High Protein Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

This high-protein chocolate banana bread combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the rich flavor of chocolate. Perfect for a breakfast or snack, this bread is not only delicious but also packs a punch of protein to keep you full and energized. Whether you’re an athlete, someone trying to boost your protein intake, or simply looking for a healthier dessert, this recipe is a must-try.

Instructions:

Follow these steps to create your high-protein chocolate banana bread:

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Loaf Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

1. In a medium bowl, peel and mash the 3 ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Make sure there are no large chunks left.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

1. To the mashed bananas, add the 2 large eggs, Greek yogurt, honey/maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix them together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, protein powder, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are well-distributed and the baking powder and soda activate properly.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense bread.
2. Add the almond milk to the mixture to help thin it out a bit and achieve a smooth, pourable batter. Stir until the batter is fully combined.

Step 6: Add the Chocolate Chips and Nuts

1. Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and nuts (if using). This will give your bread pockets of chocolate goodness and crunch.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
2. Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few crumbs). If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

1. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Benefits of High-Protein Banana Bread:

1. Supports Muscle Growth and Repair: The addition of protein powder and Greek yogurt provides a significant protein boost. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, which is especially important for athletes, gym-goers, or anyone looking to increase their protein intake.
2. Keeps You Full Longer: With higher protein content, this banana bread helps keep you feeling full for longer, making it a great option for breakfast or a midday snack. The fiber from whole wheat flour and bananas also aids in digestion and promotes satiety.
3. Balanced Energy: The natural sugars from bananas and honey offer a quick source of energy, while the protein and healthy fats provide sustained energy. This makes it an excellent choice for a pre- or post-workout snack.
4. Rich in Antioxidants: Dark chocolate (especially 70% and above) contains antioxidants like flavonoids that may support heart health and improve brain function. Adding dark chocolate chips to your banana bread increases both the flavor and the health benefits.
5. A Healthy Dessert Option: This bread is a healthier alternative to traditional chocolate banana bread, which is often high in sugar and fat. The use of whole wheat flour, Greek yogurt, and protein powder makes it more nutritious without sacrificing flavor.

Tips for Perfecting Your High-Protein Chocolate Banana Bread:

1. Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be. Bananas that have a few brown spots are perfect for baking because they’re naturally sweet and soft, which makes them easier to mash.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to tough, dense bread. Stir the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined to keep the texture light and fluffy.
3. Make It Gluten-Free: If you’re gluten-sensitive, you can substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Just be sure to adjust the amount as some gluten-free flours absorb liquid differently.
4. Customize the Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different add-ins like dried fruit (raisins or cranberries), seeds (chia or flax), or other nuts (pecans, cashews). You can even use different protein powder flavors, like vanilla or chocolate, to enhance the taste.
5. Store Properly: Store your high-protein chocolate banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Conclusion:

This High Protein Chocolate Banana Bread recipe is a great way to enjoy a healthy treat that satisfies your sweet tooth while helping you meet your protein goals. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe can become a regular in your kitchen. Whether you’re fueling up after a workout or craving something sweet yet nutritious, this banana bread checks all the boxes.

Yield: 10

High Protein Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

Print

This high-protein chocolate banana bread combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the rich flavor of chocolate. Perfect for a breakfast or snack, this bread is not only delicious but also packs a punch of protein to keep you full and energized. Whether you’re an athlete, someone trying to boost your protein intake, or simply looking for a healthier dessert, this recipe is a must-try.

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Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 55 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups oat flour (or whole wheat flour)
• 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder (or any protein powder you like)
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional for added sweetness)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
3. Add the eggs, almond milk, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the oat flour, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until everything is well combined. If you prefer a sweeter bread, add honey or maple syrup at this point.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips or chunks, if using.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil for the remaining baking time.
9. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or a few nuts like walnuts or almonds.

For a gluten-free version, substitute the oat flour with a gluten-free flour blend.