Why You’ll Love this High Protein Banana Bread Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious way to boost your protein intake, you’re going to love this high protein banana bread recipe. It’s not just tasty; it’s packed with nutrients that keep me feeling full and satisfied.
I adore how easy it’s to make—just mix everything in one bowl! Plus, the sweet aroma of baking bananas fills my kitchen, making it impossible to resist.
This bread is perfect for breakfast or a snack, and it’s even better toasted with a bit of nut butter. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on this healthy treat!
Ingredients of High Protein Banana Bread
When it comes to whipping up a delicious and nutritious treat, nothing quite beats the warmth and aroma of freshly baked banana bread. But this isn’t just any banana bread; we’re talking about a high protein version that’s not only scrumptious but also packs a punch of nutrients.
Imagine diving into a moist slice filled with the goodness of bananas, a hint of sweetness from maple syrup, and the delightful surprise of chocolate chips. Sounds tempting, right? Plus, it’s super easy to make, and you probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already.
So let’s gather everything you need to create this wholesome masterpiece.
Ingredients for High Protein Banana Bread:
- 2 cups bananas, mashed (about 4 bananas)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla powder
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 1/4 cups water or unsweetened coconut milk
- 3/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 cup brown rice flour
- 1 cup quinoa flour or millet flour
- 2 tablespoons flax seed meal (ground flaxseed)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (warmed to liquid form)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/2 cup semisweet vegan chocolate chips
Now, let’s chat a little about these ingredients. First, the bananas are the star of the show, providing natural sweetness and moisture, so don’t skimp on them.
If your bananas are getting a bit too ripe, that’s actually perfect for this recipe; they’re sweeter and mash up beautifully. As for the flours, you can get creative here—quinoa flour gives that protein boost, while coconut flour adds a nice texture.
If you don’t have one of these flours on hand, feel free to swap with others you like or have available. And don’t forget the chocolate chips—they’re the cherry on top of this already fantastic treat.
Just imagine biting into a slice and finding those pockets of melted chocolate. Yum! So, gather your ingredients, and let’s get ready to bake something wonderful.
How to Make High Protein Banana Bread
Making High Protein Banana Bread isn’t only simple, but it also gives you that warm, homey vibe that fills your kitchen with the smell of baked goodness. So, let’s get started.
First, preheat your oven to a cozy 350 degrees F. That’s the magic number that will help our banana bread rise to perfection.
While that’s warming up, grab a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer if you have one—fancy, right?) and toss in 2 cups of mashed bananas—about 4 ripe bananas should do the trick. The riper, the better; those little brown spots mean extra sweetness.
Next, add in 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla powder for that lovely aromatic touch and 1/3 cup of maple syrup to sweeten the deal.
Now, let’s get liquidy. Pour in 1 1/4 cups of either water or unsweetened coconut milk; either option will keep things nice and moist.
Then we plunge into the dry stuff. In goes 3/4 cup of coconut flour, 1/4 cup of brown rice flour, and 1 cup of quinoa flour (or millet flour if you prefer).
Don’t forget the 2 tablespoons of flax seed meal, which not only adds nutrition but also acts as a binder. A tablespoon of warm coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum, and just a pinch of salt round out our batter.
Now mix everything on low speed until it’s all combined. Don’t rush it; you want a tight texture, a bit firmer than pancake batter but not quite bread dough. If it feels a bit dry—don’t panic—just splash in about 1/4 cup of water and mix again.
Once everything is looking good, prepare your loaf pan by lightly rubbing coconut oil on the sides to guarantee our creation doesn’t stick.
Spoon that luscious batter into the pan, and sprinkle in 1/2 cup of semisweet vegan chocolate chips because, let’s be honest, chocolate makes everything better.
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and let it bake for 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s done when a wooden skewer poked in the center comes out clean and the top is a lovely golden-brown.
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool before slicing into that dreamy loaf. Trust me, waiting will be the hardest part, but the first bite will be worth every second. Enjoy!
High Protein Banana Bread Substitutions & Variations
After you’ve mastered the basics of high protein banana bread, it’s time to get creative with substitutions and variations.
I love swapping out coconut flour for almond flour for a nuttier flavor, or using applesauce instead of maple syrup for a lower sugar option.
You can also experiment with different flours like oat or chickpea flour for unique textures.
For added nutrition, I sometimes toss in chia seeds or hemp hearts.
If you’re a fan of spices, try adding nutmeg or ginger for a different twist.
Don’t forget to mix in your favorite nuts or dried fruits for extra crunch!
What to Serve with High Protein Banana Bread
Though high protein banana bread is delicious on its own, pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your experience even further.
I love serving it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a spread of almond butter for added creaminess and protein. Fresh fruit, like berries or sliced apples, provides a revitalizing contrast.
For a cozy touch, a warm cup of chai or herbal tea complements the flavors beautifully. If you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of dark chocolate or a sprinkle of nuts can take it over the top.
Enjoy exploring these combinations to find your perfect match!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your high protein banana bread turns out perfectly every time, I recommend a few key tips.
First, make sure your bananas are ripe; they should have brown spots for maximum sweetness.
Don’t skip the xanthan gum; it helps bind the ingredients together.
If you prefer a sweeter bread, adjust the maple syrup to taste.
For added nutrition, feel free to mix in nuts or seeds.
Always let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
Finally, store leftovers in an airtight container to keep it fresh longer.
Enjoy your delicious creation!