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This protein banana bread is moist, fluffy, and made in just one bowl! It’s an eggless and dairy free recipe that packs in over 18 grams of protein per slice!
Adding protein powder to desserts and baked goods is one of my favorite things to do. As someone who follows a muscle-building diet, knowing that my treats are aiding my muscle growth keeps me motivated towards my goals.
Some of my favorite treats to add protein to include protein cookies, protein muffins, and protein donuts. To change things up, I wanted to throw banana bread into the mix!
Table of Contents
Can I add protein powder to banana bread?
Adding protein powder to any old recipe is not recommended. Protein powder transforms the structure of banana bread, so we need special ingredients to compensate. Luckily, we’ve created the best of both worlds, which is why this protein banana bread recipe is such a winner!
Here are some reasons why I adore this recipe:
- It’s moist and fluffy with a tender crumb. Just like any good banana bread out there, this protein-rich one tastes exactly as you’d expect it to, except with a protein boost.
- It’s made in just one bowl, meaning there is NO clean-up required…or messy dishes to wash up.
- Each slice packs in over 18 grams of protein, so you’ll feel fuller for longer!
- Like my vegan banana bread, there are no eggs or dairy needed, so those who follow a vegan diet can definitely enjoy a slice or two.
What I love about this recipe is that it’s healthy enough to eat for breakfast, a wholesome snack between meals! Heck, I love to add a scoop of protein ice cream on top and enjoy it as a protein-packed dessert!
Ingredients needed
Besides the banana and some pantry baking staples, there isn’t much else needed to make this recipe. Here is what you’ll need:
- Bananas– Overripe bananas are a must, as they will make the bread extra moist and extra sweet.
- Milk of choice– I used unsweetened almond milk, but any milk will work.
- Vinegar– White or apple cider. This reacts with the self-rising flour to give the bread some rise and fluffiness.
- Vanilla extract– A must for any good banana bread.
- Self-rising flour– Skip the expensive pre-made blends and make your own!
- Almond flour– Blanched or superfine almond flour, not almond meal.
- Protein powder– I like using a vanilla-flavored protein powder, but unflavored works. Brown rice protein powder or casein protein powder are the best protein blends for baking.
- Sugar or alternative– White, brown, or coconut sugar, or sugar free alternatives, like a brown sugar substitute.
- Chocolate chips– Optional, but I love to fold through some vegan chocolate chips.
How to make protein banana bread
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Make the batter. Start by adding the mashed bananas, milk, and vanilla extract into a large mixing bowl and whisking together until combined. Next, add the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter remains. If using chocolate chips, fold them through at the end.
Step 2- Bake. Now, transfer the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer comes out mostly clean from the middle. Let the protein banana bread cool in the pan completely before slicing and serving.
Best protein powder for baking
Most protein powders will yield a moist and fluffy banana bread. However, avoid using whey protein powder as it is known to dry out baked goods. Here are the best kinds of powder to make this recipe-
- Brown rice protein powder– A vegan and dairy-free protein powder that works very well in baked goods. Opt for a vanilla-flavored powder for a lovely vanilla flavor.
- Casein protein powder– My preferred protein powder blend, casein bakes beautifully and yields fluffy baked goods. Their flavored ones can be a little overpowering, so feel free to use an unflavored one.
- Other plant-based protein powders- Hemp, pea, and soy protein powders all will work.
Recipe tips and variations
- Do not overbake the banana bread, as it will continue to bake as it cools down. Once a toothpick comes out mostly clean, it’s ready to be removed from the oven.
- Depending on which protein powder I use, I sometimes notice the top of the bread browning a little too quickly. If this happens to you, cover the top with some tin foil and bake as instructed.
- You can use this batter to make banana bread protein muffins. Simply bake it in muffin liners and reduce the cooking time to 18 minutes.
- Feel free to fold through fun mix-ins to change up the texture. Walnuts and pecans are great, as is white chocolate chips.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftovers should always be stored in the refrigerator, covered. The banana bread will keep well for up to one week.
