The Best Protein Banana Bread (2024)

Healthy and so delicious, this moist protein banana bread has no sugar and no oil. Unlike other recipes, my protein powder banana bread comes out super soft and moist without drying. 15 grams of protein per slice!

This may be the BEST protein banana bread recipe ever!

It may sound like a bold statement, but when I say it I mean it. I've been testing a great protein banana bread recipe for a while now, but every time the texture was quite disappointing. My protein banana bread was always a way too dry and depressing.

The reason is that I was using whey, which is not the best for baking. Indeed I could have used casein or vegan protein powder and overcome the dry texture, but I wanted to prepare whey protein banana bread. Why? Well, because whey is the most common protein powder in the market. So that you can also bake a moist protein banana bread, no matter what protein powder you have.

But, we all know, the only failure is quitting! So, after more than 10 flops, I got it right. I just made the moistest protein banana bread, with no sugar and no oil!

The secrets for moist banana bread with protein powder

If you are familiar with protein baking, you probably know that protein powder desserts tend to get dry. Especially if you are using whey; whey is not the best pick for cakes and baked goods.

But not this time. My high protein banana bread recipe is different: it comes out moist and soft as if it had no protein powder at all. Curious to learn how? Then keep on reading because I'm about to share my secrets on how to make the BEST protein banana bread with no oil and no sugar!

Secret 1: Add plenty of moisture

My first secret for a soft protein bread that does not get dry is to add plenty of moisture to the batter. Besides bananas, my recipe uses one egg, egg whites and Greek yogurt.

Bonus tip. When it comes to bananas, opt for very ripe, freckled bananas. Trust me, they will make your chocolate chip bread moister. Further, the riper the bananas, the sweetener they are - perfect for this protein banana bread recipe with no sugar!

Secret 2: Protein powder comes last!

Did you know that over-mixing protein powder ruins the texture of baked goods? That's why my healthy chocolate chip banana bread recipe adds protein powder last. Right after mixing the flours into the wet mixture. You will need to fold in the protein powder gently, rather than mixing all together.

Secret 3: Less baking!

If you have read my full guide on baking with protein powder, you probably already know this: baking with protein requires less time and/or lower temperatures!

That's why for this recipe I lowered both the temperature to 170ºC (340ºF) and the baking time by around 5 minutes. Just bear in mind that each oven is different, and you may need to adapt the time. My suggestion is to keep an eye on your protein powder banana bread after it has been in the oven for about 20 minutes. The protein dessert is ready when a toothpick inserted into its center comes out clean.

Protein banana bread ingredients

Here is all you need to make protein banana bread with no sugar and no oil. Besides the main ingredients, you will also find all details and replacement options in case that something is missing.

• Ripe bananas. To make the best protein powder banana bread, be sure to use ripe bananas. They are softer, sweeter and tastier. For more details I suggest checking out my tips down here.
• Egg. In this recipe, the egg will make your protein bread moister and more flavorsome without the need for oil.
  • As a vegan substitute you can use one flaxseed egg or chia egg.
• Egg whites. A key for making a low calorie protein banana bread is to replace one whole egg with two egg whites. They are packed with protein and poor in carbs.
  • Feel free to use one whole egg more, or a flaxseed egg if vegan.
• Greek yogurt. As seen before, protein baking requires more moisture. That's why this recipe includes Greek yogurt. For fewer calories I chose nonfat yogurt.
  • Replace with full-fat yogurt, Skyr; or use soy or coconut yogurt in case you can't eat dairy.
• Nut butter. Natural almond butter is my favorite choice because it gives the protein banana bread great flavor and texture without tasting as strong as peanut butter.
  • You can substitute with creamy peanut butter, cashew butter, walnut butter, tahini or sunflower seed butter (for a nut-free recipe).
• Oat flour. Whenever baking, oat flour is my first choice because it is healthier: high in fibers and minerals, and unrefined.
  • Feel free to replace with any other flour you have at home, such as wholewheat flour or common all purpose flour.
• Almond flour. This recipe uses defatted almond flour, which is a low carb, high protein alternative to starches. Also regular full-fat almond flour works, but it will add more fats and calories.
  • Replace with more oat flour or with more of your favorite flour.
• Protein powder. This high protein banana bread recipe can be prepared with any protein powder you have at home. Whey protein powder, casein or plant based alternatives will all work; but based on the choice you may need to slightly adjust the batter.
• Baking powder. This will help our protein bread rise and come out as moist and delicious as the original.
• Spices and flavors. I recommend a mix of vanilla extract and ground cinnamon; they will make your healthy dessert irresistible. Also, don't forget the extra pinch of salt to enhance all flavors and balance the sweetness level.
  • The vanilla extract can also be omitted in case that you are using vanilla protein powder.
• Additional ingredients. Add any mix-in you like for additional taste and a crunchy texture. My favorites are sugar-free chocolate chips, pieces of walnuts or pecans, and fresh blueberries.

