Are you craving a deliciously sweet treat that won’t derail your healthy eating goals? Look no further! This Chocolate Chip Protein Banana Bread is the ultimate guilt-free indulgence that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the wholesome goodness of bananas and protein. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this easy-to-make loaf is sure to impress your family and friends. With just a few simple ingredients and a little love, you can whip up this delectable bread in no time. Get ready to elevate your baking game and satisfy your sweet tooth with this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup protein powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth and no large chunks remain. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be.
- Add melted coconut oil to the mashed bananas and whisk together until well combined. The oil should be slightly cooled to prevent cooking the bananas.
- Stir in the sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the protein powder, baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour. This helps prevent lumps and ensures even distribution of ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
- Fold in most of the chocolate chips, reserving a small handful to sprinkle on top of the batter for a decorative finish.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread - it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Once cooled, slice and serve. Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Tips
- Choose the Right Bananas: For the sweetest and most flavorful banana bread, use overripe bananas that are heavily speckled or even brown. The riper, the better!
- Don’t Rush the Mixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so be gentle!
- Customize Your Protein: Feel free to experiment with different flavors of protein powder, such as chocolate or vanilla, to add a unique twist to your bread.
- Add Nuts for Extra Crunch: If you like a bit of texture, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips.
- Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your bread as it bakes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Before Slicing: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps prevent it from becoming too crumbly when sliced.
- Store Properly: To keep your banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for longer storage!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 5mg