PROTEIN BANANA BREAD
A moist, protein-packed twist on classic banana bread featuring whey protein and eggs
KEY INFO:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes (including cooling)
- Servings: 10 thick slices
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- Dietary: High-protein, Can be made gluten-free
- Protein per slice: 12g
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- 2 mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Toothpick for testing
- Optional: Parchment paper, Wire cooling rack
INGREDIENTS:
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 large ripe bananas (about 1½ cups mashed)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup (120g) Greek yogurt or cottage cheese
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp (30ml) honey or maple syrup
Dry Ingredients:
- 1½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (60g) whey protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
METHOD:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line loaf pan with parchment or grease well.
- In large bowl, mash bananas until smooth. Whisk in eggs, yogurt, vanilla, and honey.
- In separate bowl, combine all dry ingredients.
- Crucial Step: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Fold in optional add-ins if using.
- Pour into prepared pan. Smooth top with spatula.
- Bake 45-50 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cover with foil if top browns too quickly.
- Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
CRUCIAL TIPS:
- Use VERY ripe bananas (brown spots = better flavor)
- Don’t overmix batter – it makes tough bread
- Check bread at 35 minutes and tent with foil if needed
- Let cool completely before slicing for clean cuts
STORAGE:
- Room temperature: 3 days in airtight container
- Refrigerator: 1 week
- Freezer: Up to 3 months (slice before freezing)
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID:
- Using unripe bananas
- Overmixing the batter
- Opening oven door too often
- Cutting while hot
VARIATIONS:
- Gluten-free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Extra protein: Add ¼ cup more protein powder + 2 tbsp milk
- Lower sugar: Use sugar-free protein powder and omit honey
- Chocolate lovers: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to dry ingredients