Which bananas for the best banana bread?

The best bananas for banana bread aren’t yellow, they are brown! For the very BEST protein banana bread, there is no such thing like overripe bananas - the blacker they are, the sweetener and more tastier your banana bread will be.

Here is how to recognize if your fruits are ripe enough: check their peel. They should be completely dark or at least have brown spots all over their skin. In the picture down below, you can see three different levels of ripeness - the first and brown(est) banana is the best!

Which protein powder for banana bread?

This moist protein banana bread recipe uses vanilla whey, but you can easily replace with vegan protein powder, casein, or a combination of casein and whey. The only difference is that your batter may require different amounts of moisture.

As a general rule, vegan protein powder and casein tend to absorb plenty of liquid and your chocolate chip banana bread may require an additional drop of milk. Whey, instead, dissolves very easily and you won't need any milk.

When it comes to the protein powder flavor, I like vanilla. But feel free to pick and choose your favorite flavor: vanilla, cinnamon, peanut butter or unflavored protein powders are good picks! Just keep in mind that if your protein powder is unflavored you may need to fix the sweetness level with additional maple syrup or honey.

Recipe variations

• Mix in 40 grams (¼ cup) of dark chocolate chips, some walnuts or a mix of both before transferring the batter to the pan.
• Replace 30 grams (⅓ cup) of the oat flour with cocoa powder and add some chocolate chips to get chocolate banana bread.
• Add some blueberries or strawberries to add a touch of freshness to your protein banana bread recipe.

Vegan banana bread with protein powder

Making this oil-free protein banana bread vegan is very simple. All you need to do is replacing the egg and egg whites for 3 flaxeggs. You will also want to use dairy-free Greek yogurt alternatives, such as soy Skyr or coconut yogurt. Last but not last, swap out whey for plant based options such as soy protein or pea protein.

How to make protein banana bread?

• Mix the wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, mash two ripe bananas with a fork until completely smooth. Add to the mixture egg, egg whites, Greek yogurt, nut butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon and salt. Stir with a whisk or fork for about two minutes, or until all is well combined and you get a smooth batter.
• Add flours and protein powder. Mix in oat flour, almond flour and baking powder.When the flours are incorporated into the wet mixture, scoop in protein powder and gently give it a stir. Donot over-mixprotein powder. Optionally, you can now fold in the chocolate chips.
• Bake and serve. Pour the batter into a prepared loaf pan. Bake in hot oven for 25 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of your protein banana bread comes out clean. Take it out from the oven and let cool in the loaf pan for a few minutes. Finally, remove from the pan and let cool completely before slicing.

How to store moist banana bread?

Wrap your protein banana bread very well and, at room temperature, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For a longer storage, transfer to a food container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. This protein dessert also freezes very well: place in zipper bags or in a freezer-safe container and store for a maximum of 3 months. Reheat in hot oven before serving.

Tips for the best protein banana bread

• Be sure to use ripe bananas, those with a brownish skin and softer texture. In comparison to green and yellow fruits, they tend be sweeter and more delicious.
• Make banana bread with oat flour or whole grain alternativesif you want a healthy dessert without refined flours. My recommendations are oat flour, whole-wheat flour, spelt flour and almond flour.
• Use vanilla flavor protein powder to make a sweet high protein banana bread without sugar. Besides their aroma, flavored products often contain calorie-free sweeteners.
• Choose natural almond butter or cashew butterover average peanut butter. They add a delicious flavor and moisture without the overpowering taste of peanuts.
• Mix in some extra ingredientssuch as crushed walnuts or chocolate chips for a crunchy experience and plenty of taste.
• Allow the dessert to cool down before serving.As for most banana desserts, I feel that also this cake tends to taste better if enjoyed the next day(at least for me).

More high protein dessert recipes

• Greek yogurt protein muffins
• No bake protein balls
• Low calorie protein brownies
• No bake protein cookies
• Chocolate protein balls
• Fudgy flourless protein brownies
• Greek yogurt cake