Name: High Protein Banana Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour or GF baking mix; ½ cup vanilla flavored protein powder ((any variety)); ½ cup keto sweetener ((erythritol)); ¼ cup melted unsalted butter ((slightly cooled, or coconut oil)); 2 large eggs; 2 very ripe bananas ((brown to black)); ½ cup milk ((any variety)); 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut; ½ cup chocolate chips ((keto chips))

Who doesn’t love a slice of warm, comforting banana bread? It’s the ultimate treat that brings back memories of home-baked goodness. But what if I told you that you could enjoy this classic favorite while boosting your protein intake? This High Protein Banana Bread is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with protein, making it the perfect snack or breakfast option for those looking to fuel their day. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Protein-Packed: With the addition of protein powder, this banana bread delivers a healthy punch of protein.
Moist and Flavorful: The combination of ripe bananas and melted butter creates a moist texture that’s hard to resist.
Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and can be whipped up in no time!
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
Low Sugar: Using keto sweetener keeps the sugar content low, making it suitable for those monitoring their sugar intake.

What Goes Into High Protein Banana Bread

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour or GF baking mix
½ cup vanilla flavored protein powder (any variety)
½ cup keto sweetener (erythritol)
¼ cup melted unsalted butter (slightly cooled, or coconut oil)
2 large eggs
2 very ripe bananas (brown to black)
½ cup milk (any variety)
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
½ cup chocolate chips (keto chips)

Hardware & Gadgets

Mixing Bowls: A set of mixing bowls for combining your ingredients.
Whisk: To mix the wet and dry ingredients thoroughly.
Baking Pan: A standard loaf pan works perfectly for this recipe.
Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the bowl and transferring batter.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to baking success.

Step-by-Step: High Protein Banana Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for ensuring your banana bread bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Grease your loaf pan with a little melted butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 3: Mash the Bananas

In a large bowl, mash the very ripe bananas until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be!

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add the melted butter, eggs, and milk to the mashed bananas. Whisk together until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour (or GF baking mix), protein powder, keto sweetener, baking powder, and salt.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense bread.

Step 7: Fold in Add-Ins

Gently fold in the shredded coconut and chocolate chips. This is where you can get creative—feel free to add nuts or seeds if you like!

Step 8: Pour into Pan

Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 9: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your High Protein Banana Bread!

How to Make It Lighter

Use unsweetened applesauce instead of some butter for a lighter option.
Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
Opt for a plant-based milk to reduce calories further.
Reduce the amount of chocolate chips or use dark chocolate for a more intense flavor without all the sugar.

Avoid These Traps

Overripe Bananas: While you want ripe bananas, avoid using bananas that are overly mushy or fermented.
Overmixing: Mixing too much can lead to a dense loaf. Stir just until combined for the best texture.
Ignoring Oven Temperature: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your bread as it bakes, starting to check for doneness a few minutes early.
Not Letting It Cool: Cutting into the bread too soon can result in a gummy texture. Allow it to cool for better slicing.

Storing Tips & Timelines

Your High Protein Banana Bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn!

Ask & Learn

Can I use a different type of protein powder?

Yes! Feel free to use any flavor of protein powder you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor may change slightly based on your choice.

What can I substitute for the eggs?

If you need an egg substitute, you can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or applesauce (1/4 cup for each egg) as alternatives.

Can I make this banana bread without added sweetener?

Absolutely! If your bananas are very ripe, they will provide enough natural sweetness. You can choose to omit the sweetener entirely.

How do I know when my banana bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready. If it comes out wet with batter, give it a few more minutes.

The Takeaway

High Protein Banana Bread is not just another recipe; it’s a delightful way to enjoy a classic treat while nourishing your body. With its wholesome ingredients and easy preparation, you can feel good about indulging in this protein-packed delight. Serve it warm, toasted, or as a grab-and-go snack. Whether you’re fueling up for a workout or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon, this banana bread is sure to satisfy. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking!