Why We Love Protein Banana Bread
Banana bread is one of my all-time favorite comfort foods. It offers natural sweetness and fruity, earthy undertones. Plus, its moist-carby texture is so appealing. Add in some chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or other goodies, and whoo, I am a happy camper! However, even though banana bread contains fresh fruit, it is not exactly health food. Today I’m sharing my favorite “Healthy” Chocolate Chip Banana Bread recipe made with protein powder… It’s leaning towards low carb, and can be made with your favorite sugar-free sweetener. It can also be made gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free as well. You bread-er believe this recipe is a keeper!
Nutrition Notes
Please note, we are titling this recipe “Protein Banana Bread” not a low-carb banana bread because bananas themselves are high carb. Even if all the other ingredients are low-carb there will still be carbs in this recipe. However, it does contain much fewer carbs than traditional banana bread, and is balanced out well with a healthy dose of vanilla protein powder. The exact protein ratio in each slice will be determined by the type of protein powder that you choose. You can use whey protein, or plant-based protein powder like soy protein, or pea protein from any brand. All of these vary in their protein contents, so our nutritional facts may vary as well, based on what you select.
Protein Banana Bread Ingredients
All-purpose flour – for a lighter and fluffier crumb versus bread flour Vanilla-flavored protein powder – any variety you like (no vanilla extract needed!) Keto sweetener – like erythritol Butter – melted and slightly cooled Eggs – room temperature Bananas – very ripe, brown to black in color Milk – any type Baking powder – leavening agent to get that classic light spongey texture Salt – a pinch to balance the sweetness Unsweetened shredded coconut – optional, but adds a great texture and lightly nutty sweet taste Chocolate chips – optional, your choice of regular or keto chips
How to Make Protein Banana Loaf
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Set out a standard 5×9-inch loaf pan. Grease the bottom and sides of the pan well and set aside. Set out a large stand mixer, or a mixing bowl and hand mixer. Combine the keto sweetener, melted butter, and eggs in the mixer. Beat until well combined. Then peel the bananas and add the overly ripe fruit to the mixture. Beat again until mostly smooth. Scrape the bowl with a rubber spatula, then turn the mixer on low. Beat in the milk, baking powder, and salt. Then slowly add in the flour and protein powder, a little at a time. Once the mixture is smooth, scrape the bowl with a rubber spatula. Then turn on low, once again, and stir in the shredded coconut, and ½ cup of chocolate chips. *Reserve 2-4 tablespoons of chocolate chips to sprinkle over the top of the bread. Scoop the high protein banana bread batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it into an even layer if needed. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the top. Bake in the center of the oven for 40 minutes. Then cover the top loosely with a piece of foil and continue to bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. *The foil protects the top from turning too dark. The banana bread is done when a toothpick inserted deep into the center of the bread comes out clean. Carefully run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the sides. Then allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for another 10 to 15 minutes before flipping it out onto a cooling rack. Pro Tip: You can serve banana bread right away, but it cuts better when it is allowed to cool all the way to room temperature.
Recipe Variations
Gluten-free – for gluten free banana bread swap all-purpose flour with your favorite GF-friendly alternative. Oat flour will also work. Dairy-free – use a plant-based butter substitute and nut milk like almond or soy Vegan – use plant-based swaps for the butter and milk, then use vegan egg substitute Protein powder – choose any type you like, made with your preference of protein (like soy, pea, or whey protein powder) in vanilla or cinnamon flavor Sweetener – depending on dietary preferences you can use keto-friendly erythritol, coconut sugar, or regular cane sugar if you like Protein banana bread add-ins – in place of or in addition to milk or dark chocolate chips and coconut you can try other goodies like peanut butter or white chocolate chips, chopped walnuts or pecans, or dried fruits
Looking for More Low Carb Recipes? Be Sure to Try:
Keto Breakfast Egg Wraps Low Carb Cloud Bread Pancakes Spinach Scramble Egg Muffins Best Keto Granola Recipe Easiest Brazilian Cheese Bread Smoked Cream Cheese Best Ham Salad Pistachio Butter
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