Ingredients:

• 2 medium bananas (ripe, for natural sweetness)
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter (for added creaminess and protein)
• 1 cup milk (your choice: dairy, almond, oat, etc.)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for a hint of warmth)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (to help the bread rise)
• 2 scoops vanilla protein powder (to boost protein content)
• 1/2 medium banana, sliced (for topping)

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Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a small loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This ensures the bread doesn’t stick and makes cleanup easier.

2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, mash the 2 medium bananas using a fork or a potato masher until smooth.
• Add the eggs and peanut butter to the mashed bananas and mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
• Stir in the milk, continuing to mix until you achieve a smooth batter. You can use any milk you prefer, including almond milk, oat milk, or regular dairy milk.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients:

• Gradually add the ground cinnamon, baking powder, and vanilla protein powder to the wet mixture.
• Mix gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are combined, forming a smooth and thick batter. The baking powder will help the bread rise, while the cinnamon adds warmth and flavor.

4. Pour and Top:

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
• Arrange the sliced half banana on top of the batter for a decorative and tasty touch. The banana slices caramelize slightly during baking, enhancing the flavor and visual appeal.

5. Bake:

• Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the center finishes baking.

6. Cool and Serve:

• Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
• Afterward, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice the bread into 3 equal portions (or more, depending on your serving preference).

Enjoy your delicious and high-protein banana bread!

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Cooking Tips:

• Ripe Bananas: Make sure to use very ripe bananas for this recipe. The natural sweetness of overripe bananas means you won’t need to add additional sugar, keeping this banana bread healthier.
• Protein Powder: Any vanilla-flavored protein powder works well here, but if you prefer chocolate or another flavor, feel free to experiment. Just be mindful that it may alter the taste slightly.
• Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you’ve added the dry ingredients. Overmixing can make the bread dense rather than light and fluffy.
• Banana Slices: Adding banana slices on top is optional but adds a decorative element and extra sweetness when they caramelize during baking.

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Storage:

• Room Temperature: Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This will keep it fresh and moist.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the bread for up to 5 days. Simply warm a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to enjoy it warm.
• Freezing: This banana bread freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

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Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: 154 kcal
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Protein: 27g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 12g

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FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of protein powder?

• Yes, you can use any type of protein powder you like. Vanilla protein powder works best for this recipe, but chocolate, plant-based, or whey protein powder are also great alternatives. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture might change slightly.

2. What can I substitute for peanut butter?

• You can use almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter if you prefer. Each will slightly alter the flavor, but all will provide the same creamy consistency.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

• Absolutely! You can substitute the oat flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Just ensure your protein powder is also gluten-free.

4. Can I skip the protein powder?

• Yes, but the protein content will decrease significantly. You can replace the protein powder with additional oat flour or almond flour, but be aware that the texture and taste may change.

5. How can I add more sweetness without refined sugar?

• If you prefer a sweeter banana bread, try adding maple syrup, honey, or more ripe bananas. You can also include a handful of chocolate chips or dried fruits for a natural sweet boost.

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Conclusion:

This High-Protein Banana Bread is a nutritious, delicious, and versatile treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. It’s packed with protein from the eggs, peanut butter, and protein powder, making it ideal for anyone looking to boost their protein intake in a healthy way. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert, this banana bread will leave you satisfied and guilt-free. Plus, with its easy preparation and storage options, it’s a great recipe to have on hand for meal preps or last-minute cravings.