To freeze: Place slices in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
While a classic loaf of banana bread has some protein in it, it is not enough to be classified as a high protein food.
Protein banana bread has at least 18 grams of protein per slice. Add some walnuts or almonds on top and add even more protein to it.
If you use gluten-free self-rising flour (as Dove Farms), this banana bread is gluten-free.
As long as you use a dairy-free and egg-free protein powder, this recipe is 100% vegan.
More protein powder recipes to try
Protein Banana Bread
Video
Ingredients
- 2 medium bananas mashed
- 1 cup milk I used unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon vinegar apple cider or white
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups self rising flour * See notes
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup protein powder ** See notes
- 1/2 cup brown sugar substitute or any sweetener of choice
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add your mashed bananas, milk, vinegar, and vanilla extract and mix until combined. Gently add the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Fold through the chocolate chips.
- Transfer the batter into the lined pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer comes out mostly clean from the center.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely, before removing from the pan and slicing.
best protein banana bread recipe ever!
This is absolutely out of this world! Made a loaf and ate it all myself! Ate it for breakfast and it kept me full a satisfied all morning. Was wonder why you always Linda pan with parchment paper instead of greasing and flouring the pan? I have a difficult time lining the pan neatly with parchment paper.
This recipe turned out perfect as muffins in 17 minutes! I made my own self rising flour with King Arthur GF flour + baking powder + salt, and followed the rest of the recipe exactly. They were not the moist texture that banana bread usually is, but nonetheless soft and delicious!
Love that!!!
C An coconut flour substitute almond flour?
Not for this recipe, sorry!
It’s rare that I take the time to review a recipe I found on the internet but this is hands down amazing! Moist, no protein flavor, cakey, no added sugar, and no eggs, for my LO who has an egg allergy. Thank you so much for putting this delicious recipe out!!!
You are so welcome, K!
BEST protein banana bread recipe!!!!! I saw this on Instagram and knew I had to make it!
Race reviews Arman, nice work! I’d love to try it but was wondering if there’s a sub for the almond flour for an allergy friendly version? Thank you so much ☺️🫶🏻🩷
You could try sunflower seed flour!
*rave! Autocorrect is crazy 🤪
Thank you so much Arman 🙏🏻🩷 I have some pumpkin seed flour so figure it’s probably similar to sunflower seed flour so will give it a whirl!! Have a great conference 🤗💕🩷💕
Thanks, Cerys! Yes, pumpkin seed flour and sunflower seed flour is a great alternative to almond flour.
Where do the 10g of fat come from?
The almond flour 🙂
This is such a good protein banana bread. Tastes like real banana bread.
Thanks, Holly. We love it too!
The BEST protein banana bread recipe ever!
Love love love this protein banana bread. It is so good!
This banana bread is Amazing! I can’t believe how good it tastes using such simple ingredients and no processed sugar . I’ve been making it on repeat for my evening snack!
The best protein banana bread recipe. I make this all the time.
This is super moist and fluffy.
so good – best protein banana bread i;ve ever had!
The best moist and fluffy protein banana bread that actually tastes like real banana bread.
What can I substitute for all purpose flour please! Thanks
Haven’t tried any alternatives, you are welcome to experiment and see!
so good. I had to tent the bread so the edges didn’t overcook/burn. I also had like 15 min of cook time. Super delicious though; the whole family loved it.
Hi Arman, thank you for another yummy scrummy looking recipe!
Just wondering for dubs for almond flour…. could I use polenta! Thinking of a low fat allergy friendly alternative 🙂
Thank you so much!
Hi there- Saw your earlier comment 🙂 Good luck with the sunflower seed flour 🙂
Excellent recipe, thank you. No issues using dairy milk or whey protein protein.
Great to hear, Em!
Super moist. I added chocolate chips and walnuts too.
Great to hear that, Jordan!
Great recipe!
Best recipe. I love how amazing the texture is!
Great to hear that, Margo!
Seriously the best protein banana bread recipe I’ve ever made!
omg this protein banana bread is to die for!!
