Protein Banana Bread

Moist and fluffy Protein Banana Bread full of banana flavor and packed with 9 grams of protein. This easy, one bowl recipe is also naturally sweetened!

If you like to grab a muffin and go, try my protein banana muffins.

Everyone knows I love baking with bananas. This protein banana bread made with ripe bananas and applesauce is soft, tender, and perfectly sweet. With no added sugar of any kind!

We love traditional banana bread so naturally my banana protein bread is a new household favorite made with no added sugar, loaded with more protein, and gluten free!

Protein cookies, protein muffins, and protein waffles are more of our favorite treats made with protein powder.

Ingredients and Notes

You’ll need wholesome ingredients and pantry staples to make this protein banana bread recipe.

• Ripe bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter it is. Overripe bananas are the best for this no sugar recipe. Choose ones that are yellow with many brown spots or patches. Ripe frozen bananas will work as well.
• Eggs: Add moisture, fluffy texture and bind the ingredients.
• Applesauce: Used instead of oil and sugar. I like to use unsweetened applesauce.
• Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness.
• Baking staples: Pure vanilla extract, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt enhance flavors and help protein banana bread rise.
• Whey protein powder: I used vanilla protein powder this time. You can use any whey protein powder keeping in mind vanilla flavored will add sweetness.
• Oat flour: Adds to the fluffy, chewy texture. You can use store-bought oat flour or follow this easy tutorial on how to make oat flour.

How to Make Protein Banana Bread

This easy banana bread with protein comes together in one bowl and with 10 minutes of prep.

Start by preheating your oven to 350 F and line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper.

• Add wet ingredients and baking staples: Peel bananas, add them to a large bowl and mash until smooth. Add in eggs, applesauce, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt and whisk until dry ingredients are not visible.
• Finish protein banana bread batter: In the same bowl combine protein powder and oat flour, stirring gently with a spatula.
• Bake: Carefully pour batter into the prepared pan and place in the oven. To see if bread is ready, insert a toothpick at the center and it should come out clean. I baked mine for about an hour.
• Cool and serve: Keeping the protein banana bread in the pan and let it cool for 10 minutes. Remove and cool for another hour on a cooling rack. Slice with a serrated knife and enjoy!

What Is the Best Protein Powder to Use for Baking?

The key to baking with protein powder is finding the right brand. Whey 17 , Terra’s Whey and Garden of Life are excellent, use minimal ingredients and milk that is organic or grass fed.

I have not tried baking with collagen protein powder but it is safe to bake with. The nutritional value doesn’t change in high temperatures, it’s tasteless, and shouldn’t change the texture too much.

Tips for Best Results

Here are some baking tips to make your banana protein bread super moist and fluffy.

• Use whey protein powder: Plant-based protein powders are very moisture absorbent and will not work for this banana bread recipe. Whey protein will give you moist high protein banana bread every time.
• Do not overbake the bread: The total bake time may vary depending on your oven. Always test with a toothpick and remove quick bread from the oven as soon as the toothpick comes out clean. Over baking results in dry bread.
• To make into muffins: Use this protein powder banana bread recipe, fill your muffin pan and bake for 20-22 minutes. I think you’ll also like my banana protein muffins recipe.
• Don’t use any other flour: For best results follow the recipe and do not sub or swap flours.

Variations of Protein Banana Bread

This protein banana bread recipe is delicious as is but there are so many ways to change it up. Here are some easy variations to try.

• Chocolate: There are a few ways you can add the semi-sweet flavor of chocolate. Fold in some mini chocolate chips, add cocoa powder in with the baking staples, or use chocolate protein powder.
• Nuts: Add some crunch with walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, almonds, or even cashews. Mix them in with the batter, add them on top, or both!
• Glaze icing: Make a protein-packed dessert by drizzling a homemade glaze on top. Soft cream cheese or creamy nut butter are other delicious options. I like melted peanut butter, or almond butter.
• Berries: Frozen or fresh berries are a great addition. Blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are great individually or mixed together.
• Dried fruit: Cranberries, blueberries, and raisins pair well with banana. Stir in 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup just before pouring into the loaf pan.

Bananas are one of my favorite year round fruits. You can enjoy these banana snacks any season and any time of day.

How to Store and Reheat It

Store: Once cooled you can store banana bread with protein in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep in a cool dry place. If you still have leftovers you can refrigerate it for another 3 days.

Freeze: This gluten-free banana bread is great for meal prep! After it’s baked and cool, place the loaf in a large Ziploc container, let out as much air as you can and seal. Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.

I recommend freezing protein banana bread unsliced to retain moisture. If you prefer to freeze it sliced, adding a piece of parchment paper between each slice makes it easier to grab and go.

FAQs

More Banana Bread Recipes to Try

• Almond flour banana bread
• Coconut flour banana bread
• Oat flour banana bread
• Zucchini banana bread
• Pumpkin banana bread

More Protein Recipes to Try

• Protein pancakes
• Coconut protein balls
• Peanut butter protein balls
• Protein bars