I’ve been on a quest lately to take classic dessert recipes and enhance them with a boost of protein. My classic protein chocolate chip cookies were such a huge hit, that I followed them up with a protein rice crispy treats recipe, 6-ingredient protein muffins, and now this protein banana bread. The most important thing when it comes to these protein dessert recipes is that they still taste like your favorite dessert, just with extra protein. And dare I say I absolutely nailed it with this protein banana bread! It seriously tastes just like a slice of your favorite banana bread, but with an impressive 10 grams of protein per slice. That’s 8 grams more protein than traditional banana bread! It’s even gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free – this protein banana bread truly has it all!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High protein: Each slice contains about 10 grams of protein, keeping you fuller for longer.
- Easy to make: This is a true one-bowl banana bread recipe that anyone can whip up in under 15 minutes of prep.
- Healthy ingredients: Made with oat flour, bananas, and maple syrup for natural sweetness.
- Gluten-free & dairy-free: The recipe uses non-dairy milk and oat flour but can easily be customized to your needs.
- Perfect for meal prep: Bake once and enjoy throughout the week for a grab-and-go protein-packed snack.
How Much Protein is in This Banana Bread?
This protein banana bread is not only soft and fluffy but also filling thanks to the addition of protein powder. Each slice has about 10 grams of protein, compared to just 2–3 grams in traditional banana bread. That means you’re getting a delicious treat that doubles as a satisfying snack or light breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use almond flour instead of oat flour?
Yes — almond flour can be substituted, but note that the texture will be more moist and dense. If using almond flour, you may want to add an extra tablespoon of protein powder or reduce the oil slightly.
What kind of protein powder can I use?
Any vanilla protein powder works here! I recommend a plant-based protein for a dairy-free option, or whey protein if you prefer. I use and love the Aloha Vanilla Plant-Based Protein Powder in this recipe (use this link for 15% off!). Just make sure your powder isn’t overly sweetened, as the bananas and maple syrup already add plenty of flavor.
How do I make this low in sugar?
Skip the maple syrup or replace it with a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or stevia. You can also swap the chocolate chips for sugar-free chocolate chips or leave them out entirely for a lower-sugar version.
Sam’s Recipe Tips
- Mash the bananas well — this ensures the bread is moist and evenly sweet.
- Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour and protein powder — overmixing can make the bread tough.
- Check doneness early — every oven bakes differently, so check your banana bread around the 40-minute mark.
- Cool completely before slicing — this helps the bread set and slice cleanly.
Protein Banana Bread (10g per slice!)
Equipment
- 1 large bowl
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups mashed banana about 3 bananas
- 1/4 cup non-dairy milk
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 eggs at room temperature
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a 9×4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed banana, non-dairy milk, maple syrup, eggs, coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Add in the oat flour, vanilla protein powder, baking powder, and baking soda, and mix until the batter is completely smooth and combined.
- Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan then bake the banana bread for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted down the center of the banana bread comes out clean. Remove the banana bread from the oven and let cool completely before slicing.
