Protein banana bread is a wholesome, delicious, and nutritious way to enjoy a classic treat. Packed with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and a boost of protein, this banana bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even post-workout fuel. The almond flour provides a tender crumb, while the protein powder helps give the bread a satisfying texture and a nutritional punch. Topped with fresh banana slices, this version of banana bread offers an extra dose of fruity goodness.
This banana bread is also easy to make with just a handful of ingredients and simple steps. The combination of protein powder and almond flour makes it a great option for those following gluten-free, low-carb, or high-protein diets. Not only does it satisfy your sweet cravings, but it also provides sustained energy, making it a great addition to your meal plan or a nutritious treat to share with family and friends. If you’ve been looking for a healthier twist on a classic favorite, this protein-packed banana bread is the perfect recipe for you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Packed with Protein
The addition of protein powder helps boost the bread’s protein content, making it a great snack to keep you full and energized throughout the day.
2. Naturally Sweetened
The bread is sweetened naturally with ripe bananas and honey, offering a healthier alternative to refined sugars.
3. Gluten-Free Option
Thanks to almond flour, this banana bread is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
4. Quick and Easy to Make
This banana bread comes together in just a few steps, with minimal preparation and cook time. It’s a perfect treat for busy mornings or an after-school snack.
5. Versatile
Enjoy it on its own, serve it with a spread of almond butter, or use it as a base for creative toppings like fresh fruit, yogurt, or a drizzle of nut butter.
Ingredients
- Ripe bananas
- Protein powder
- Almond flour
- Eggs
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon
- Honey
- Almond milk
- Sliced bananas for topping
Variations
Add-ins for Extra Flavor
Mix in some walnuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor. You can also try adding a handful of seeds like chia or flax for extra nutrition.
Flavor Boosts
For an extra layer of flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a pinch of nutmeg, or some shredded coconut to the batter.
Dairy-Free Version
Use a dairy-free protein powder and opt for dairy-free almond milk to keep the recipe entirely dairy-free.
Lower Sugar
If you prefer a less sweet bread, you can reduce or omit the honey, relying on the natural sweetness of the bananas.
Nut-Free Version
If you have a nut allergy, you can swap almond flour with oat flour or another nut-free flour alternative.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the banana bread once it’s baked.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter the bread will be.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
To the mashed bananas, add the protein powder, almond flour, eggs, baking powder, cinnamon, honey, and almond milk. Stir until everything is well combined and the batter is smooth.
Step 4: Pour the Batter
Pour the banana bread batter into the greased loaf pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Arrange the sliced bananas on top for a pretty finish and added sweetness.
Step 5: Bake the Banana Bread
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the bread toward the end of baking to avoid overbaking.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Very Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and moister the bread will be.
- Protein Powder: Choose a protein powder that complements the flavor of the banana bread. Whey or plant-based protein powders both work well in this recipe.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough texture.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: Eggs that are at room temperature will blend better with the other ingredients and help the batter rise evenly.
- Check for Doneness: Test the banana bread with a toothpick inserted into the center to make sure it’s fully cooked. If it comes out clean, it’s ready.
How to Serve
Protein banana bread can be served as-is or with your favorite toppings. It pairs wonderfully with a smear of almond butter or peanut butter, a drizzle of honey, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra protein. It’s perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or a post-workout treat. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze individual slices of banana bread by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last up to 2 months in the freezer. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature or heat them in the microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices of banana bread in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can swap almond flour with oat flour, coconut flour, or even whole wheat flour, but it may affect the texture and moisture of the bread.
2. Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
Yes, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or even stevia as a substitute for honey.
3. Can I make this banana bread without protein powder?
Yes, you can skip the protein powder, but the bread will have a softer texture and less protein.
4. Can I make this banana bread without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or use a commercial egg replacer.
5. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, frozen bananas work just as well. Be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.
6. Can I add chocolate chips to this banana bread?
Absolutely! You can fold in a handful of chocolate chips for a sweeter, more indulgent version.
7. Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Yes, walnuts, almonds, or pecans are great additions. Just fold them into the batter before baking.
8. Can I make this banana bread in a muffin tin?
Yes, you can make banana bread muffins by dividing the batter into muffin tins. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes.
9. Can I substitute the almond milk with another milk?
Yes, you can use any type of milk, including cow’s milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
10. Can I add protein powder flavors like vanilla or chocolate?
Yes, you can use flavored protein powder, but keep in mind that it may alter the taste of the banana bread slightly.
Conclusion
This protein banana bread with sliced bananas is a delicious and healthier twist on a classic favorite. It’s easy to make, filled with protein, and naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and honey. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a snack, or post-workout fuel, this banana bread will satisfy your cravings while keeping you energized. With simple ingredients and endless possibilities for customization, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy a slice today!
PrintProtein Banana Bread with Sliced Bananas
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
Description
This Protein Banana Bread is a healthier twist on a classic favorite! Made with ripe bananas, protein powder, and almond flour, it’s a nutritious and filling snack or breakfast option. The subtle sweetness of honey and cinnamon, combined with the creamy almond milk, enhances the flavor, while the sliced bananas on top make it visually appealing and even more delicious. Enjoy this protein-packed treat without the guilt!
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup protein powder
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- Sliced bananas for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas.
- Add in the protein powder, almond flour, eggs, baking powder, cinnamon, honey, and almond milk. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the loaf pan and top with sliced bananas.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the banana bread to cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can use any flavor of protein powder you like, though vanilla works particularly well with this recipe.
- If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the amount of honey to 1/3 cup.
- This bread freezes well, so you can make it ahead and enjoy it later.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes