Easy and Delicious: Protein Banana Bread Recipe For Beginners

The protein banana bread is moist and fluffy, and you can make it in just one bowl! It is one of the healthiest options that you can consider as your breakfast or take in any snack time. This is an eggless and dairy-free option that packs in over 18 grams of protein per slice. 

This sweet, soft protein banana bread recipe has become one of my favorite snacks or healthy breakfast options. So, if you are interested to know the easiest and most delicious banana bread recipe then this article is for you. Here, in this article, I am going to wrap together why chose protein banana bread. ingredients and preparation, adding the protein boost, baking and serving tips, storage and reheating, 

Let’s dive into the deep!

Why Choose Protein Banana Bread?

Banana is a healthy fruit that will be incorporated into various healthier food options such as bread. Packaged breads tend to be high in calories, dairy, sugar, and fats. That is why you must consider this homemade protein banana bread loaf. 

Here, I am enlisting some of the healthy benefits of banana bread:

Protein: 

banana bread tends to have a high rate of protein that is very effective for your health. We all know that protein is an essential component that is required to grow and recover muscles, and repair. protein also helps to stabilize the blood sugar level. This recipe will satisfy your food craving with one or two slices and prevent you from eating the full loaf of bread. 

Healthy Heart:

This recipe includes high-fiber food. high fiber foods are good for our heart. According to some research, if you increase the intake of high-fiber food such as bananas, it will lower the risk of both cardiovascular disease (CVD)  and coronary heart disease (CHD). So putting bread into this recipe makes your heart healthier. 

Healthy Fats:

Because of the presence of monounsaturated fats, banana bread contains healthy fats. It comes from ingredients such as nuts, and olive oil. However, it has the ability to control the blood sugar level and reduce the levels of cholesterol. 

Energy Boost:

Consuming banana bread boosts your energy. This will happen because of the presence of ingredients like whole grains or white flour. Also, it offers vitamins and minerals. Moreover, this protein banana cake recipe also has fiber to promote digestive health. So, having healthy nutrients can boost energy and you can perform your daily activity better.

Ingredients and Preparations of Banana Cake Recipe:

The Ingredients:

  • 3-4 Overripe Bananas: You must consider taking overripe bananas since they will make your protein banana bread recipe extra moist and sweet.
  • 1/2 cup milk of choice:  I always prefer unsweetened almond milk, but you can consider any milk. 
  • 1 1/2 cups almond flour: You can consider Blanched or superfine almond flour. But you must ignore the almond meal.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This is a must-have option for any banana bread recipe.
  • 1/2 cup protein powder: I prefer vanilla-flavored protein powder, but you can easily consider any unflavored one. Casein protein powder or Brown rice protein powder is another good option.
  • 1 cup self-rising flour: You can skip the expensive pre-made blends and make your own. 
  • 1/4 cup honey: You can add sugar if you want otherwise there are multiple sugar alternatives too in the market sugar alternatives too.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: It will add a warm flavor to the recipe
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon baking powder: You can use these ingredients as a leavening agent to make the bread rise and get fluffy.
  • 1/2 cup oat flour: It will add a crumby texture and enhance a nutritional boost. You can make oat flour on your own at home. You can add rolled oats to a food processor and blend until four consistent forms. 
  • 1/2 cup yogurt: You can use plain or vanilla-flavored yogurt. This will add even more protein and make the bread extra moist. 
  • Chocolate Chip (Optional): I just love to fold some chocolate chips but it is optional. 

The Instructions:

Step 1: First, you need to mix together all the wet ingredients: 

mix together all the wet ingredients
Image- Tasting Table

In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas together using a fork until you have a smooth paste. It is alright if there are a few lumps. Using a wooden spoon, stir the yogurt, honey, vanilla essence, and the olive oil. Mix until combined. 

Step 2: Prepare loaf pan:

Prepare loaf pan
Image- clove and Cumin

You need to preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. You can coat this loaf pan with non-stick spray or brush with olive oil. You can line a loaf pan with parchment paper. 

Step 3: Whisk together all the Dry Ingredients:

Whisk together all the Dry Ingredients
Image- Simply Recipes

In a medium bowl, you can whisk together the oat flour, protein powder, whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and baking soda. Mix all of these ingredients evenly. 

Step 4: Fold Together:

Fold Together

You need to fold the dry ingredients into the mashed bananas mixture and stir it well to have a smooth mixture. Then add chocolate chips.

Step 5: Bake:

Bake
Image- Britannica

Then pour the batter into the prepared pan and If you like top it with some chocolate chips. Then bake this protein banana bread recipe for 40 to 50 minutes. But you should remember that the cooking time may vary according to your oven. Then let it cool on a cooling rack, slice, and enjoy!

Adding the Protein Boost:

Most protein powder will yield fluffy and moist banana bread. However, you can avoid using whey protein powder as it is known to dry out baked items. here, I am providing some of the best protein powder options that you can use for this recipe:

  • Brown Rice protein powder: 

it is a vegan and dairy-free protein powder that works well in baked dishes. You can opt for a vanilla-flavored powder, it will add a lovely vanilla flavor to this recipe.

  • Casein Protein Powder:

Casein is my other preferred protein powder option after Brown rice protein powder. casein bakes this cake beautifully and I have tried it 2 times to bake my banana bread cake. it makes your bread fluffier. The flavors of this protein powder can be a little overpowering, so you can use an unflavored one!

  • Other plant-based protein powder: 

Peas, Hemp, and Soy protein powders all will work great, so you can choose any one from the list.

Baking and Serving Tips:

  • This banana bread recipe nearly takes almost 40 to 50 minutes. But, it can be a little bit more or less.
  • After half an hour, you need to check the bread using a toothpick or knife whether it is ready or not. You need to put a knife inside the banana cake, if you see there are no small particles over the knife then it is ready. But if you see that there are some particles sprinkled over the knife then you must consider a few more moments. 
  • The banana protein cake is great on its own, You can serve it topped with peanut butter or almond butter, pumpkin butter, vegan cream cheese, and more. One slice of banana bread with just a tablespoon of peanut butter is nearly fifteen grams of protein. So, it is a healthy snack. 

Storage and Reheating:

  • To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container, also you can store the leftovers in a large zip-lock bag. You can store this banana bread cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Then heat in the microwave to make it softer and warmer while you want to eat this cake. Also, you can leave this cake to come to room temperature for a few minutes.
  • To freezer: You can place the cooled loaf in a large, zip-lock bag or in an airtight container. you can freeze up this banana bread cake for up to three months. You can also wrap a few slices in plastic wrap and store them in a plastic freezer bag. 

When you wish to eat, take out the loaf from the freezer and let thaw. Then warm in the microwave for a few minutes or enjoy at room temperature. 

Conclusion:

Protein banana bread is a satisfying, and healthy breakfast, snack, or dessert! This protein banana bread recipe is loaded with protein, chocolate chips, and ripped bananas. 

Loaded with high proteins means you will stay fuller for longer. So, just go through this recipe well and try it at home with these above-mentioned healthy ingredients. Hope, this recipe is going to be one of the most demanded recipes for breakfast, or snack! Enjoy the taste with your family fullest!