Description
This high-protein banana bread features a decadent dark chocolate cardamom swirl for a rich flavor and tender crumb, perfect for a nourishing breakfast or snack. The recipe uses Greek yogurt and whey protein powder for added substance without compromising on taste or texture.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large ripe bananas
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 0.75 cup packed light brown sugar (150g)
- 0.33 cup vegetable oil (80ml)
- 0.5 cup full-fat Greek yogurt (120g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (190g)
- 0.5 cup whey protein powder (60g)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 3.5 ounces dark chocolate (100g), finely chopped
- 0.33 cup heavy cream (75ml)
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly. Whisk in the eggs, brown sugar, oil, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whey protein powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and sea salt until fully combined, breaking up any clumps of protein powder.
- Fold Batter: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined; avoid overmixing. If the batter appears stiff, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk.
- Prepare Chocolate Swirl: Place chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until simmering, then pour over the chocolate and cardamom. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Layer and Swirl Batter: Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Dollop half of the chocolate swirl over the batter and gently swirl with a knife. Repeat with the remaining batter and swirl on top.
- Bake Loaf: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center (avoiding a chocolate pocket) comes out clean. The top should be deeply golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before lifting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve, optionally dusting with cocoa powder.
Notes
Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture. For best results, use full-fat Greek yogurt and avoid overmixing the batter. The parchment paper overhang helps greatly for easy removal of the moist loaf.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: high protein, banana bread, chocolate, cardamom, quick bread, breakfast, snack, meal prep, healthy
