Protein Banana Bread Recipe
This Protein Banana Bread is a delicious and nutritious twist on the classic banana bread, packed with protein from Greek yogurt and vanilla protein powder. Utilizing both gluten-free all-purpose flour and almond flour, it offers a moist texture and rich flavor, enhanced by optional chocolate chips or walnuts. Perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast, this bread balances sweetness with wholesome ingredients and is easy to prepare with straightforward steps.
- Author: Grace
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices) 1x
- Category: Bake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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 with 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 Additions
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the batter.
- Prepare the pan: Spray and line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper or non-stick spray and set it aside.
- Puree the bananas: Mash or puree the ripe bananas until smooth and measure out 1 1/2 cups. Place the banana puree into a large mixing bowl.
- Mix wet ingredients: Whisk in the melted butter or coconut oil, granulated sugar, eggs, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract into the banana puree until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, blanched almond flour, vanilla protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Be sure to spoon and level the flours instead of scooping directly to avoid compacting.
- Incorporate dry into wet: Gradually whisk the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until you achieve a smooth, uniform batter without lumps.
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in the chocolate chips or chopped walnuts if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer to pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and level the top. You may sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top if desired for a decorative touch.
- Bake the bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is fully cooked.
- Cover with foil if needed: If the top browns too quickly before the center is fully baked, tent the pan loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while the bread finishes baking.
- Cool the bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully lift it out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely for at least 1 hour before slicing.
- Serve: Slice the banana bread and enjoy it plain or with a spread of melted butter or nut butter for extra richness.
Notes
- You can substitute regular all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour if you do not require a gluten-free diet.
- Using ripe bananas is essential for sweetness and moisture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with a non-dairy yogurt and use coconut oil instead of butter.
- Chocolate chips can be replaced with chopped nuts like walnuts for added crunch.
- Storing banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature is recommended for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Adding protein powder increases the bread’s protein content, making it a great post-workout snack.
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