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Protein banana bread with chocolate

55 min
Protein banana bread with chocolate

Elevate your baking game with our irresistible protein banana bread. Made with ripe bananas, rich chocolate chunks, and a wholesome blend of oats and almonds, this recipe offers a fresh and flavourful twist on traditional banana bread. Spiced with warm cinnamon and ginger, each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and depth, making it ideal for a sweet breakfast or a satisfying post-workout treat. Pair it with a creamy smear of homemade peanut butter for an extra indulgent touch.

Ingredients

Butter
20 g
Vanilla
1½ tbsp
Eggs
3
Bananas, ripe (approx. 500 g)
4
Oatmeal, finely rolled
150 g
Plain flour
80 g
Almond flour
50 g
Milk
100 ml
Baking powder
2 tsp
Cinnamon
1½ tbsp
Ground ginger
1 tsp
Salt
1 tsp
Chocolate
80 g

Topping

Banana (optional)
1
Peanut butter

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
  • In a bowl, whisk the butter and vanilla sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
  • Mash the bananas thoroughly and stir them into the batter along with the milk.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the oatmeal, almond flour, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed. Gradually fold this mixture into the banana batter, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.
  • Coarsely chop the chocolate and gently fold it into the batter.
  • Transfer the batter to a bread tin (approx. 25 x 10 cm) lined with baking paper or greased with butter or oil.
  • Optional: halve a banana and place it on top of the batter for decoration.
  • Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
  • Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack
  • Slice and enjoy with a spread of peanut butter.
Recommended information

Serving suggestion

Flat white
5 min
Flat white
(0)
Enjoy!

Prevent your protein banana bread from over-browning

To achieve a perfectly baked loaf with a golden crust, check the bread at the 30-minute mark. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil to protect it from direct heat. This technique ensures the crust doesn't burn while allowing the bread to bake evenly. If the centre remains undercooked after the recommended baking time, leave the foil on and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Choose ripe bananas

For the best flavour and texture, always choose ripe bananas. Look for plenty of brown spots on their peel – this indicates they’re at peak ripeness, with a soft texture and heightened natural sweetness. Ripe bananas not only add more flavour but also help create a moist and tender loaf. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can speed up the process by placing them in a paper bag at room temperature or briefly baking them in the oven at 150 °C until the skin darkens. Using properly ripened bananas will elevate the taste and consistency of your bread, making every slice irresistibly delicious.

Mash bananas like a pro

Begin by mashing the bananas on a cutting board instead of in the mixing bowl. This method offers better control and ensures a uniform consistency. Use a sturdy fork or potato masher to press the bananas in circular motions, breaking them down into a smooth, lump-free consistency. This technique ensures even distribution throughout the batter, enhancing the bread's moisture and texture. If you prefer a chunkier texture in your bread, mash lightly and leave a few small banana pieces intact for bursts of flavour. For an ultra-smooth batter, you can also use a hand mixer or food processor.

Questions about protein banana bread

Master this recipe by exploring answers to common questions. Curious about achieving the perfect bake, storing leftovers, or using up extra bananas? Our FAQ section has you covered. Read on to improve your baking skills and ensure every loaf turns out perfectly.

How do I know my protein banana bread is fully baked?

The toothpick test is the most reliable way to check. Insert a toothpick into the centre of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. If you find wet batter on the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes and test again. Another sign is the loaf's texture and colour. The bread should feel firm to the touch, and the top should have a golden-brown crust that springs back slightly when pressed. Additionally, the edges may begin to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan, indicating that it’s fully baked. If the centre seems undercooked after the recommended time, cover the top with foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking frequently. These tips will help you achieve a perfectly baked banana bread every time.

Why does the chocolate sink to the bottom of my loaf?

Chocolate chunks often sink to the bottom of the loaf if they’re too heavy or if the batter is too thin to support them. To prevent this, start by cutting the chocolate into smaller, evenly-sized pieces – large chunks are more likely to sink, so aim for pieces that are roughly the size of a chocolate chip. Before folding them into the batter, toss the chocolate pieces in a small amount of the flour from the recipe. This light coating helps the chocolate grip the batter, keeping it evenly distributed throughout the loaf. Additionally, avoid overmixing, as this can make the mixture too loose and increase the chances of sinking. By choosing the right size and using these simple techniques, you’ll enjoy perfectly scattered chocolate in every bite of protein banana bread!

How should I store leftovers?

To maintain freshness, allow leftovers to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or place it in an airtight container. Store the bread at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, transfer it to the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to a week. This protein banana bread is also suitable for freezing. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it at room temperature or warm it in the microwave or oven for a fresh-baked taste.

Nutritional values

Nutritional value, per

1572 Kcal

Fibre 17.2 gram fibers
Protein 36.9
Carbohydrates 174.7
Fat 80.5 gram

Master the art of creaming the butter, sugar and eggs

Creaming the butter, sugar, and eggs properly is a crucial step in achieving a light, fluffy texture. Start with room-temperature ingredients – softened butter is easier to whip with the sugar, creating a smooth, airy mixture that incorporates air into the batter. Cold butter or eggs can cause the mixture to curdle or fail to combine properly, leading to a denser loaf.

Use an electric mixer or whisk to beat the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated. This gradual process helps maintain the emulsion and keeps the batter smooth.

Allow proper cooling

Cool the bread in the pan for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps the loaf set and simplifies removal from the pan. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely and prevent excess moisture from building up in the pan, which can lead to a soggy crust.

Cooling the bread fully also makes slicing much easier, as the loaf firms up and holds its shape. Cutting into warm banana bread might be tempting, but it can cause the slices to crumble or stick to the knife. Patience ensures clean, even slices and enhances the overall texture and presentation of your banana bread.

Grind your own spices for enhanced flavour

Freshly ground spices can take your banana bread to the next level by delivering a more vibrant and aromatic flavour. Grinding cinnamon sticks, whole ginger, or cardamom pods at home ensures the spices retain their natural oils, which are responsible for their rich taste and fragrance.

Use a spice grinder, mortar and pestle, or even a clean coffee grinder to grind small batches of spices just before adding them to your recipe. The extra effort will reward you with a warm, robust flavour that complements the sweetness of the bananas and the richness of the chocolate.

Make your own peanut butter

Take your banana bread to the next level by pairing it with homemade peanut butter for a fresh and nutty complement. Creating your own peanut butter ensures a pure, rich flavour that perfectly enhances the bread’s sweetness and texture. Try our protein peanut butter recipe, designed to be creamy, flavourful, and easy to make. With only one ingredient (peanuts) and a food processor, you’ll have the perfect spread to elevate every slice of protein banana bread

What can I do with leftover bananas?

Leftover bananas are incredibly versatile and can be transformed into a variety of delicious recipes. For a quick and sweet option, try banana protein pancakes. They are packed with protein and flavour, thanks to the addition of cottage cheese, and make for a satisfying breakfast or snack.

For a cool drink, use bananas in this high protein breakfast smoothie blended with frozen berries and skyr. The bananas add natural sweetness and creaminess, while the skyr boosts the protein content, making it a balanced and refreshing option.

Another excellent idea is to bake protein banana muffins. These moist muffins, made with cottage cheese, skyr, and dark chocolate, are a perfect way to use bananas while creating a decadent treat. With so many possibilities, leftover bananas can always find a delicious new purpose!

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