Protein Banana Bread Recipe | Easy Gluten Free Healthy

One serving of this Protein Banana Bread Recipe has 13 grams of protein! Find out how to turn classic banana bread into a healthy snack loaded with protein. Getting enough protein daily is important; this moist banana bread can help. 

protein banana bread recipe sliced and shown close up

Even if you’re not on a muscle-building diet, there are so many positives to adding more protein into your day. Protein can help you have more energy, feel fuller longer, and also help curb cravings for sweets and treats as they strike. One of my favorite things about this healthy banana bread recipe is that there’s an entire cup of protein powder in the recipe, and you can’t even taste it! 

I’ve been making this high-protein banana bread for years, and it’s become my go-to recipe and such a simple way to use up those overripe bananas that are sitting on the counter. Knowing that the individual slices are loaded with protein is the perfect perk.

Be sure to also try my Protein Milkshake Recipe and this Protein Cheesecake Recipe. Both are delicious and high in protein.

collage of food
Free Guide! Feed a Family on a Low Carb Diet

In this free 5-day email series learn all my tips for incorporating a low-carb lifestyle into the life of your family.

protein banana bread recipe resting sliced on cutting board

Ingredients

  • Salted butter – Be sure that this is softened before using. 
  • Brown sugar – The main sweetener used in this protein powder banana bread. 
  • Eggs – Acts as the binding agent for the dry ingredients. 
  • Bananas – These should be ripe and mashed well. 
  • Vanilla extract – For flavor. 
  • Almond flour – Needed to make the banana bread batter. 
  • Protein powder – I use plain unflavored, unsweetened whey protein powder. 
  • Baking powder – To give the bread a good texture. 
  • Baking soda – Helps to add a dense texture. 
  • Salt – For flavor. 

See recipe card for quantities.

ingredients in small bowls

How to Make this Protein Banana Bread Recipe

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Add parchment paper to a 9X5 loaf pan or bread pan.

creamed butter and sweetener in bowl

Step One: Cream the sweetener and the butter.

wet ingredients added to bowl

Step Two: Add the eggs, bananas, and vanilla. Mix well. 

dry ingredients added to bowl

Step Three: Add the dry ingredients.

batter in bowl

Step Four: Mix until combined. The batter will be thick.

batter in loaf pan

Step Five: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

baked bread in loaf pan

Step Six: Put the pan in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Let cool, slice, and enjoy.

Top Tip💡

If the banana bread is getting dark while baking cover with foil. You can also put an empty baking pan on the rack below it to protect the bottom from getting too dark.

Substitutions

  • Flour – I use almond flour but if you try all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour to make this high protein banana bread recipe please let me know how it turns out. 
  • Dairy-free – Swap in coconut oil for the butter.
  • Nut-free – Use sunflower seed flour in place of the almond flour.

Variations

  • ​Protein banana muffins – You can easily make this recipe into banana protein muffins by adding the batter to a muffin tin instead of a bread loaf. 
  • Chocolate chips – You can add chocolate chips, and even extra chocolate chips, to this delicious breakfast bread. Who doesn’t love chocolate chip banana bread?! 
  • Almond butter – Add a nutty flavor by adding various nut butter to slices when serving. 
  • Coconut sugar – You should be able to swap in coconut sugar for the brown sweetener. 

See this Keto Banana Bread for a low carb, delicious recipe.

baked bread on wire rack

Equipment

To make this protein-packed banana bread, you’ll need to have a hand mixer, a large mixing bowl, a spatula, a loaf pan, and parchment paper. 

Storage

This is the best protein banana bread recipe because there will likely be leftovers. For the best results, store leftovers of this sweet treat in an airtight container or sealable bag. You can store the leftovers at room temperature. 

You can also freeze the bread by adding to a freezer-safe bag. 

sliced protein banana bread recipe on cutting board

Common Questions

Can I freeze a whole loaf of banana bread? 

You bet. The biggest thing to remember is that you need to let it cool down all the way before storing it. There’s no reason to slice it, just store the whole loaf to enjoy later. 

Why are mashed bananas important to this recipe?

Mashing the bananas is really important to the overall flavor and texture. If you don’t mash the bananas, there will be lumps in your banana bread, which can cause moisture pockets and even a less-than-desirable texture. Also, mashing the bananas helps to release the natural sweetness of the bananas into the rest of the bread batter. 

Can I add extra sweetness? 

Absolutely. You can add a bit of sugar to this recipe or a sweetener of your choice. A lot of people will also drizzle honey or pure maple syrup on top of the baked loaf for a pop of sweetness with each bite. Another option is to melt and drizzle chocolate chips over the top of the bread. 

Want to Save This Recipe?

Enter your email below & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus get great new recipes from us every week!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Joy Filled Eats

protein banana bread recipe sliced and shown close up

Protein Banana Bread Recipe

Taryn

One slice of this easy Protein Banana Bread Recipe has 13 grams of protein! It is healthy, gluten-free, delicious & has a 5 minute prep time!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 50 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Calories 229.2

  • Preheat oven to 350. Line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper.

  • Cream together the butter and sweetener

  • Add eggs, bananas, and vanilla.

  • Mix well.

  • Add the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.

  • Pour into the prepared loaf pan.

  • Bake for 50-65 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. If the top begins to get too dark you can cover it with foil.

Protein powder: I tested this recipe using a plain unsweetened whey protein powder. I cannot guarantee other protein powders will work. 

Calories: 229.2Carbohydrates: 9.2gProtein: 13.4gFat: 16.8gSaturated Fat: 6.8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.6gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.9gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 91.5mgSodium: 279.5mgPotassium: 178.8mgFiber: 1.8gSugar: 4.1gVitamin A: 398.6IUVitamin C: 2.1mgCalcium: 87.5mgIron: 1.5mg

Like what you see? Follow me on Facebook and Instagram! Love this recipe? Leave a comment & a 5-star rating right here! Make sure you don’t miss new recipes by getting email updates!


Leave a Comment