Protein Banana Bread (High Fiber, No Refined Sugar, Gluten Free)
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The Banana Bread I Keep in My Meal Prep Rotation
This bread is high protein, high fiber and has no gluten, no refined sugars, can be made completely dairy free and naturally has zero gluten. but my fave part is it tastes like a treat. My fave way to eat this bread is I make it on Sundays as a meal prep and eat it as a snack or dessert. Warm it up for 20 seconds, add some grass fed butter or peanut butter and enjoy!
This loaf leans heavily on oat bran, almond flour, and protein powder, so the texture lands somewhere between classic banana bread and a really good snack bar. It’s moist from ripe bananas and coconut oil, sweetened with maple syrup instead of refined sugar, and full of walnuts and chocolate chips so it never feels “too healthy” when you’re eating it.
Here’s how it all comes together:
- Mash the ripe bananas in a big mixing bowl
- Whisk in eggs, vanilla, oil, and maple syrup until smooth
- Add oat bran, almond flour, protein powder, spices, salt, and dry ingredients
- Fold in walnuts and chocolate chips
- Pour into a lined loaf pan and smooth the top
- Bake until a toothpick comes out clean and the top is deep golden
- Let it cool before slicing so the crumb sets
The oat bran and almond flour work together to keep the bread moist while adding fiber and healthy fats. Protein powder gives each slice a little staying power, which makes this a great option for that “3 p.m. I need something” snack moment. The bananas and maple syrup bring natural sweetness, and the chocolate chips seal the deal so it still feels like dessert.
It slices cleanly once cooled, packs well for on-the-go snacks, and reheats beautifully in the microwave. You can keep it simple with plain slices, or lean into the cozy factor with a warm slice, a smear of peanut butter or butter, and maybe a sprinkle of flaky salt on top.
Protein Banana Bread (High Fiber, No Refined Sugar, Gluten Free)
Equipment
- Fork or potato masher
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper, silicone liner, or nonstick spray
Video
Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups; mashed)
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 1/2 cup coconut oil (melted; or avocado oil or melted butter)
- 1 cup oat bran
- 1 cup blanched almond flour
- 3/4 cup plain or vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice (or additional cinnamon)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup walnuts (chopped; optional; pecans work well)
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or a silicone liner, or spray with nonstick baking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the bananas and mash until mostly smooth.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, coconut oil, and maple syrup. Mix until well combined.
- Add all of the dry ingredients to the bowl and mix until fully incorporated.
- Fold in the walnuts and chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55–60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted halfway into the loaf comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Avoid protein powders with a lot of artificial flavors and gum produucts.
- You can swap the walnuts for other nuts or just skip them for a nut-free option.
- Honey is a great 1:1 substitute for maple syrup.
- The banana bread can be frozen. Slice it first, then wrap each slice individually.
What’s a good healthy sub for oat bran pls?
If you don’t have oat bran, wheat bran is the closest swap. You can also use finely ground rolled oats or oat flour for a similar hearty feel, just add a splash more liquid if things look dry.
Wondering if oat flour or almond flour would work for oat bran
Oat Flour, YES~
I can’t eat eggs. Will it work well to use Bobs Red Mill egg replacer? Thank you.
while Danielle has not tried this it should- yes
I would like the recipe for the bread the banana bread recipe