Description
This High Protein Banana Bread Without Protein Powder is soft, moist, and naturally high in protein thanks to simple ingredients like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and eggs. It’s a healthy, satisfying loaf that tastes like the classic you love but with an extra boost of real nourishment. Perfect for breakfast, post-workout fuel, or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (about 11.5 oz or 320–330 g, mashed)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (about 6.5 oz or 180 g, blended for smooth texture if preferred)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (plain, about 2 oz or 60 g)
- 2 large eggs (about 65 g each)
- 1/2 cup melted butter (unsalted, about 100 g)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (about 100 g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (about 185 g)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
- Optional mix-ins: chopped walnuts, pecans, chia seeds, or dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch or 8×4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mash and Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, mash ripe bananas. Add blended cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, eggs, melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Fold Together: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Do not overmix; stop when combined.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake on a lower oven rack for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 45–60 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice, serve, and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. Blending cottage cheese gives a smooth texture, while using it unblended adds a rustic feel. To boost protein, mix in chopped nuts or seeds. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, refrigerate up to 7, or freeze slices for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 271
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 324mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 66mg
Keywords: high protein banana bread, banana bread without protein powder, healthy banana bread, greek yogurt banana bread, cottage cheese banana bread