You may be used to that decadent banana bread as a sweet craving, once-in-a-while snack, or sugary addition to breakfast. But have you tried adding additional nutrients to make a delicious yet healthy protein banana bread?
The various ways to enjoy protein in banana bread are endless and that’s why we’ve compiled this tasty list of comforting protein banana bread recipes you’ll be able to enjoy right at home.
Is banana bread healthy?
Some recipes and store-bought banana bread can be full of calories, refined sugars, and saturated fats. Depending on what you put in your banana bread, it can be a sugary loaf of junk, or a healthy snack full of nutrients. To make it as healthy as you can, you’ll want to avoid:
- Added sugar: the sugar from your bananas is natural and will add sweetness so you don’t have to rely on other sweeteners. If you need to add sweetener, opt for maple syrup or honey.
- White flour: made from refined wheat and containing a high glycaemic index, white flour will spike your blood sugar level and won’t fill you up. Using almond flour, oat flour, whole wheat flour, or coconut flour can lower sugars and calories and provide extra nutrients.
- Unhealthy toppings: instead of throwing in a heap of milk chocolate chips, opt for a handful of dark chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or a drizzle of nut butter.
- Butter: you can skip the extra calories and unhealthy fats by using olive oil, unsweetened apple sauce, Greek yogurt, coconut oil, or a handful of other ingredients featured in these recipes.
Why does banana bread have so many calories?
The calories in banana bread depend on the ingredients you use to make it. If you use more sugar and fat, the calorie content will be higher. According to the USDA Food Composition Databases, one brand of commercial banana bread contains 11 grams of fat, 29 grams of sugar, and 339 calories.
Using natural, nutritional ingredients will lower the sugar and fat content of your banana bread, thus lowering the number of calories.
What can you eat banana bread with?
Banana bread pairs well with a number of pantry staples. We’ve assembled a list of delicious pairings for your protein banana bread:
- Dark chocolate
- Fresh citrus fruit
- Peanut butter
- Nutella
- Yogurt
- Almond butter
- Nuts
- Compotes and jams
- Cream cheese
How much protein do you need per day?
According to the FDA, The Daily Value for protein is 50 grams per day. The suggestion is based on a 2,000 calorie daily diet, however, your Daily Value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
The current U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) dietary suggestions recommend that adults consume between 10% and 35% of their total calories burned from protein.
To obtain a general idea of how many calories you burn per day, check out this calculator by VeryWellFit.
Once you determine how many calories you burn daily, multiply that number by 10% and 35% to receive your range. For example, a person who consumes 2,000 calories per day would need to consume 200 to 700 calories each day from protein.
Nutritional value of bananas
Bananas contain many nutrients and provide a handful of health benefits, including being high in fiber and carbs as well as essential vitamins and minerals.
A medium banana contains:
- Potassium: 9% DV
- Vitamin B6: 25% DV
- Vitamin C: 11% DV
- Magnesium: 8% DV
- Copper: 10% DV
- Manganese: 14% DV
- Fiber: 07 grams
Source: FoodData Central
25 Delicious Protein Banana Bread Recipes for Any Occasion
1. High-Protein, Low-Calorie Banana Bread
Using vanilla protein powder and coconut flour, this protein banana bread serves up a whopping 15 grams of protein and a mere 98 calories per slice. With nutritional values like that, you won’t want to pass up this banana bread recipe from Foodie Fiasco.
2. Berries and Bananas Bread
Bananas and berries combine for a sweet and savory treat that’s packed with nutritious ingredients. The recipe, from Yummly, is loaded with healthy ingredients like flax seeds, brown rice flour, almond meal, coconut palm sugar, and protein powder for a tasty and berry-filled snack.
3. 8-Ingredient Chocolate Powder Bread
With an 8-ingredient loaf and a 4-ingredient topping, this whole wheat banana bread recipe from Healthy Eater uses chocolate protein powder and Greek yogurt to produce a low-cal chocolate banana bread. The recipe makes the traditional banana bread we all know and love, but skips the added sugar and instead adds healthy nutrients.
4. High-Protein Banana Bread with Low-Sugar Protein Frosting
Your favorite healthy breakfast can be made with diet-friendly macros with this recipe from The Protein Chef. Using common ingredients, this moist and filling banana bread dish is simple to make and packed with bananas.
The recipe features homemade oat flour and a low-sugar, high-protein frosting to make it even more irresistible.
5. Gluten-Free Avocado Banana Bread
Bananas aren’t the sole item you can put to good use when they become past their prime. Make a moist, decadent banana bread using gluten-free oat flour, gluten-free quick-cooking oats, and you guessed it: ripe avocados.
The recipe from He and She Eat Clean is a must-try with 6 grams of protein, healthy fats, and a mere 2 grams of sugar.
