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This protein banana bread is moist and fluffy, and it’s made in just one bowl! Each slice packs over 25 grams of protein!
Love high protein baked goods? Try my protein cookies, protein muffins, and protein donuts next.
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.
My high protein banana bread recipe is a winner! I tested it thousands of times to make sure it looked and tasted like banana bread—but with protein powder added! It makes a fabulous post-workout snack or wholesome dessert you can feel good about eating.
Table of Contents
Why I love 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 25 grams of protein, so you’ll feel fuller for longer!
- No eggs or dairy is needed, so those who follow a vegan diet can definitely enjoy a slice or two.
Key Ingredients
- Ripe 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 (it’s just all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder). I tested this recipe with oat flour and found the loaf to be a little too dry for my liking.
- Almond flour. Blanched almond flour, not almond meal. The latter will yield a dense and doughy loaf instead of a fluffy one.
- 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. You can use a liquid sweetener like honey or maple syrup, but reduce the amount by half.
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 I’ve tested with 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 vegan protein powder- Hemp protein, pea protein, and soy protein powders all will work.
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. In a large bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Next, add the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter remains.
Step 2- Bake. 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.
Arman’s recipe tips
- 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.
- If your banana bread is browning too quickly, cover the top of the bread with some tin foil after around 15-20 minutes. This might not happen to you, it all depends on the brand of protein powder AND how your oven bakes things.
- You can use this batter to make banana 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. Try walnuts, pecans, dark chocolate chips, peanut butter, nut butter, white chocolate chips, or even dried fruit.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftovers will keep well at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap, for 2-3 days. For longer storage, store the slices in a fridge for a week in an airtight container.
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.
My protein banana bread has at least 18 grams of protein per slice. Adding walnuts or almonds on top will add even more protein.
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
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.
- Transfer the batter to the lined pan and bake for 35-45 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.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published February 2022, updated and republished August 2024
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.