This banana bread protein recipe has no added sugar and over 15 grams of protein per slice. As a dietitian and a busy mom, I am always looking for easy, healthy recipes that keep me full for hours and this recipe is perfect for the whole family.
High Protein Banana Bread Recipe: No Added Sugar
This recipe is very similar to the traditional banana bread, with added protein to help boost your daily protein intake. I have also made these popular Kodiak Cakes Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins and this 5 Ingredient High Protein French Toast Recipe.
Just a reminder that it is completely okay to enjoy traditional banana bread that has not been tweaked to be made healthier. I believe all foods fit and enjoying your favorite foods without guilt is equally as important as eating your veggies. This healthy protein banana bread recipe is for those that want to increase their protein intake and have a healthy snack on hand when things get busy.
This recipe is also one of my favorite treats and it is the perfect way to start my morning when I’m craving a comforting breakfast.
Alright, let’s jump into it.
Why You’ll Love This high protein Banana Bread Recipe
- Delicious and nutritious: If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious treat that aligns with your health and wellness goals while keeping you full, then you’ll love this protein-packed banana bread recipe.
- High protein content: This recipe incorporates protein-rich ingredients like Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla protein powder. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Balanced macronutrients: With a combination of mashed bananas, eggs, protein powder, coconut oil, and applesauce, this recipe provides a good balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein. Unlike regular banana bread which is not as well balanced as this banana bread protein recipe, this recipe will keep blood sugar levels stabilized while providing you with sustained energy.
- Wholesome ingredients: The recipe includes common ingredients you can easily find in your fridge and pantry. The ingredients used not only add natural sweetness without added sugar, but they also offer a variety of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
- Versatility and customization: The recipe allows for customization such as swapping all-purpose flour with almond flour, oat flour, and even coconut flour. You can also add toppings such as sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, shredded coconut, or my favorite, Greek yogurt. Whether you need dairy-free, gluten-free, or other dietary accommodations, feel free to swap ingredients to suit your needs.
- Post-workout recovery: With its protein content and carbohydrates from the bananas and flour, this banana bread is an excellent option for post-workout recovery. Consuming protein and carbohydrates together after exercise helps replenish glycogen stores and aids in muscle recovery and maintaining muscle mass.
- Convenient and portable: This banana bread can be sliced and individually wrapped, making it a convenient snack for those on the go. You can easily pack it in your gym bag or have it as a quick and nourishing bite between meals.
Ingredients to Make this Banana Bread Protein Recipe
- Ripe Bananas: The recipe calls for 2 cups of mashed ripe bananas, which is around 3-4 bananas. Make sure your bananas are ripe for the best flavor and texture.
- Eggs: Eggs are a great source of protein and essential nutrients. You can also substitute egg whites for some of the whole eggs. One whole egg is the same as two egg whites.
- Coconut Oil: Adding coconut oil contributes a rich and moist texture to the banana bread. It also adds a subtle tropical flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute it with another type of oil like melted butter, vegetable oil, or olive oil.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: This ingredient adds moisture and natural sweetness to the bread while reducing the need for additional oil. It also provides a hint of fruity flavor. If you don’t have applesauce on hand, you can replace it with an equal amount of mashed avocado or extra mashed bananas.
- Greek Yogurt: Incorporating 1/3 cup of plain Greek yogurt adds creaminess and enhances the protein content of the bread. Greek yogurt also contributes a tangy flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the banana bread.
- All-Purpose Flour: This recipe calls for 2 cups of all-purpose flour, which serves as the main dry ingredient. If you want to make it gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or even whole wheat flour.
- Vanilla Protein Powder: Including vanilla protein powder not only adds a protein boost but also contributes a pleasant vanilla flavor. You can swap the vanilla protein powder for a plant based protein powder, whey protein powder, or even a chocolate protein powder.
- Baking powder, baking soda, and salt: These ingredients help the bread rise and provide the right texture. They also balance the flavors and ensure proper baking.
- Cinnamon: If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, you can omit it or replace it with other spices like nutmeg or cardamom.
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced almonds
- Chopped walnuts
- Shredded coconut
- Chocolate chips (or dark chocolate chips)
How to Make This Healthy Banana Bread Recipe
This sugar free banana bread is so easy to make, especially if you have experience with baking quick bread. The best part is you can meal prep it ahead of time and it will stay fresh all week long.
Make the batter
- Peel and mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mash until completely smooth.
- Add the eggs, melted coconut oil, unsweetened applesauce, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the mixture becomes smooth.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, vanilla protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense texture.
Bake the banana bread
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared bread loaf pan lined with parchment paper and bake the high-protein banana bread in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- You can also pour this high-protein banana bread recipe into a muffin tin to make banana protein muffins.
- Remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool. Then remove the bread from the pan and place it on a wire rack to completely cool.
- Enjoy this moist banana bread with toppings of choice or eat plain with your morning coffee.