6. High-Fiber Protein-Packed Banana Bread
One slice of this hearty protein banana bread will give you 11 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. Clean Eating’s recipe is also full of tips on adding protein to other dishes, including this delicious banana bread.
7. 100-Calorie Chocolate Banana Bread
With 100 calories per slice, this chocolate banana bread recipe from Hayl’s Kitchen is a healthy option for breakfast or an afternoon snack. The recipe is fat-free thanks to whole wheat flour and sugar-free by using chocolate protein powder as the sweetener.
With no oil and no sugar added, this banana bread is a healthy version of the classic recipe, plus with the addition of chocolate for when those cravings kick in.
8. Vegan Banana Bread
Moist, tender, and filling protein-packed banana bread can be made vegan and gluten-free with this recipe from Bites of Wellness. With common ingredients, this banana bread will quickly become your favorite afternoon snack or on-the-go breakfast.
Using a mere 10 common ingredients, this banana bread is loaded with 10 grams of protein and the recipe is packed with tips on substitutions and extra nutritional additions.
9. Paleo Triple Chocolate Banana Bread
Athletic Avocado offers us this dense, rich, and you guessed it: chocolatey recipe. You wouldn’t guess the dish is made with wholesome ingredients to make it paleo, vegan, and gluten-free, but it is. Plus, with a cook time of 25 minutes, you’ll be enjoying this chocolatey goodness in no time.
Almond butter, almond flour, flax egg, and dark cocoa powder, are some of the ingredients that make this recipe worth baking and then devouring.
10. Healthy and Easy High-Protein Banana Bread
Almond flour and whey protein powder increase the protein in this traditional banana bread recipe from Dietician Meets Mom to 8 grams of protein. It also calls for Greek yogurt which packs in the protein and makes it a moist, decadent treat.
11. High-Protein Collagen Banana Date Bread
Naturally sweetened from ripe bananas and dates, Cheerful Choices shows us how to make this unique protein banana bread recipe that is a healthy twist on the classic comforting loaf we all know and love. The recipe includes whole grains, collagen peptides, and no added sugar.
The addition of collagen peptides helps with skin, joint, bone, and digestive health and packs in the protein.
12. Low-Fat Flourless Banana Bread
Whipped up in a blender, this low-fat banana bread recipe from Kim’s Cravings uses protein powder, rolled oats, and unsweetened apple sauce instead of flour. Quick to make, this banana bread has nearly 9 grams of protein and is irresistible, delicious, and moist.
13. Dairy-Free Banana Bread with Cashew Cream Cheese
Dense and moist banana bread can also be nutritious and dairy-free with plant-based protein powder, as Nutrition in the Kitch shows us in this recipe. The recipe even calls for an optional cashew cream cheese topping for extra added flavor.
The recipe is full of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats so you’ll feel good while you relish in every delicious last bite.
14. Keto Protein Powder Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips
Who knew there was a simple way to pack in the protein and enjoy a delicious keto snack? Well, there is. My Life Cookbook shares this recipe that is sugar-free and gluten-free, yet moist and loaded with 10 grams of protein.
The recipe uses zero-carb protein powder and no flour for a keto-friendly banana bread anyone will enjoy.
15. Easy Low-Calorie, Low-Carb Banana Bread
The Diet Chef offers us this banana bread recipe that is easy, healthy, and full of protein thanks to whey protein powder and coconut flour. Seriously, once you see how easy packing the protein into banana bread is, you’ll be making this recipe over and over again.
Plus, it’s low in calories and carbohydrates, so you’ll enjoy every single bite without a feeling of guilt.
16. Chocolate Powder Banana Bread
Chocolate can now be enjoyed any time of the day with this protein banana bread recipe from All Recipes. Packed with 7 grams of protein per serving and made with chocolate protein powder and oat flour, you’ll be enjoying the extra chocolatey flavor you’ve been craving all while reaping in the health benefits it provides.
17. Healthy Espresso Banana Bread
Skip the morning coffee and sugary breakfast and opt for this recipe instead. Packing 10 grams of protein per slice, this recipe for protein banana bread from The Diet Chef is a 10-ingredient loaf with instant espresso for that flavorful pick-me-up you crave every morning.
The recipe calls for vanilla whey protein powder and oat flour for extra protein without the unnecessary sugar and carbs.
18. Healthy Whole Wheat Flour Banana Bread
Made with whole wheat flour, protein-packed Greek yogurt, and naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup, everyone will love this recipe from Ambitious Kitchen. Not to mention, it can easily be made into moist, healthy muffins, too.
19. Cinnamon Sugar Crust Banana Bread
The cinnamon sugar crust is the cherry on top of this protein banana bread recipe from Sugary Logic. With 8 ingredients for the loaf and 2 ingredients for the crust, this nutty-flavored bread is a delicious addition to your dessert or breakfast staples.
The recipe calls for protein pancake mix, which gives a nutty, irresistible flavor pairing with the cinnamon sugar crust.
