 

Ready to elevate your banana bread game? Let’s get baking!

 

 

Serving Size and Preparation Time

• Serving Size: One slice (about 1-inch thick)
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes to prep, 40-50 minutes to bake

This banana bread recipe yields about 10 slices, making it perfect for sharing or meal prepping. It’s quick to put together, and you’ll have a nutritious, protein-packed snack or breakfast ready in less than an hour!

 

Macros and Nutritional Information

Per Serving (1 slice, about 1-inch thick):

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbs: 20g

This high-protein banana bread offers a balanced nutritional profile, with a good mix of protein to support muscle and satiety, healthy fats from almond flour for energy, and complex carbs from oats and bananas for steady energy. It’s a well-rounded option to fuel your day or recover after a workout, without the sugar crash that comes with traditional baked goods.

 

 

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this high-protein banana bread. These ingredients are simple, wholesome, and come together to create a loaf that’s both nutritious and delicious!

Wet Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas (the riper, the sweeter!)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup oat flour (or whole wheat flour for a heartier texture)
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Add-ins (Optional):

• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans, for a crunchy texture)
• 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips 

This combination of ingredients strikes the perfect balance between flavor, texture, and nutrition, ensuring your banana bread turns out moist, fluffy, and protein-packed every time.

 

 

Step-by-Step Recipe

Making this high-protein banana bread is as easy as mix, pour, and bake! Follow these steps for a foolproof loaf that’s both healthy and delicious.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

• In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. A few small lumps are fine—they add texture!

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

• Add the eggs, Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk everything together until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, mix the oat flour, almond flour, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Bring it All Together

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Gently fold the mixture with a spatula until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and fluffy.
• If you’re using any add-ins (nuts or chocolate chips), fold them in at this stage.

Step 6: Pour and Bake

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

• 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!

Pro tip: This banana bread is perfect fresh out of the oven, but it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have fully melded. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

 

 

Serving Suggestions

This high-protein banana bread is already delicious on its own, but you can take it up a notch with a few tasty toppings or pairings. Here are some ideas to make your banana bread even more satisfying:

• Almond Butter or Peanut Butter: Spread a generous layer of almond or peanut butter on top for an extra protein boost and a creamy texture. The nutty flavor complements the sweetness of the banana bread perfectly.
• Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a tangy contrast to the sweet bread. It’s also a great way to increase your protein intake!
• Fresh Berries: For a fresh, fruity touch, top a slice with some fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The burst of juiciness pairs beautifully with the soft banana bread.
• Dark Chocolate Drizzle: If you’re craving something indulgent, drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the top for a touch of sweetness and richness.
• Cottage Cheese: For a savory twist, spread a thin layer of cottage cheese on your slice. It’s a great high-protein option, and the mild flavor complements the banana bread nicely.

Storing and Reheating Tips for Meal Prep

This banana bread makes a perfect meal prep option, as it stores well and is easy to grab and go throughout the week. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

• Storing:
  • Keep your banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • For longer storage, you can keep it in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.
• Reheating:
  • To enjoy a warm slice, simply pop it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast it lightly in a toaster oven.
  • If you’ve frozen slices, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours, or microwave for 30-45 seconds for a quick reheating option.

With these tips, you can enjoy this protein-packed banana bread all week long, whether it’s as a snack, breakfast, or a quick post-workout bite!

 

Health Benefits

This high-protein banana bread isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with health benefits, making it a great choice for anyone looking to nourish their body while satisfying their sweet tooth. Here’s how the ingredients in this banana bread support a healthier lifestyle:

• High in Protein: Thanks to Greek yogurt and protein powder, each slice helps with muscle repair and keeps you full longer.
• Rich in Healthy Fats: Almond flour adds healthy fats, which support heart health and energy levels.
• Packed with Fiber: Oat and almond flours provide fiber, aiding digestion and promoting heart health.
• Natural Sweetness: Sweetened with ripe bananas and a touch of honey or maple syrup, this bread is lower in refined sugars.
• Gut-Friendly: Greek yogurt adds probiotics to support digestive health.

Enjoy a delicious treat that fuels your body and satisfies your cravings!

 

 

 

 

This high-protein banana bread is a delicious and nutritious way to satisfy your cravings while fueling your body. It’s easy to make, packed with protein and healthy fats, and can be customized to suit your personal preferences. Feel free to swap in your favorite protein powder, add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, or experiment with different natural sweeteners!

Ready to bake? Give this recipe a try, and let it become a new staple in your kitchen. And if you’re looking for more healthy recipes or fitness tips, check out our other posts to keep your nutrition and wellness journey going strong!