Healthy Banana Bread – High Protein and Naturally Sweetened

This healthy banana bread is high in protein, refined sugar-free, and absolutely delicious. You won’t believe it’s packed with good-for-you ingredients because it tastes so indulgent! Made with ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, this banana bread is moist, flavorful, and a great source of nutrients. With added walnuts and chocolate chips for a little extra crunch and sweetness, this recipe is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert without the guilt!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
You’ll love this healthy banana bread for its incredible taste and nutritional benefits. The combination of Greek yogurt and olive oil gives it a moist, tender crumb, while the natural sweetness of honey or maple syrup keeps it refined sugar-free. The ripe bananas not only add flavor but also boost the bread’s fiber content. With a touch of cinnamon, crunchy walnuts, and melty chocolate chips, this banana bread feels indulgent while still being packed with protein. Whether you’re trying to eat cleaner or just want a satisfying snack, this banana bread will leave you coming back for more.

Perfect Occasion:
This healthy banana bread is perfect for any time of day. It’s great for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a pre- or post-workout treat, thanks to its high protein content. Serve it at brunch, take it to potlucks, or keep it on hand for a healthy treat throughout the week. It also makes a fantastic option for meal prep—just slice it up and store it for quick grab-and-go snacks.

Decoration Tips:
For a simple but eye-catching presentation, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips or walnuts on top of the batter before baking. Once the bread is cooled, you can drizzle it with a little melted dark chocolate or a dusting of cinnamon for an added touch. Serve it on a rustic wooden board or a clean white platter for a cozy, inviting look.

Ingredients:

• 2 large ripe bananas
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup Greek yogurt (or use 1/2 cup sourdough starter + 1/2 cup Greek yogurt for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf tin with parchment paper or grease it well with non-stick spray.
2. Mash the Bananas:
   In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. You can do this by hand or in a stand mixer, depending on your preference. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   Add the Greek yogurt (or the sourdough starter/Greek yogurt combination), olive oil, and honey (or maple syrup) to the mashed bananas. Mix until the ingredients are smooth and fully combined. Then, add the eggs and whisk everything together until the mixture is well incorporated.
4. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon. This will ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and prevent lumps.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser texture.
6. Add Mix-ins:
   Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, mixing just until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Bake:
   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a knife or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top begins to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil.
8. Cool and Serve:
   Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm, or store it for later!

Enjoy your high-protein, healthy banana bread—delicious, nutritious, and perfect for any time of day!

Storage Tip:
Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 3 months—just thaw and enjoy as needed!