Okay, let’s dive in and whip up some delicious and comforting protein banana bread together! I know how it is – we’re all juggling a million things and trying to feed our families something that’s not only tasty but also keeps them going. This recipe is a total dinnertime win!

I’m Beatriz, and just like you, I’m a busy mom trying to navigate the daily chaos of feeding my crew without losing my mind. And this protein banana bread? Well, it’s become a lifesaver in our house.

It all started last year. My son, Miguel, went through a growth spurt and was constantly hungry. I needed to find something that could keep him full between meals, and regular banana bread just wasn’t cutting it. That is when I had the idea of incorporating a protein banana bread in our household.

That’s when I started experimenting with adding protein powder to my go-to banana bread recipe. There were a few initial fails, let me tell you! Too dry, too dense… But finally, after a few tweaks, I landed on a version that my whole family loves. And honestly? It’s a game-changer.

My family’s reaction to this protein banana bread was amazing! Everyone loved the taste. They felt full longer. I felt happy that I was serving them a comforting treat that also had a nutritional boost. A simple win!

Now, I’m so excited to share this protein banana bread with you, because I know how much we all crave those simple comfort food solutions that make life a little easier (and tastier!). So grab your apron, and let’s get baking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store. Trust me, this protein banana bread ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! If you don’t have applesauce, you can use plain yogurt for extra comfort in this protein banana bread. This protein banana bread proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive, and I’m all here for it.

3 ripe bananas, mashed: The riper, the better – they add sweetness and moisture!
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce: This keeps the protein banana bread moist without adding extra oil.
1/4 cup melted coconut oil: For that added richness and comfort.
2 large eggs: They bind everything together.
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup: Adjust to your sweetness preference. We’re going for cozy comfort here.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This enhances all the other flavors, making this a truly protein banana bread.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: For a classic texture.
1/2 cup whey protein powder: This is where we get that extra protein boost! I usually use vanilla or unflavored, but chocolate works great too. It gives a great taste and texture to the protein banana bread.
1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the bread rise.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon brings warmth to the protein banana bread like nothing else!
1/4 teaspoon salt: It balances the sweetness.
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional): My family gets extra comfort when I add chocolate chips!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan. In my busy kitchen, this comforting protein banana bread usually takes around an hour to bake, so make sure you plan accordingly.
In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
Add the applesauce, melted coconut oil, eggs, honey, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix well. This comforting protein banana bread recipe is already coming together!
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, banana bread protein powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!
Fold in the walnuts or chocolate chips (if using).
Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your protein banana bread should smell amazing by now!
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!

Here’s where I used to struggle with my protein banana bread – I’d always take it out too early! I’ve learned that letting it bake for a full 60 minutes is crucial for that perfect texture. Learn from my experience!

While your protein banana bread is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! Don’t worry if your protein banana bread looks a little darker on top – that just means it’s getting extra caramelized and delicious!

How We Love to Eat This!

The kids devour this comforting protein banana bread when I serve it with a smear of peanut butter and a glass of milk. It’s the perfect after-school snack!

This protein banana bread is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! I love to slice it up and pack it in lunchboxes. It keeps them full and happy. The kids also like it with yogurt!

I also like to enjoy mine with a cup of coffee in the morning!

My family and I especially love to eat this when its a lazy weekend!

For a more decadent treat, try serving your protein banana bread warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This comforting combo is sure to please!

If you have any leftover protein banana bread (which is rare in our house!), you can slice it and freeze it for later. It thaws beautifully and is perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.

My mom always mentions that its a perfect dessert after family dinners!

The possibilities for flavor are endless too!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Is this protein banana bread really filling enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! The added protein from the protein powder helps keep them satisfied for longer, so you avoid that constant “I’m hungry!” My son, Miguel, is proof! He’s much more content after a slice of this than he ever was with regular banana bread. This protein banana bread has been a total sanity-saver in our home.
What if my picky eater won’t try this protein banana bread?
I get it! Picky eaters are a challenge. My daughter, Sofia, can be tough to please. My trick is to make it look appealing. Cut it into fun shapes, add a sprinkle of chocolate chips on top, or serve it with a dipping sauce they love. I also tell her its her favorite dessert and she’s always happy! Sometimes, it’s all about presentation and positive association. Remember, one of the most important things for my picky eaters is that they know its a safe food!
Can I meal prep this protein banana bread for busy weeks ahead?
Yes, you can! This protein banana bread freezes beautifully. I often bake a double batch on the weekend and freeze individual slices for quick breakfasts or snacks during the week. This is a great way to have something ready when you don’t have time to bake!
Can I use a different type of protein powder?
Yes, you can experiment with different protein powders. Whey protein is a popular choice, but you can also use casein, soy, or even a plant-based protein powder like pea protein. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly depending on the type of protein powder you use.
What if I don’t have honey or maple syrup?
No problem! You can substitute with other sweeteners like brown sugar, granulated sugar, or even a sugar substitute like stevia. Adjust the amount to your desired level of sweetness. It is important that you take into consideration the texture it might add to your protein banana bread.
Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite add-ins. Some popular options include chopped nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of peanut butter. Get creative and have fun experimenting! Remember, the goal is to create something that your family will love.
How should I store the protein banana bread?
To keep your protein banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

This protein banana bread is more than just a recipe, it’s a dinnertime win for busy parents. It’s a way to nourish our families with something that’s both delicious and satisfying, without spending hours in the kitchen. And honestly, those little moments of comfort and connection are what it’s all about, right?

My Protein Banana Bread Comfort Hacks

Double the recipe: Bake one loaf and freeze the other for a busy day.
Use mini loaf pans: These are great for portion control and perfect for lunchboxes.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt: This enhances the sweetness and creates a more complex flavor.

Family-Tested Variations

Chocolate Chip Protein Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter. My son, Miguel, loves this version.
Walnut Protein Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts to the batter. My husband prefers this one.
Peanut Butter Swirl Protein Banana Bread: Swirl a tablespoon of peanut butter into the batter before baking. This is my personal favorite!

I really hope you give this high protein banana bread recipe a try. It’s a simple, comforting, and delicious way to fuel your family’s day. It’s the best way to have a healthy protein banana bread. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and add-ins to make it your own. Remember, cooking should be enjoyable, not stressful!

Give this easy protein banana bread a try! I am sure you and your family will fall in love with it! You can check out this awesome recipe from Protein Banana Bread – with 10 Grams of Protein Per Slice!. Another website you can find a version of this recipe is High Protein Banana Bread – The Oregon Dietitian. Or you can check out this one too! Protein Banana Bread {25g protein} – The Big Man’s World ®.

If your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for cinnamon roll protein crepes. For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out my other recipes!

So go ahead, fellow comfort seekers, and bake up a loaf of protein banana bread! You got this!

protein banana bread

Print Recipe

This Protein Banana Bread is a moist and delicious way to enjoy a classic treat while packing in extra protein. Perfect for a post-workout snack or a healthy breakfast!

Author: Beatriz
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Category: Snack
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, mash the bananas. Add applesauce, honey/maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, protein powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the chopped nuts (if using).
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and serve.

Notes

For a richer flavor, try adding chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking.