Craving a sweet and satisfying treat that won’t derail your healthy eating goals? This Peanut Butter Swirl Protein Banana Bread is your new best friend. It’s a delicious twist on healthy banana bread recipes, packed with protein and flavor, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ripe Bananas: Essential for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Protein Powder: Use your favorite vanilla or unflavored protein powder.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy natural peanut butter works best. Almond butter or cashew butter are good alternatives.
- Oat Flour: You can make your own by blending rolled oats until fine.
- Maple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar can be used instead.
- Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and protein. Sour cream or unsweetened applesauce are good substitutes.
Ingredients:
For the Banana Bread:
- 3 ripe medium bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Peanut Butter Swirl:
- 1/4 cup creamy natural peanut butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 10 slices
- Calories per serving: Approximately 220 calories
- Tools Needed: Loaf pan, mixing bowls, whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a standard loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth. Whisk in the eggs, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. This forms the moist base of your healthy banana bread.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the oat flour, protein powder, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Ensure there are no lumps for an even bake.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough banana bread. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
5. Prepare the Peanut Butter Swirl
In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the peanut butter for about 30 seconds until smooth and stir in the maple syrup. This creates your delicious swirl.
6. Assemble the Loaf
Pour half of the banana bread batter into your prepared loaf pan. Drizzle half of the peanut butter swirl mixture over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the peanut butter into the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and peanut butter swirl.
7. Bake Your Banana Bread
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your delicious, healthy banana bread.
Variation Ideas:
- Chocolate Chip Swirl: Add a handful of dark chocolate chips to the batter.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Berry Good: Mix in fresh or frozen berries for a fruity twist.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Peanut Butter Swirl Protein Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 3 months; simply thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid.
- What kind of protein powder works best? Vanilla or unflavored whey or plant-based protein powder works well.
- Can I make this gluten-free? This recipe already uses oat flour, which is naturally gluten-free. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free if you have a severe intolerance.
- How do I know my bananas are ripe enough? They should have plenty of brown spots and be soft to the touch.
- Can I bake this in muffin tins? Yes, reduce the baking time to 18-22 minutes for muffins.
- Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! It’s a fantastic healthy banana bread recipe for meal prepping breakfast or snacks throughout the week.
