Protein Banana Bread
This Protein Banana Bread recipe is a deliciously healthy option for breakfast or a snack. Packed with flavor and featuring ten grams of protein per slice, it’s perfect for anyone looking to boost their protein intake while enjoying a sweet treat. Whether you’re starting your day or looking for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, this banana bread fits the bill beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in Protein: Each slice contains ten grams of protein, making it a great choice for muscle recovery.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, you can whip this up quickly.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize it with chocolate chips, nuts, or even coconut to suit your taste.
- Healthy Sweetener: Using pure maple syrup or honey keeps the sweetness natural and wholesome.
- Great for Meal Prep: Bake a loaf at the beginning of the week for quick snacks or breakfasts.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×5 loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×5 loaf pan: The perfect size for getting that classic banana bread shape and texture.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining all ingredients without making a mess.
- Whisk or electric mixer: Helps to blend ingredients thoroughly, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier when removing the bread from the pan.
Ingredients
As a healthy breakfast or snack, this high protein banana bread recipe gives you ten grams of protein per slice.
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup white flour
- 1/2 cup protein powder (60g)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup mashed overripe banana
- 1/2 cup yogurt (or additional banana)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (honey or agave)
- 1/3 cup oil or water
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- Chocolate chips
- Walnuts
- Coconut
How to Make Protein Banana Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease your 9×5 loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. This step ensures easy removal later.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. White flour,
2. Protein powder,
3. Baking soda,
4. Baking powder,
5. Salt,
6. Cinnamon.
Make sure everything is well combined before moving on.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine:
1. Mashed bananas,
2. Yogurt (or extra banana),
3. Maple syrup (or honey/agave),
4. Oil (or water),
5. Vanilla extract.
Stir until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl. Stir gently until just combined; avoid over-mixing to keep your bread light.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Smooth the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes. Once done, turn off the oven but keep the door closed for an additional five minutes to finish cooking through.
Step 6: Check Doneness
If your protein banana bread still feels soft in the center after five minutes, cover it with foil and bake longer until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before running a knife around the edges and inverting onto a plate. For best taste and texture, allow it to sit overnight before cutting into it!
How to Serve Protein Banana Bread
Protein banana bread is not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy it in many ways that enhance its flavor and nutritional value. Here are some great serving suggestions to consider.
Toast with Nut Butter
- Spread almond or peanut butter on warm slices for added protein and healthy fats.
Yogurt Parfait
- Layer pieces of protein banana bread with yogurt and fresh fruits for a balanced breakfast or snack.
Chocolate Drizzle
- Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for a sweet treat that still packs a protein punch.
Smoothie Bowl Topping
- Crumble protein banana bread over smoothies for added texture and flavor.
Ice Cream Sandwich
- Use two slices as the base for a delightful ice cream sandwich, perfect for dessert!
How to Perfect Protein Banana Bread
Achieving the perfect protein banana bread comes down to a few key tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your loaf turns out moist and flavorful every time.
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Use ripe bananas: Overripe bananas provide natural sweetness and a moist texture, essential for great banana bread.
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Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid dense bread. A few lumps are okay!
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Check oven temperature: Ovens can vary in heat. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy for even baking.
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Add mix-ins wisely: If using chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in gently to maintain the batter’s texture.
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Cool completely: Let your banana bread cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
Best Side Dishes for Protein Banana Bread
Pairing side dishes with your protein banana bread can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options to complement it nicely.
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Fresh Berries: Add a burst of freshness with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, which pair well with the sweetness of the bread.
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Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and extra protein, balancing out the flavors.
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Chia Seed Pudding: This nutritious pudding makes a great side dish rich in omega-3s and fiber.
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Cottage Cheese: Serve alongside cottage cheese for a hearty breakfast loaded with protein.
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Sliced Apples: Crunchy apple slices provide a refreshing contrast to the soft texture of the banana bread.
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Nut Trail Mix: A handful of nut trail mix can offer extra crunch and healthy fats, enhancing your snack experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make simple mistakes when baking protein banana bread. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Overripe Bananas: Using bananas that aren’t ripe can lead to a less sweet bread. Always choose overripe bananas for the best flavor.
- Incorrect Measuring: Too much flour or protein powder can make the bread dense. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy, especially for dry ingredients.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: Cutting into the bread too soon can affect its texture. Let it cool completely to enhance flavor and structure.
- Not Preheating Oven Properly: A properly preheated oven ensures even baking. Always preheat your oven before placing the bread inside.
- Ignoring Optional Ingredients: Optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts can elevate your banana bread. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different additions!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between slices to keep them from sticking together.
Freezing Protein Banana Bread
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Protein Banana Bread
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the slice for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet on low heat for a few minutes, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making protein banana bread.
What is Protein Banana Bread?
Protein banana bread is a healthy twist on traditional banana bread, packed with protein, making it perfect for breakfast or snacks.
How can I customize my Protein Banana Bread?
Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices like nutmeg or ginger to personalize your recipe and create unique flavors.
Can I use other types of flour in Protein Banana Bread?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour if desired. Adjust liquids accordingly based on the flour used.
How do I know when my Protein Banana Bread is done?
Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
Final Thoughts
This protein banana bread is not only delicious but also versatile. You can adjust ingredients based on your preferences, ensuring that each loaf is uniquely yours. Try it out and enjoy a healthy snack that satisfies your cravings!
Breakfast
Protein Banana Bread
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: About 10 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Protein Banana Bread, a scrumptious and nutritious option for breakfast or snack time. This easy-to-make recipe offers a perfect blend of natural sweetness and a boost of protein, with ten grams per slice. Ideal for health-conscious individuals or anyone looking to satisfy their cravings, this banana bread is versatile enough to customize with your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Whether you’re enjoying it warm out of the oven or as part of a yogurt parfait, this protein-packed treat will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups white flour
- 1/2 cup protein powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups mashed overripe banana
- 1/2 cup yogurt (or extra banana)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (or honey/agave)
- 1/3 cup oil (or water)
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5 loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In one bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, protein powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon).
- In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients (mashed bananas, yogurt, maple syrup, oil, vanilla) until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures gently until just combined; avoid over-mixing.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
- Allow cooling in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
