Name: High-Protein Banana Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas; 1/3 cup maple syrup; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional); 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Why Make This Recipe

High-protein banana bread is a delightful way to enjoy a classic favorite while also boosting your nutrition. This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with protein, thanks to the Greek yogurt and eggs. It makes for a perfect snack, breakfast, or even a dessert. Plus, the natural sweetness from the ripe bananas and maple syrup means you can skip the refined sugars. It’s a wholesome treat for your whole family!

How to Make High-Protein Banana Bread

Ingredients:

2 ripe bananas
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas. Then, mix in maple syrup, Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
In a separate bowl, combine whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. If you like, fold in nuts at this stage.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve High-Protein Banana Bread

You can enjoy high-protein banana bread warm or at room temperature. It tastes great on its own or with a spread of peanut butter or almond butter. You can also serve it with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt for an extra protein kick.

How to Store High-Protein Banana Bread

To store your banana bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices in a freezer bag for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Tips to Make High-Protein Banana Bread

Make sure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor.
You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup depending on your taste.
For added texture, try using different types of nuts or even chocolate chips.
To ensure a moist bread, do not overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients.

Variation

If you want a different flavor, consider adding chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even a scoop of protein powder to increase the protein content further. You can also substitute the whole wheat flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version!

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce and use dairy-free yogurt to make it vegan.

How can I tell when the banana bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the banana bread is ready. If there’s batter on the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes.