Description
This High Protein Banana Bread recipe is a nutritious twist on a classic favorite, perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack. Made with ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, and protein powder, it offers a moist texture and rich flavor while packing a protein boost to keep you energized throughout the day. It’s easy to prepare and uses wholesome ingredients including oat flour and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, making it both delicious and health-conscious.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour
- 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bread.
- Mash Bananas and Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth. Then whisk in the eggs, Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil (or unsalted butter), and vanilla extract until fully combined into a smooth mixture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the oat flour, protein powder, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture. Stir gently until just incorporated, taking care not to overmix, which can make the bread dense.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, indicating the bread is cooked through.
- Cool Before Slicing: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps the bread set properly and prevents it from crumbling.
Notes
- Use a whey or plant-based protein powder that bakes well for best texture and taste.
- If the bread starts to brown too quickly during baking, loosely cover it with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- For added texture and flavor, fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts before baking.