High Protein Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe
If you’re searching for a crave-worthy treat that delivers on both flavor and nourishment, look no further than this High Protein Chocolate Banana Bread! Each slice is decadently moist from ripe bananas and Greek yogurt, naturally sweetened with honey, and packed with a powerhouse protein boost thanks to chocolate protein powder. It’s a breakfast, snack, or post-workout delight that feels more like dessert, yet leaves you energized and satisfied. Trust me: this recipe is a smart way to treat yourself and your family without sacrificing either taste or nutrition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this High Protein Chocolate Banana Bread is in its simplicity—every ingredient plays an important role! These pantry staples come together to create a loaf with a perfectly tender crumb, rich chocolate flavor, and a subtle sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm.
- Ripe Bananas: Use spotty bananas—they mash easily and bring natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
- Large Eggs: Essential for binding everything together and boosting the protein content.
- Greek Yogurt (plain or vanilla): Lends creaminess, tang, and an extra punch of protein.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Picks up the sweetness while keeping this loaf refined sugar-free; choose your favorite!
- Vanilla Extract: Deepens the flavor and brings a little warmth to every bite.
- Oat Flour: Provides whole-grain goodness and a tender texture; you can make your own by blending oats.
- Chocolate Protein Powder: The star that cranks up the protein—pick a variety you love the taste of (whey or plant-based both work).
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Makes the bread rich and ultra-chocolaty without adding extra sugar.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder: The leavening agents for a beautifully risen, fluffy loaf.
- Salt: Brightens the flavors and balances the sweetness—don’t skip it!
- Mini Chocolate Chips (optional): For those irresistible gooey chocolate pockets throughout your bread.
How to Make High Protein Chocolate Banana Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Loaf Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or give it a good spray or grease. This simple prep keeps your High Protein Chocolate Banana Bread from sticking, and makes release a breeze when it’s time to slice and share.
Step 2: Mash Bananas & Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash those ripe bananas until almost smooth—you want a few small lumps for texture. Whisk in the eggs, Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined. This vibrant, creamy mixture forms the tasty, moist base of your loaf.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the oat flour, chocolate protein powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Even distribution here ensures every slice rises evenly and tastes just right, with that unmistakable chocolatey aroma.
Step 4: Mix Wet & Dry Together
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and gently fold the mixture using a spatula or large spoon. Mix just until you no longer see dry streaks—overmixing can make the bread tough, so keep it gentle for tender results.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips (Optional)
If you’re in the mood for extra chocolate bliss, fold in your mini chocolate chips now. They’ll melt into pools of chocolate throughout the bread as it bakes, creating irresistible bites in every slice.
Step 6: Pour, Smooth, and Bake
Transfer your batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon or spatula. Top with a few chocolate chips, if desired. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few sticky crumbs.
Step 7: Cool & Slice
Let the bread cool in its pan for about 10 minutes—this lets it set up and makes removal easier. Then, gently lift it out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This patience will reward you with perfectly shaped, easy-to-slice pieces and a delicious, moist texture.
How to Serve High Protein Chocolate Banana Bread
Garnishes
Dress up your High Protein Chocolate Banana Bread with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a dusting of extra cocoa powder, or a drizzle of nut butter for an over-the-top finishing touch. You can even serve with an extra dollop of Greek yogurt for bonus creaminess and protein.
Side Dishes
This bread is dreamy with a side of fresh berries or citrus slices for a burst of brightness, or paired with a steaming latte or protein shake to keep you full all morning. For brunch, add yogurt, cottage cheese, or even a small green salad for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your loaf into thick pieces for a breakfast sandwich, toasting it and slathering with almond butter, or cubing it to layer with whipped Greek yogurt and fruit for a fun parfait. Individual slices also make fantastic on-the-go snack bars for busy days.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your High Protein Chocolate Banana Bread bakery-fresh, wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in an airtight container in the fridge. It will maintain its soft texture for up to five days—perfect for ready-to-eat breakfasts or snacks.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in parchment paper and sealed in a zip-top bag. This method keeps each piece extra fresh, and you can thaw slices one at a time for a protein treat whenever you crave it.
Reheating
When you’re ready to eat, simply warm a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or toast it gently in a toaster oven. The heat revives the gooey chocolate and fluffy crumb—almost like freshly-baked High Protein Chocolate Banana Bread all over again!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast, Snack
Absolutely! You can use whey, pea, or any plant-based protein powder that suits your dietary needs and taste buds, just make sure it’s one you already enjoy, as the flavor will shine through in the final loaf.
Is this banana bread gluten-free?
If you stick with certified gluten-free oat flour and double-check your protein powder’s label, this recipe is entirely gluten-free and perfect for those with sensitivities.
Can I substitute the Greek yogurt?
Yes, you can swap Greek yogurt for a non-dairy yogurt if you need a dairy-free option or even use regular yogurt, though the texture will be slightly less thick and creamy.
What’s the best way to mash bananas?
Overripe bananas mash super easily with a fork or potato masher—just keep mashing until most big lumps are gone, but a few little chunks add irresistible banana bits to your bread.
Can I make muffins with this recipe?
Definitely! Just portion the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake for around 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean; you’ll love the High Protein Chocolate Banana Bread flavor in convenient, portable form.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a treat that’s both nourishing and delightfully indulgent, give this High Protein Chocolate Banana Bread a whirl. It’s wholesome, full of chocolate flavor, and will definitely become a new staple in your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to taste how satisfying and delicious healthy baking can be!
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High Protein Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: High-Protein, Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a guilt-free treat with this High Protein Chocolate Banana Bread. Packed with protein and flavor, it’s the perfect snack or breakfast option for a nutritious start to your day.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mash bananas and whisk in eggs, Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix oat flour, protein powder, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake: Pour batter into the loaf pan, smooth the top, and bake for 40–50 minutes. Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Use a protein powder you enjoy for best flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for a quick, protein-rich snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
