If you’re on the hunt for a deliciously satisfying way to amp up your breakfast or snack game, this Protein Banana Bread Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a perfect balance of moist, naturally sweet bananas with a hearty dose of protein to keep you energized throughout your day. With wholesome ingredients like almond flour, Greek yogurt, and a touch of cinnamon, this banana bread isn’t just tasty—it’s genuinely nourishing, giving classic banana bread a smart, healthful makeover that you (and your taste buds) will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two clear glass bowls on a white marbled surface. The left bowl holds several layers of ingredients including a light brown creamy base, a yellow syrup-like layer on top, and a small dollop of white cream on one side. The right bowl shows the same mixture well blended into a smooth, light tan-colored liquid, with a metal whisk resting inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Protein Banana Bread Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each element brings something special to the loaf—from the creamy texture of Greek yogurt to the nutty depth of almond flour and the rich sweetness of ripe bananas.

  • Banana puree: About 1 1/2 cups from 3 large ripe bananas, adding natural sweetness and moisture for that classic banana bread feel.
  • Melted butter or coconut oil: 1/3 cup, to provide richness and help keep the bread tender.
  • Sugar of choice: 1/2 cup, whether light brown, coconut, or white sugar, balances sweetness beautifully.
  • Large eggs: 3 eggs, for binding ingredients and adding structure.
  • Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup, adding protein and extra moisture.
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, to enhance the overall flavor with a warm, fragrant note.
  • Gluten-free all-purpose baking flour: 1 cup, creates structure, with the option to substitute regular flour if you prefer.
  • Blanched almond flour: 1 cup, for a moist crumb and subtle nuttiness.
  • Vanilla protein powder: 1/2 cup, the star ingredient that boosts your banana bread’s protein content.
  • Baking powder: 3 teaspoons, helps your loaf rise perfectly fluffy.
  • Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, for that cozy, warm spice that complements bananas beautifully.
  • Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, to balance sweetness and enhance flavors.
  • Chocolate chips (optional): 3/4 cup, because a little indulgence never hurts and pairs wonderfully with banana.
TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Protein Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the loaf will cook evenly from the moment it goes in. Grab a 9×5 loaf pan and give it a good spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Banana Puree

Grab your ripe bananas—super ripe ones work best! Puree them until smooth and measure out exactly 1 1/2 cups. This will be the natural sweet and moist foundation for your bread.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Into a large bowl, whisk together your banana puree, melted butter or coconut oil, sugar, eggs, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Whisk these until the mixture is beautifully smooth and uniform—this keeps the bread tender and moist.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, almond flour, vanilla protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. For best results, spoon and level the flours instead of scooping straight from the bag to avoid compacting and adding too much.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, whisking gently until the batter is smooth and thick. If you’re feeling a bit indulgent today, fold in the chocolate chips or some chopped walnuts for extra texture and flavor.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and, if you like, scatter a few extra chocolate chips on top for that picture-perfect finish. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with foil to avoid burning while the inside finishes baking.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Once your Protein Banana Bread is baked to golden perfection, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully lift it out onto a wire rack and allow it to cool completely for at least an hour before slicing. This step helps the loaf set and makes slicing smoother.

How to Serve Protein Banana Bread Recipe

A small rectangular metal baking pan lined with white parchment paper holds one thick layer of light brown cookie dough filled with many dark brown chocolate chips spread evenly on top. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface, viewed from above, showing the rough texture of the dough contrasted with the smooth, rounded chocolate chips scattered across it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a warm, comforting touch, spread some melted butter or your favorite nut butter on top of a thick slice. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a few extra chocolate chips right before serving can also elevate the experience.

Side Dishes

This banana bread pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt for an extra protein boost. It also makes a perfect companion to a cup of coffee or tea, turning an ordinary snack time into a mini celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not turn a simple slice into a dessert by topping it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream? Or make it a breakfast parfait by layering crumbled protein banana bread with yogurt and berries in a glass. The possibilities are endless and fun to explore!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Protein Banana Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps keep it moist and flavorful without drying out.

