Name: Protein Banana Bread (Gluten Free) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 medium spotty bananas; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 2 eggs; 2 tbsp honey (or liquid sweetener); 1 scoop protein powder (about 1/4 cup); 1.5 cups oat flour; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 pinch sea salt; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 cup chocolate chips (+ more for topping)

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve been on the lookout for a delicious, wholesome treat that marries indulgence with nourishment, this Protein Banana Bread (Gluten Free) is your new best friend. It’s packed with natural sweetness from ripe bananas, a satisfying boost of protein, and that comforting, classic banana bread flavor you adore, all without any gluten. Imagine a moist, tender loaf studded with melty chocolate chips and infused with warm cinnamon, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or post-workout fuel. This recipe brings together simple, accessible ingredients that work harmoniously for a truly crave-worthy, guilt-free bite every time.

Protein Banana Bread (Gluten Free) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Protein Banana Bread (Gluten Free) uses a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together effortlessly, each playing an important role. The bananas add natural moisture and sweetness, oat flour provides a mild, nutty base, and the protein powder elevates this bread from just a treat to a nourishing slice of energy. Every element is essential for the perfect texture, flavor, and nutrition balance.

3 medium spotty bananas: The riper, the sweeter, giving natural sugar and moisture.
1 cup Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a slight tang while keeping the bread moist.
1 scoop protein powder (about 1/4 cup): Your protein boost for sustaining energy and muscle repair.
2 eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to a tender crumb.
2 tbsp honey (or liquid sweetener): Provides gentle sweetness and helps with the bread’s golden color.
1.5 cups oat flour: Gluten-free base that’s hearty yet light with a subtle nutty taste.
1 tsp cinnamon: Warm spice giving that cozy kick we all love in banana bread.
1 pinch sea salt: Enhances the overall flavors and balances sweetness.
1/2 tsp baking soda: Leavens the bread for that perfect rise and fluffiness.
1/2 cup chocolate chips (+ more for topping): Melty pockets of joy throughout the loaf and on top for extra indulgence.

How to Make Protein Banana Bread (Gluten Free)

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your loaf pan with parchment paper to ensure the bread comes out with ease and keeps its shape. This simple prep step is a small investment for a flawless bake and clean-up.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

Take those beautifully spotty bananas and mash them with a fork or potato masher until smooth with just a few lumps remaining. This natural sweetness and moisture are the heart of your bread and will contribute to that tender texture you crave.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Add the Greek yogurt, eggs, honey, and protein powder into the mashed bananas. Mix them until fully incorporated for a creamy, smooth batter. This mix is packed with flavor and nutrients and will give your bread that perfect density and richness.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Next, add the oat flour, cinnamon, sea salt, and baking soda to the wet mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine everything evenly without overmixing. Your batter should be thick but spreadable, ready to hold those wonderful chocolate chips.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Carefully fold the chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed so each bite has moments of gooey chocolate delight. Saving a few chips for sprinkling on top before baking gives your bread that inviting, melty finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top for an even rise. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the bread is risen, slightly golden around the edges, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few crumbs attached.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the banana bread to cool completely in the pan before lifting it out. Cooling helps it set perfectly so your slices will hold together beautifully, ready to enjoy with your favorite spread or just as is.

How to Serve Protein Banana Bread (Gluten Free)

Garnishes

The magic of this Protein Banana Bread (Gluten Free) is in its versatility. Try topping slices with a smear of almond butter or a drizzle of natural honey for extra sweetness. Fresh fruit, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or a dollop of Greek yogurt can also add texture and boost flavor.

Side Dishes

Pairing this banana bread with simple sides can turn it into a complete snack or light breakfast. Think a fresh green smoothie, a cup of hot herbal tea, or a handful of seasonal berries. These add freshness and balance to the rich flavors of the bread without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

You can take your Protein Banana Bread (Gluten Free) beyond traditional slices. Cut into chunky cubes and serve alongside yogurt and fruit for a parfait. Or toast slices lightly and add mashed avocado with a pinch of chili flakes for a delightful sweet-and-savory brunch twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your loaf is completely cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, making it perfect to enjoy throughout the week without losing moisture or flavor.

Freezing

If you want to keep some for longer, this Protein Banana Bread (Gluten Free) freezes beautifully. Slice the loaf first, then wrap individual slices in parchment and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 2 months and thaw quickly when you’re ready for a wholesome snack.

Reheating

For a just-baked feel, pop frozen or refrigerated slices in a toaster or oven at low heat for a few minutes until warm and fragrant. This brings back that soft texture and melty chocolate goodness that makes this bread so irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of protein powder for this recipe?

Absolutely! Whey, plant-based, or collagen protein powder all work well, but keep in mind that flavor and texture might shift slightly depending on which you pick. Choose one you enjoy the taste of when mixed with other flavors.

Is the oat flour easy to substitute?

You can substitute oat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but the texture might be a bit different. Oat flour provides a gentle chewiness and mild sweetness that balances the banana perfectly.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make it vegan, swap out the eggs for flax or chia egg substitutes and use a plant-based yogurt. The honey can be replaced by maple syrup. The texture might change a bit, but it will still be moist and delicious.

Why does this banana bread have protein powder in it?

Adding protein powder not only increases the nutritional value but also helps create a more substantial and filling bread. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a snack or breakfast that supports their active lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.

How ripe should the bananas be for best results?

Aim for bananas that are heavily spotted or even with brown patches. The riper they are, the sweeter and softer they become, which adds natural sugar and moisture crucial for that tender crumb in this Protein Banana Bread (Gluten Free).

Final Thoughts

This Protein Banana Bread (Gluten Free) has truly become one of my all-time favorite recipes to make and share. Its perfect balance between healthy fuel and comforting flavor means it satisfies cravings whenever they strike. I can’t recommend enough that you give it a try—it’s incredibly easy, delightful to eat, and wonderfully versatile. Once you bake it, it won’t be long before this loaf is a staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine.

Protein Banana Bread (Gluten Free) Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 11 reviews

Author: Simon
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 slices 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Protein Banana Bread is a delicious and nutritious gluten-free treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. Made with ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, protein powder, and oat flour, it’s packed with protein and fiber while remaining free from gluten. The addition of chocolate chips adds a delightful sweetness and texture, making this bread both healthy and indulgent.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
Mash Bananas: Use a fork or potato masher to thoroughly mash the ripe spotty bananas until smooth with some small chunks remaining for texture.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, eggs, and honey. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Add Dry Ingredients: Add the protein powder, oat flour, cinnamon, sea salt, and baking soda to the wet mixture. Stir gently to combine without overmixing.
Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter to add a rich, sweet element.
Transfer Batter to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top for an even bake.
Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the bread has risen, is set in the middle, and the top turns slightly golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before slicing. Serve and enjoy your protein-packed banana bread!

Notes

You can substitute the protein powder with any flavor you prefer, but vanilla or unflavored works best.
If you want a sweeter bread, add a little more honey or sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top before baking.
This banana bread keeps well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
To make it vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based yogurt.
Use certified gluten-free oat flour to ensure the bread remains gluten free.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American