Which protein powder would you recommend for this recipe? I tried this with whey protein (that’s all I had available) but it came out goes and not cakey at all, and I’m guessing it’s due to the protein powder
Oh yes, whey protein dries out baked goods. Always use casein or brown rice protein. I used optimum casein 🙂
I used monkfruit sweetener and honey, plus walnuts instead of choc chips. Amazing! Will definitely make this one again
Can it work well with other flours such as oat flour instead of almond flour? Thanks
Hi Julia! Almond flour can be subbed with sunflower seed flour or cashew flour.
Delicious banana bread. Everyone in my family loves it including my 4yo daughter. Thank you!
Love that, Carmen!
Can I use all purpose, self rising, whole wheat, or cake flour as a substitute for the almond flour?
I haven’t tried but you are welcome to experiment and see!
Fabulous protein banana bread.
Great to hear that, Keeley!
I’ve made this recipe so many times! I add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the protein banana bread mixture for moistness. I love this and the almond flour brownies recipe. These are amazing! Can’t wait to try more awesome recipes. Thank you
Best protein banana bread ever!
Excellent recipe! I used whey protein powder (Gold Standard Vanilla Ice Cream to be specific), and it came out perfect. Thanks so much!
Thanks for letting me know, Julie- that is super helpful that there is a whey protein brand that works 🙂
This is the best protein banana bread recipe I’ve ever made. So moist and tender.
The ultimate test is if the kids like it. All my kids love it. It was devoured in no time. It’s my go to Banana Bread now.
I don’t generally keep almond flour around. Could I do a cup of protein powder instead or would that not work?
I’m not sure- I haven’t tried it 🙂
Adding everything into MFP and I’m actually getting a higher protein count- love that! this is the best protein banana bread recipe I’ve ever made.
I have tried a lot of healthy banana bread recipes and this is the best by far. Added one extra banana when I made it and it was perfect.
How much is considered one serving?
one slice 🙂
This has a really good texture- I love it!
Thanks for these recipes!
Just made this for the tenth time- it’s so good!!
So I loved this recipe! Definitely making over and over again!
I used whey protein powder in the recipe and it still turned out great 🙂
The best protein banana bread recipe ever.
What flavor protein powder I use?
Plain or vanilla is best, but feel free to use other flavors too- your banana bread will just taste a little like that 🙂
Just curious did you include the chocolate in your calorie math? Thanks!
We didn’t, as they are optional 🙂
This protein banana bread is really delicious and super easy to make. Moist and fluffy is definitely an accurate description! Just recently discovered your website and I look forward to trying more of your recipes!
This protein banana bread is really delicious and super easy to make. Moist and fluffy is definitely an accurate description! Just recently discovered your website and I look forward to trying more of your recipes!
ABSOLUTELY THE BEST!!!
Question, is cake flour or pastry flour the same as self rising flour?
Can I substitute the protein powder for the collagen peptide powder?
You could try!
Thanks so much for sharing this recipe!! It came out super moist and very tasty. I used vanilla whey protein powder and for the flour – 1 c white and 1 c whole wheat, using your recipe for self rising flour (thanks for including the link to that in this recipe!). Will be making this again soon.
I’m not a seasoned baker so I wish you could’ve explained the self-rising flour part. Made my whole thing without baking powder and it ruined my day 🙁
The BEST banana bread we’ve ever tasted! I even used Whey Protein! I simply added an extra very ripe, I mean mushy brown, banana and it came out perfectly moist. We’ve made this twice in two weeks.
Can I add regular milk instead of almond milk?
absolutely!
Amazing banana bread! We replaced the almond flour with half coconut flour and extra milk and it still tasted delicious! Great recipe 🙂
Can you eliminate the almond flour??
You can replace it with wheat or white flour.
You can but you can’t even taste the almond flour and it doesn’t make it gritty.