Freezing

Banana bread freezes beautifully. Slice it first, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen slices are good for up to 3 months and are perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks.

Reheating

To enjoy your frozen slices, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the toaster or oven for a few minutes. Reheating brings back that freshly baked warmth and softness that makes this Protein Banana Bread Recipe so irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of protein powder?

Absolutely! Whether you have whey, plant-based, or collagen protein powder on hand, feel free to swap it in. Just keep in mind that flavor and texture may vary slightly depending on the protein powder used.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This Protein Banana Bread Recipe is gluten-free if you use a certified gluten-free all-purpose baking flour. If you’re not sensitive to gluten, regular flour works perfectly as well.

Can I omit the chocolate chips?

Of course! The chocolate chips are optional and can be left out if you prefer a simpler loaf or want to keep added sugars lower. You can also try adding nuts or dried fruit instead.

How ripe should my bananas be?

The riper the bananas, the better. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots—their natural sugars are sweeter, which enhances the flavor and moisture of the bread.

Can I make this vegan?

While this current recipe includes eggs and dairy, you can experiment with vegan substitutes like flax eggs and plant-based yogurt, and coconut oil in place of butter to create a vegan-friendly version.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly comforting and nourishing about enjoying a slice of homemade Protein Banana Bread. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and health, allowing you to savor classic banana bread flavors while fueling your body with protein-packed goodness. I promise, once you try this Protein Banana Bread Recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen, ready to brighten your mornings or satisfy your snack cravings any day of the week!

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Protein Banana Bread Recipe

Protein Banana Bread Recipe

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This Protein Banana Bread recipe offers a moist, flavorful, and healthier twist on classic banana bread by incorporating protein powder, gluten-free flour, and almond flour. Ideal for a nutritious breakfast or snack, it’s naturally sweetened with bananas and your choice of sugar, with optional chocolate chips for added indulgence.

  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups banana puree (about 3 large, ripe bananas)
  • 1/3 cup melted butter or coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar of choice (light brown, coconut, or white)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup gluten free all purpose baking flour (can substitute regular all-purpose flour)
  • 1 cup blanched almond flour
  • 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional

  • 3/4 cup chocolate chips (optional, can be substituted with chopped walnuts)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking your banana bread evenly.
  2. Prepare Pan: Spray a 9×5 loaf pan with non-stick spray and line it with parchment paper or keep it as is for easy removal of the loaf after baking.
  3. Puree Bananas: Puree about 3 large ripe bananas until smooth and measure out 1 1/2 cups, then add this to a large mixing bowl as the base of your batter.
  4. Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk in the melted butter or coconut oil, sugar of choice, eggs, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract into the banana puree until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten free all-purpose flour, almond flour, vanilla protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Be sure to spoon and level the flours for accuracy, avoiding scooping directly from the bag.
  6. Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually whisk the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until the batter is smooth and without lumps.
  7. Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in chocolate chips or chopped walnuts if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
  8. Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly. Optionally, top with additional chocolate chips for a decorative and flavorful crust.
  9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signifying that the bread is fully baked.
  10. Monitor Browning: The almond flour may cause the bread’s top to brown quicker than the center cooks. If this happens, tent the bread loosely with foil to prevent over-browning while the center finishes baking.
  11. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully lift the loaf out by the parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely for at least 1 hour before slicing.
  12. Serve: Slice and enjoy the protein banana bread plain or spread with melted butter, nut butter, or your favorite topping.

Notes

  • You can substitute the melted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
  • For a nut-free option, omit almond flour and use all-purpose flour exclusively.
  • Using ripe bananas is key for sweetness and moisture in the bread.
  • If you prefer a denser bread, reduce baking powder to 2 teaspoons.
  • Chocolate chips can be replaced with chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
  • Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • The bread freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

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