Say hello to your new favorite healthy snack: Protein Banana Bread (Oil-Free)! This easy recipe delivers everything you love about classic banana bread—moist texture, rich flavor, and delicious banana aroma—with a nutritious upgrade. Perfect for quick breakfast ideas, healthy snacks, or post-workout fuel, this easy recipe is naturally sweetened, oil-free, and packed with protein. Whether you’re looking for food ideas to meal prep for the week or a satisfying treat that fits your diet, this banana bread has your back.
This Protein Banana Bread is not just another ordinary bread. It’s a game changer for those who want to indulge without compromising on health. Made with simple ingredients, each slice serves as a power-packed option that’s great for any time of the day. With just the right amount of sweetness from the bananas and maple syrup, combined with the richness of Greek yogurt, this bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, it offers a perfect balance of carbohydrates and protein, making it an ideal post-workout snack or a satisfying breakfast choice!
Why You’ll Love This Protein Banana Bread
- Healthy and Nutritious: This bread is a healthy alternative to traditional recipes, offering a delightful balance of taste and nutrition.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a loaf of this delicious bread in no time.
- Customizable: You can modify the recipe with nuts, spices, or your favorite add-ins to make it truly yours.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of ripe bananas and protein powder creates an irresistible flavor and filling texture.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Preparation is key to ensuring your Protein Banana Bread turns out perfectly every time. Start by gathering your ingredients and tools so you can work efficiently. You’ll need a large mixing bowl for mixing the wet and dry ingredients, and you might find a whisk handy for combining the ingredients thoroughly. Additionally, a loaf pan (9×5 inches) will be essential for baking the bread.
Before you begin mixing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives the oven a chance to reach the perfect temperature for baking. Line your loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking once the bread is baked. This step is crucial for ensuring a seamless removal of your finished product.
Having everything prepared will streamline your cooking process and make it more enjoyable. By the time you’re ready to pour your batter into the pan, your oven will be hot and waiting, ensuring your Protein Banana Bread bakes evenly and deliciously.
Ingredients
- 3 large overripe bananas (about 1 1/4 cups, mashed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- cooking spray or parchment paper
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the bread gets the right heat it needs for proper baking. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking later on.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, take your overripe bananas and mash them until they are smooth. This will create the base for your wet ingredients. Once mashed, add in the eggs, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, protein powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and optional cinnamon. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures they are evenly distributed in the batter.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently pour the dry mixture into the bowl with the wet mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold the ingredients together until just combined—be careful not to over-mix, as this can result in a dense bread.
Step 5: Add Nuts (Optional)
If you choose to incorporate walnuts, now is the time to fold them into the batter gently. Their crunch adds an enjoyable texture to your bread.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is a crucial step to ensure your banana bread is baked through.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This allows it to firm up slightly. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Variations
- Protein: You can experiment with different types of protein powder, such as chocolate or pea protein, to customize the flavor.
- Vegetables: For a twist, consider adding grated zucchini or sweet potato to the batter for added moisture and nutrients.
- Spices: Try incorporating spices such as nutmeg or cardamom for an aromatic flavor enhancement.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure to use overripe bananas for the best sweetness and moisture in your bread.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness level based on your taste preferences, especially if you prefer a less sweet bread.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy a slice of your Protein Banana Bread with a spread of almond butter or peanut butter for added protein.
- Pair your bread with a cup of yogurt or a smoothie for a wholesome breakfast or snack.
Tips
- Use ripe bananas for optimal flavor; the more black spots, the better!
- If you want to make this banana bread gluten-free, substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 150 per slice
- Protein: 6g per slice
- Sodium: 150mg per slice
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Just be aware that this may change the texture of the bread slightly.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this Protein Banana Bread vegan, you can substitute the eggs with ground flaxseed or applesauce and use a plant-based yogurt alternative.
Can I freeze this banana bread?
Absolutely! Wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container before freezing. This allows you to enjoy a slice whenever you like.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover banana bread can be enjoyed for breakfast, snacking, or as a dessert. You can also toast it and serve it with a spread of your choice!
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Protein Banana Bread (Oil-Free) offers a delicious and healthy option for anyone looking to enjoy a sweet treat without the guilt. Perfectly satisfying for breakfast, snacks, or post-workout meals, this bread shines in its simplicity and versatility. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make it uniquely yours. Encourage your friends and family to give this recipe a try, and drop a comment to let us know your favorite variations!
Print
Protein Banana Bread (Oil-Free)
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Description
This Protein Banana Bread is not just another ordinary bread. It’s a game changer for those who want to indulge without compromising on health.
Ingredients
- 3 large overripe bananas (about 1 1/4 cups, mashed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- cooking spray or parchment paper
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the bread gets the right heat it needs for proper baking. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking later on.
- In a large mixing bowl, take your overripe bananas and mash them until they are smooth. This will create the base for your wet ingredients. Once mashed, add in the eggs, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, protein powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and optional cinnamon. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures they are evenly distributed in the batter.
- Gently pour the dry mixture into the bowl with the wet mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold the ingredients together until just combined—be careful not to over-mix, as this can result in a dense bread.
- If you choose to incorporate walnuts, now is the time to fold them into the batter gently. Their crunch adds an enjoyable texture to your bread.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is a crucial step to ensure your banana bread is baked through.
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This allows it to firm up slightly. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Store leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 per slice
- Sodium: 150 mg per slice
- Protein: 6g per slice