The aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafts through your kitchen, a promise of moistness and heavenly flavor. This Protein Greek Yogurt Banana Bread is not only delicious but also packed with protein to fuel your day. It takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare and bake, and the use of Greek yogurt contributes to its perfect texture while keeping it healthy.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to indulge in a guilt-free treat that’s great for breakfast or a snack. Make it for a family gathering or for meal prep to enjoy throughout the week. It also freezes well, so you can have a slice whenever you crave something sweet and nutritious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and flavorful, thanks to the ripe bananas and yogurt.
- High in protein, making it a healthy snack option.
- Simple to prepare in under 15 minutes.
- Packed with nutritious walnuts and dark chocolate chips for added texture.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to create a delightful loaf.
For the Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3-4 medium)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or full-fat)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored whey protein powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For Mixing In
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Use coconut oil for avocado oil if desired.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Coconut oil for avocado oil
- Honey for maple syrup
- Almond flour for all-purpose flour
- Omit nuts for a nut-free version
How to Make It
Follow these easy steps to create your delicious banana bread.
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a consistent baking temperature for your banana bread.
Prepare the pan
Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper, ensuring overhang for easy removal.
Combine wet ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas, 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup avocado oil, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined and smooth.
Mix dry ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup whey protein powder, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
Combine wet and dry
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to prevent toughness.
Fold in extras
Gently fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts and 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly for delightful pockets of flavor.
Bake the loaf
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
Cool the bread
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Microwave for 20-30 seconds or enjoy it at room temperature.
Tips for Best Results
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness.
- Don’t overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Let the loaf cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
- Store leftovers wrapped to retain moisture.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy with a smear of almond butter on top.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee for breakfast.
- Serve as a healthy dessert option at gatherings.
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