This protein-packed banana bread is a delicious twist on the classic recipe, combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with rich chocolate chunks and an extra boost of protein. It's perfect for a healthy breakfast, snack, or dessert. This banana bread is moist, flavorful, and has just the right balance of sweetness and nutrition. The added vanilla protein powder not only enhances the flavor but makes this loaf a more nutritious option without compromising on taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this banana bread because it combines the best of both worlds—sweet, indulgent flavors from the chocolate chunks, and a nutritional boost from the protein powder. The ripe bananas create a naturally sweet and moist texture, while the almond milk and melted butter make it perfectly tender. It's an easy recipe to follow, making it a perfect option for meal prep, healthy snacks, or a quick breakfast on the go.
The Perfect Occasion
This banana bread is ideal for busy mornings, post-workout snacks, or even dessert when you want something sweet but nutritious. It’s also a great way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this protein-packed banana bread will always be a hit!
Decoration Tips
For added flair, sprinkle some extra chocolate chunks or a handful of chopped nuts on top of the batter before baking for extra texture and visual appeal. You can also drizzle a little melted chocolate or dust the finished bread with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance when serving.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (not baking powder)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (60ml) almond milk
- 155g all-purpose flour
- 50g vanilla protein powder (or your preferred flavor, such as vanilla buttercream)
- 50-100g chopped chocolate or chocolate chunks (adjust to your preference)
Method:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a standard loaf tin or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the very ripe bananas using a fork until smooth. You can leave some small lumps for added texture if you like.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the melted butter into the mashed bananas and mix until well combined. Then, add the baking soda, salt, sugar, beaten egg, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until smooth and fully combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the protein powder and all-purpose flour into the banana mixture. Mix until just combined, ensuring not to overmix the batter to keep the bread soft and tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chunks: Gently fold in the chopped chocolate chunks, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Banana Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. If you’d like, you can sprinkle a few extra chocolate chunks on top for decoration.
- Bake Time: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine, but no wet batter). If the top of the loaf is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Cool and Serve: Once done, remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Storage: Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices for a convenient snack later.
Enjoy this protein-packed banana bread, filled with rich chocolate chunks for a delicious, healthier treat!