Protein banana bread with chocolate
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.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
1572 Kcal
| Fibre | 17.2 gram fibers |
| Protein | 36.9 % |
| Carbohydrates | 174.7 % |
| Fat | 80.5 gram |
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
|
Other recipes
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!