20. Double Chocolate Banana Bread
With 8 grams of protein per slice, this banana bread recipe from Liv B will satisfy your chocolate cravings without weighing you down. Despite having little sugar or oil, this banana bread is sweet, moist, and decadent.
21. Vanilla Whey Banana Bread
Moist, tender, and easy to make are a few words to describe this protein banana bread recipe from Food Faith Fitness. Packed with 8 grams of protein and naturally gluten-free, this delicious dish will become a tasty snack or healthy breakfast staple.
The dish calls for vanilla whey protein powder instead of flour and a nut-based flour naturally high in protein, which also makes it gluten-free. Not to mention, the recipe is loaded with tips on how to spice up the bread by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or drizzling with nut butter.
22. Ginger Banana Bread
The combination of nutmeg, flax seeds, and bananas makes this banana bread recipe from Yummly a must-try. Enjoy with softened cream cheese to make this protein-packed bread a delightful dessert.
23. Vegan, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free Banana Bread
Avocado Skillet checks off all of the dietary-restriction boxes with this protein banana bread recipe. A touch of maple syrup and added dark chocolate chips for antioxidants make this a sweet yet healthy snack for those following certain diets.
Plus, the loaf is baked with chickpea flour and olive oil, making it high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. A dietary-friendly banana bread that still tastes as fluffy, moist, and delicious as normal.
24. High-Protein Chocolate and Peanut Butter
What’s better than chocolate and peanut butter? Add in the protein, and you’ve got yourself a tasty yet nutritious treat. The House on Silverado gives us this recipe which calls for chocolate protein powder and peanut butter or almond butter for that flavor combination everyone craves.
25. Coffee Cake
A delightful combination of coffee cake, banana bread, and of course, protein. Loaded with 8 grams of protein, Peanut Butter Plus Chocolate shows us how to make this recipe that is also gluten-free and refined sugar-free for a healthy twist on a breakfast classic.
The recipe calls for vanilla protein powder, specifically a dairy-free or vegan protein powder, but whey works also.
Protein Banana Bread FAQs
Can You Use Protein Powder Instead of Flour?
Yes, you can use protein powder instead of flour. Protein powder is a healthy substitute for white, refined flour that adds unnecessary sugars. Most of the recipes in our list call for protein powder instead of flour, or the use of healthier alternatives such as whole wheat flour, almond flour, or pea protein flour, to name a few.
A good rule of thumb when replacing flour with protein powder is to use 1/3 of a cup of protein powder for every 1 cup of flour.
Can You Make Protein Banana Bread Without Protein Powder?
Yes, you can. Some flours such as almond flour, wheat flour, quinoa flour, soy flour, buckwheat flour, and soy flour contain high amounts of protein. Substitute the amount of protein powder your recipe calls for with one of these flours to obtain a high amount of protein without the powder.
What Kind of Protein Powder Should You Use in Banana Bread?
Although each recipe calls for a different protein powder, you can use essentially any protein powder you have. However, whey protein powder, soy protein powder, hemp protein powder, and pea protein powder are widely used.
Can You Make Protein Banana Bread Into Muffins?
A quick bread like banana bread can be converted from a loaf into muffins with a couple of major tweaks: a higher oven temperature and a shorter cook time. Most muffin recipes cook at temperatures between 375 degrees Fahrenheit and 425 degrees Fahrenheit, so if your banana bread recipe calls for 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 60 minutes, try a cook time of 30 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Use a toothpick to test whether or not your muffins are done baking starting at 15 minutes and once they start looking golden brown on top.
How Can I Speed up the Ripening Process of my Bananas?
Placing green bananas in a warm, sunny spot with another piece of ripe fruit will help speed up the ripening process. Wait until bananas are ripe to use in banana bread recipes, as they have a more developed sweetness and flavor that will help the end result.
Are Bananas Ever Too Ripe for Baking?
Generally speaking, no. When it comes to baking banana bread, the riper the better, as bananas develop their sweetness and flavor over time.
Can You Use Frozen Bananas?
Yes, you can. Make sure to peel the bananas before freezing.
Can You Freeze Banana Bread and Save it for Later?
Yes, you can freeze banana bread. Make sure to slice it before it goes into the freezer. To make it easier to grab a slice, place a piece of baking paper in between each slice. Store it in an airtight container and enjoy it for up to 3 months.
How Should You Store Banana Bread?
Banana bread is best kept in the fridge and eaten within 3 days. It can also be stored in the freezer and enjoyed for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Overall, the tasty treat you look forward to baking can be made with healthy, nutritious, flavorful ingredients with this list of delicious protein banana bread recipes. The recipes in this list ditch the refined sugars, white flour, and unhealthy fats by substituting them with natural sweeteners, healthier flours, protein powders, and healthy fats. Time to pick one out and enjoy each and every bite of decadent, healthy goodness.