The best protein powder to use in baking
Even though most protein powders can easily be added to baked goods, whey protein is the one powder I advise against for this recipe (and other baking recipes). Using whey protein in baking can potentially dry out a cake if not used correctly. Whey protein has a tendency to absorb moisture, so it’s important to make adjustments to the recipe to ensure the cake remains moist or use a different protein powder.
However, here are some of my favorite kinds:
- Plant-Based Protein Powder: If you prefer a vegan protein powder or plant-based option, there are various protein powders available. Pea protein, brown rice protein, and hemp protein are some common choices. Look for a plant-based protein powder that doesn’t have a strong flavor that could overpower the banana taste. If you feel that the vanilla flavoring in your protein powder is too strong, you can use an unflavored protein powder.
- Collagen Protein Powder: Collagen protein is derived from animal sources, usually beef or fish. It’s known for its ability to enhance the texture of baked goods. Adding collagen protein powder can make your banana bread moist and fluffy. My favorite is the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. Use code AYAT15 for 15% off sitewide.
- Casein Protein: Casein protein is another milk-derived protein that can be used in baking. It has a slower digestion rate than whey protein and provides a denser texture to baked goods. Casein protein works well in recipes where you want a moist and chewy result.
Tips for making the best protein banana bread recipe
- Ripe bananas: Use overripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness. They are easier to mash and provide natural sweetness to the bread.
- Mixing wet and dry ingredients: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, avoid overmixing. Stir until just combined to prevent the bread from becoming dense. Overmixing can lead to tough and rubbery texture.
- Optional toppings: Customize your banana bread with optional toppings like sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, or shredded coconut. Sprinkle them on top of the batter before baking for added texture and flavor.
- Baking time: Keep an eye on the baking time. The exact time may vary depending on your oven and loaf pan size. Start checking for doneness around 45 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the bread is ready.
- Cooling and slicing: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This allows the bread to set and makes it easier to handle. Once completely cooled, use a sharp knife to slice the bread into desired portions.
- Storage: To keep your banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it for longer shelf life. If you prefer to freeze the bread, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw the slices at room temperature or gently warm them in a toaster or microwave before enjoying.
- Personalization: Feel free to experiment with additional flavors and mix-ins. Consider adding a teaspoon of ground nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for extra warmth and spice. You can also include mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or chia seeds to enhance the texture and taste of the bread. You can also add in a tablespoon of brown sugar, coconut sugar, pure maple syrup or even white sugar if you do not mind the few extra grams of sugar.
- Accompaniments: While the bread is delicious on its own, it pairs well with a variety of spreads. Try serving it with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, or a spread of almond butter or peanut butter for an extra layer of flavor.
How to store leftover Banana Bread
To store leftover banana bread and keep it fresh for longer, follow these tips:
- Cool Completely: Allow the banana bread to cool completely after baking. This helps to prevent condensation and maintain its texture.
- Wrap it tightly: Wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to keep it from drying out and protects it from absorbing any odors in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Store at Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the banana bread within 2-3 days, you can store it at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap. For the best results, make sure the container is sealed properly to maintain freshness.
- Refrigerate for Extended Freshness: For longer storage, place the wrapped banana bread in the refrigerator. This can extend its shelf life up to a week. However, keep in mind that refrigeration may cause the bread to become slightly denser.
- Freeze for Long-Term Storage: If you want to store banana bread for an extended period, freezing is the best option. Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’s recommended to slice the bread before freezing for easier portioning. Banana bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: To thaw frozen banana bread, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature. For quicker thawing, you can microwave individual slices for a few seconds or use a toaster to gently warm them.
Remember to check the quality of the banana bread before consuming. If it appears discolored or has an off smell, it’s best to discard it. Enjoy your leftover banana bread within the recommended storage times for the best taste and texture.
Common Questions
Butter or Margarine, cottage cheese with fresh fruit, nut butter (e.g., peanut butter, almond butter), nuts (e.g., Walnuts, Pecans, Almonds), yogurt, cinnamon or nutmeg.
To make the recipe gluten-free, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
High Protein Banana Bread Recipe: No Added Sugar
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4-5 bananas)
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose 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
- optional toppings: sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, or shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, eggs, melted coconut oil, unsweetened applesauce, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. If desired, sprinkle the optional toppings on top.
- Bake for approximately 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy your high-protein banana bread!
Notes
- Make sure your bananas are ripe, as they provide natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
- If you don’t have vanilla protein powder, you can substitute it with plain protein powder or omit it entirely.
- Feel free to customize the optional toppings based on your preference. You can use sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, shredded coconut, or even chocolate chips.
- For added flavor, you can include a teaspoon of ground nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon.
- Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or refrigerate it for longer freshness. It can also be frozen for future consumption.
I loved this recipe! thanks <3
Delicious!! I made this for my family and it was gone in less than 24 hours