For normal poeple
240ml Milk
1 tablespoon Vinegar
1 tablespoon Vanilla extract
240g Flour
1 tablespoon Baking powder
50g Almond flour
30g Protein Powder
100g Surag substitute
85g Chocolate chips
Love it! Thank you so much, it’s all about the grams for baking 😀
Can I swap out the rice protein for whey protein isolate?
You can try and see
Would you be able to taste the vinegar?
not at all 🙂
Would help if you told us what temperature to cook it in the oven at….
What do you think the recipe card is for? Decoration?
I missed the memo on the “self-rising” and used all purpose flower no baking powder. I would imagine the baking powder and salt help the cake consistency because the consistency I got was more like bread pudding. The flavor was still really good though. I can’t believe no eggs in recipe!
I’ve made this twice. I used 1/2c peanut butter protein and 1/4c of whey and added a 3rd banana. Perfect moist, great taste and looks amazing!!
For those of us who are gluten-sensitive, can almond flour (or rice flour or potato flour) be substituted for the self-rising flour?
Not that I’ve tried! But gluten free self-rising flour works too!
I’m concerned if I use almond powder or peanut butter powder instead of protein powder (don’t have) it might not be moist and moistness is so necessary for banana bread, thoughts?
No idea- I haven’t used either of those so I can’t vouch for it.
Put 1 scoop of any of those or protein powder, even whey, and add 1 more very ripe banana (3 total) and see if that works. It did for me and I used whey and it turned out absolutely delicious!!!
Do you recommend protein powders with minimal ingredients? It seems like so many have a million “superfoods” added. I’ve been trying a simple oat protein powder lately.
That’s true- Try looking for a brown rice blend with no added sugar 🙂
We make this protein banana bread at least 3 times a week.
FORALL is the best protein powder! Only one ingredient and completely tasteless.
The best protein banana bread recipe I’ve ever made- super moist, fluffy, and tastes like the real thing!
Hi! Love your recipes, thanks for sharing! I was wondering if I want to skip the protein powder, could I fill in the 1/4 cup with something else? If yes what could that be?
Yes, use white or wheat flour.
Can I leave the protein powder out?
Sure! Try wheat or white flour.
I love your recipes! I just discovered you 2 days ago and I’ve already made 2 batches of different muffins and am planning on making this banana bread tomorrow. Thank you for healthy, but delicious recipes to share with my family.
Can the protein powder be omitted?
Yes!
I love your recipes so much, I’ve made your protein pizza and this one also knocked it out of the park! Thanks for your clear, direct, and helpful explanations and recipes. And also thank you for introducing me to the magic of self rising flour!
You’re becoming my go-to recipe website 🙂
I didn’t have almond flour so I used bread flour and it seemed to work great. Also added an egg. Was perfectly moist and delicious 🙂
I used 4 small bananas & 1 cup spelt & 1 cup regular flour (added 4 tsp baking powder & sieved it) plus sugar free choc chips – turned out really good 👍 thanks will make again
I doubled the protein powder to amp it up- I added a little extra liquid to compensate 🙂
Great to hear it worked!
This will definitely be on rotation for me! So good and I like that the serving sizes are big too. Thank you for sharing!
Is there a way to make this nut free? And would whey protein powder work?
Not that I’ve tried. You can experiment and see 🙂 Whey protein is not recommended as it dries out baked goods!
Is there anything that can be substituted for almond flour for someone with nut allergies?
Not that I’ve tried. You can experiment and see 🙂
Would Coconut flour work in place of almond flour.
No it will not.
Made this today, super yummy and the macros were really good (160 cal, 19g protein for a small slice). I used high protein self raising flour as well as my usually vanilla pea protein powder (White Wolf) and it definitely bumped up that number without ruining the flavour.
Only change I made was an extra 1/2 cup of milk, as the batter was a little too dry for my liking. 1.5cups of milk made the texture perfect and the banana bread was moist!
Will definitely make this one again 🙂
We make this loaf at least once a week!
Yummy!!!! This was the best no added sugar recipe I have ever tried, even if it did poop on the oven floor as I didn’t use a big enough loaf pan. Will definitely be making it again—in a larger loaf pan.