High Protein Banana Bread

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When I want something sweet, cozy, and actually filling, this high protein banana bread is exactly what I bake. It’s ultra-moist, packed with banana flavor, and sneaks in a serious protein boost thanks to Greek yogurt and protein powder. One slice with a cup of coffee keeps me satisfied all morning.

I love that this loaf feels like a treat but eats like a balanced breakfast or post-workout snack. It freezes beautifully, works for meal prep, and is the perfect way to use up those spotty bananas on the counter. If you’re looking for a banana bread that actually sticks with you, this one is for you.

What Makes This Banana Bread High in Protein?

Traditional banana bread leans heavily on sugar, oil, and white flour. Delicious, yes—but it doesn’t always offer much staying power. For this version, I wanted all the cozy flavor of classic banana bread, but with enough protein to make it a smart choice for busy mornings and afternoon energy slumps.

I bump up the protein in three ways: Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla protein powder. The yogurt keeps the crumb incredibly tender while adding a creamy tang, the eggs help the loaf rise and hold together, and the protein powder quietly boosts the macros without changing the flavor. You still get that familiar banana bread comfort, just with better nutrition behind every slice.

Ingredients for High Protein Banana Bread

Ripe bananas – The darker and spottier, the better. Overripe bananas bring natural sweetness, moisture, and that deep banana flavor that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.

Eggs – Eggs help bind the batter, give structure to the loaf, and contribute extra protein. They also help the bread rise for that pretty domed top.

Plain Greek yogurt – My secret weapon for high protein baking. Greek yogurt keeps the bread moist without needing a ton of butter or oil, and it adds creaminess plus extra protein.

Vanilla protein powder – Choose a whey or plant-based protein you enjoy the taste of. It boosts the protein content and gives the loaf a slightly richer, more satisfying crumb.

All-purpose flour – Provides structure and a tender crumb. You can swap part of it for whole wheat flour if you like a heartier texture.

Baking powder and baking soda – These leavening agents help the bread rise tall and bake up fluffy instead of dense.

Salt – Just a pinch to balance sweetness and sharpen all the flavors.

Cinnamon – Adds gentle warmth that pairs perfectly with bananas and makes the bread taste even more comforting.

Brown sugar – A little brown sugar deepens the flavor and adds moisture, thanks to the molasses.

Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor and highlights the natural sweetness of the bananas.

Melted coconut oil or butter – A bit of fat keeps the loaf moist and tender and adds richness to every bite.

How To Make High Protein Banana Bread

Step 1 – Prep the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang so you can lift the bread out easily after baking. Getting the pan ready first means you can move quickly once the batter is mixed.

Step 2 – Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, peel and mash your ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are fine—they add nice pops of banana throughout the loaf. The bananas are the base of both the moisture and flavor, so don’t skimp here.

Step 3 – Whisk the Wet Ingredients

To the mashed bananas, add the eggs, Greek yogurt, brown sugar, melted coconut oil or butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well combined and looks creamy and glossy. At this point, the mixture should smell like warm banana custard.

Step 4 – Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures the leaveners and spices are evenly distributed so you don’t end up with pockets of baking soda or cinnamon.

Step 5 – Bring the Batter Together

Pour the dry mixture into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together, scraping from the bottom of the bowl and turning the batter over itself. Stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour. Overmixing can make the bread tough instead of tender.

Step 6 – Fill the Pan and Bake

Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with your spatula. If you like, you can sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or a spoonful of oats across the top for texture. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7 – Cool and Slice

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to lift it onto a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing so the loaf can set and hold its shape. Once cooled, slice into thick, cozy pieces and enjoy.

Serving and Storing High Protein Banana Bread

I love this banana bread slightly warm with a smear of peanut butter or almond butter on top for even more protein and healthy fats. It also makes a great base for a quick breakfast plate—add Greek yogurt and fresh berries, and you’re set.

To store, keep the cooled loaf tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. This bread also freezes beautifully: slice it, layer parchment between slices, and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. You can pop a frozen slice straight into the toaster or microwave for a grab-and-go high protein snack.

What to Serve With High Protein Banana Bread?

Greek Yogurt and Fresh Berries

A scoop of creamy Greek yogurt with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries turns a slice of banana bread into a balanced breakfast plate.

Scrambled or Fried Eggs

Pairing the bread with eggs adds even more protein and makes the meal feel hearty enough for brunch.

Crispy Bacon or Turkey Sausage

A salty, smoky side like bacon or turkey sausage balances the sweetness of the banana bread and keeps you full longer.

Simple Protein Smoothie

Blend your favorite protein powder with milk, frozen banana, and spinach for a quick drink on the side.

Fresh Fruit Salad

A colorful fruit salad keeps things light and refreshing, especially if you’re serving the bread at a brunch spread.

Nut Butter Latte or Coffee

A latte or coffee blended with a spoonful of almond or peanut butter is a fun way to sneak more protein into your morning.

Want More Breakfast & Snack Ideas?

If you love this high protein banana bread, you’ll probably enjoy these other cozy breakfast and brunch favorites from the blog:

• Nutella French Toast Casserole – Try my indulgent Nutella French Toast Casserole when you’re craving a crowd-pleasing make-ahead breakfast bake.
• Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites – For bite-sized brunch fun, make a batch of Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites; they’re perfect for weekend mornings.
• Fluffy Pancakes – Keep things classic with my super soft Fluffy Pancakes that stack beautifully and soak up maple syrup.
• Cinnamon-Sugar Mini Donuts – When you want something snackable and fun, bake a tray of Cinnamon-Sugar Mini Donuts and watch them disappear.

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📌 Save this High Protein Banana Bread to your Pinterest breakfast or healthy snack board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turns out. Did you add chocolate chips or chopped nuts? Did you use whey or plant-based protein powder?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are always welcome too—let’s bake smarter and fuel better together.

Explore more of my everyday recipes and health-boosting treats on ChefAlchemy’s Pinterest and discover your next favorite bake: follow me on Pinterest for new recipes.

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