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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!
![high protein banana bread](https://thebigmansworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/protein-banana-bread-3.jpg)
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.
![protein powder banana bread](https://thebigmansworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/protein-banana-bread.jpg)
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.
![Protein banana bread](https://thebigmansworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/protein-banana-bread-2.jpg)
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 recipe](https://thebigmansworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/protein-banana-bread-recipe-378x378.jpeg)
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.
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